Frequently Asked Questions

The CCEDC is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that serves as the lead economic development agency for Covington County, Alabama. It acts as a professional bridge between industrial prospects, existing local businesses, and government entities to foster regional growth.

The CCEDC was incorporated in 1992.

Encourage and facilitate the growth and development of trade and commerce by attracting new manufacturing and commercial businesses to expand or relocate in Covington County, thereby creating high-quality jobs and enhancing the local tax base.

The commission acts as a single point of entry for business assistance. Programs and services include: site selection, incentive packaging, workforce liaison, and data provision.

Strategic recruitment is focused on sectors that leverage the region's skilled labor and infrastructure in advanced manufacturing, aerospace & aviation, agribusiness & food production, and logistics & distribution.

The CCEDC works in close partnership with the Alabama Department of Commerce, AIDT, the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, and local chambers of commerce. Regionally, it collaborates with the South Alabama Regional Airport (SARA) on aerospace projects.

You can contact us via phone at (334) 222-7040 or through our website here.

There are plenty of business incentives available to new industries in Covington County, including:

• Alabama Jobs Act: Offers a 3% annual wage rebate for up to 10 years and a 1.5% investment credit against state taxes for up to 15 years.
• Enterprise Zone Credits: Up to $2,500 per new employee and various state tax exemptions.
• Sales & Use Tax Abatements: Exemptions on construction materials and equipment.
• Property Tax Abatements: Abatements on non-educational property taxes for up to 10 years.

Yes. In addition to traditional bank financing, the CCEDC can facilitate access to the Certified Capital Company Program (CAPCO) and regional revolving loan funds through PowerSouth or the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning Commission, which provide gap financing for equipment and working capital.

Qualifying projects can apply for tax-exempt bond financing through the local Industrial Development Boards (IDB). The process involves a project proposal, an inducement resolution by the board, and final approval by the city or county commission, allowing companies to secure lower-interest financing for land, buildings, and equipment.

The CCEDC maintains a digital database on our website under the Site Selection tab. Major featured sites include the Covington County Industrial Park, Opp Industrial Park, and the South Alabama Regional Airport Industrial Park.

Most major parks are "Certified Advantage Sites," meaning they have pre-vetted infrastructure. Typically, these sites offer:

• Electric: High-reliability industrial power provided by PowerSouth or Covington Electric Cooperative.
• Fiber: Robust optic networks for high-speed data.
• Water/Sewer: Municipally serviced with capacities specifically designed for heavy industrial use.

Covington County sits at a strategic logistics crossroads. It is roughly 45 miles from I-10 and 70 miles from I-65. Its proximity to Fort Rucker and Eglin AFB makes it a hub for military helicopter hot refueling and aerospace maintenance, while providing easy access to the Port of Panama City, FL and the Port of Mobile, AL.

Covington County draws from a regional labor pool of over 200,000 workers within a 60-mile radius. Many in the workforce have high mechanical and technical aptitudes, providing an excellent pool for new manufacturers.

AIDT provides comprehensive, no-cost services to new and expanding industries, including recruitment services and pre-employment and on-the-job training in specialized skills such as welding, robotics, and industrial maintenance.

LBW Community College offers over 16 high-demand career technical programs, including industrial electronics, welding, and forest technology. The institution works directly with the CCEDC to create fast-track training modules that ensure a company's specific technical needs are met by the local graduating class.

The median annual income for manufacturing professionals in the county is approximately $69,895, offering a high quality of life due to the region's low cost of living.