Retraining a reliable and large enough workforce in Baldwin County is not a new story, but a local organization is taking new steps to recruit and keep top talent.

The Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance announced Tuesday, Jan. 16, its new campaign, "Belong in Baldwin," an initiative designed to spotlight the "wealth of opportunities and unparalleled lifestyle that Baldwin County offers to interns and working professionals, establishing it as the nation's premier destination for talent," said a news release from BCEDA, which is a partnership of local public and private professionals, leaders and officials working to providing opportunities for businesses in Baldwin County, growing and improving the county's economy and ensuring quality of life for Baldwin County's residents and employees.

As the fastest-growing county in Alabama since 2010 and the seventh-fastest-growing metropolitan area in the United States, Baldwin County is experiencing unprecedented expansion, and Belong in Baldwin aims to harness this momentum by connecting with talented individuals nationwide. The campaign is centered on guiding professionals through the decision-making process, linking them to diverse opportunities and providing vital resources for organizations seeking to attract and develop top-tier talent.

With massive projects like the $2.5 billion Novelis aluminum plant that is being constructed in Bay Minette, which will create 1,000 jobs, and the ongoing and growing need to support a food and hospitality industry that served 8.3 million tourists in 2022, 6.8 of them visiting the beaches of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan, recruiting must reach nationwide, and efforts must be in place to make them want to stay once these workers get here.

"With a focus on cultivating a countywide culture that champions the development of young talent, offers competitive opportunities and continuously evolves to attract and retain best-in-class professionals, Belong in Baldwin is set to revolutionize the landscape of existing and incoming talent in the region," the news release stated.

BCEDA's strategic efforts include marketing, business recruitment, workforce development, state and local government affairs, data-driven research, existing industry support and entrepreneurial assistance.

"With the recent infusion of major industries and investment entering the market, the potential for students and young talent to both make a home and an impact in Baldwin County is greater than ever," BCEDA President Lee Lawson said. "It is through talent attraction and development that industries thrive, creating a dynamic ecosystem where innovation flourishes, businesses expand and the foundation for lasting success is laid."

BCEDA invites professionals, organizations and talent seekers alike to explore the possibilities that Belong in Baldwin has to offer. Find out more at www.BelongInBaldwin.com.