What Makes a Community Different? Covington County, Alabama, Stands Out in Several Ways

Businesses and residents who choose Covington County, Alabama, have a bright future. This growing county with a low cost of living is strategically located in the United States. Tropical beaches along the Gulf of Mexico are less than an hour away, and caring neighbors are right next door. Rails, highways, ports, and air access provide easy transportation to any company that chooses Covington County.

“I have the best job in the world because I get to showcase the best county in America,” says Rick Clifton, President and CEO of the Covington County Economic Development Commission (CCEDC). “Not only is our region great for doing business, but our residents are eager to work and enjoy a high quality of life in Southeast Alabama.”

Discover what makes a community stand out as you learn about Covington County. Your business or family has a place here and can enjoy plenty of room to grow. 

Engineering and Aerospace Firms Choose Covington County

Covington County is home to the South Alabama Regional Airport (SARA, 79J), a key stopping point for Army, Air Force, and Navy refueling and training operations. It is located near Fort Novosel, NAS Pensacola Navy Base, Maxwell AFB, Eglin AFB, Tyndall AFB, and is a short distance from the Airbus Final Assembly line in Mobile.

This makes Covington County a strategic location for military contractors, aerospace firms, and companies that support the armed forces. The available Twin Hangar Complex is ideal for businesses within these target industries.

Covington County also has thriving private-sector businesses. A few of these include:

• Arclin is a chemical and applications company. 
• Huhtamaki manufactures folding cartons, nested trays, and paperboard clamshells used by the food service industry and healthcare facilities. 
• Hyundai produces automotive parts and has undergone expansions to accommodate more stamping machines and create additional jobs. 
• Shaw Industries, which has invested more than $250 million in its Andalusia manufacturing facility, creates fiber used to manufacture residential carpet.

Your business has a place in Covington County. Explore some available industrial sites and feel confident that you can hire skilled, professional employees to fill your roles.  

Affordable and Responsive Utility Companies Operate Here

Covington County also shines because of its utility providers. PowerSouth and Southeast Gas are headquartered here and have a strong presence in the region. They use their economic development arms to make business transitions to the region seamless. Covington Electric Cooperative, also headquartered here, supports both commercial and residential customers.

“Not only do our utility providers offer reliable service to customers at an affordable price, but they are also proactive in establishing connections for businesses,” says Clifton. “This allows companies to get running faster so their operations are profitable sooner.”  

Local Banks Work Closely With Regional Businesses

The local banks are just as active in economic development as the utility companies. CCB Community Bank and Southern Independent Bank, with branches in Andalusia and Opp, sit on the CCEDC's board of directors and are aware of potential opportunities for new business and existing company development. These banks feel comfortable supporting entrepreneurs and seasoned enterprises alike.

Alabama is known as the best state for doing business, and the local banks are committed to maintaining that reputation. They form lasting partnerships with any company that moves to Covington County. 

There is Unparalleled Access to Nature and Amenities

Life is more than work, and Covington County provides plenty of options for weekend rest and recreation. Enjoy the beautiful parks that are ideal for walking, boating, fishing, and biking. Schedule a tee time at one of the local golf courses. Alabama is often overlooked when it comes to natural beauty. Let this state surprise you with everything it has to offer.

There are also opportunities to experience live entertainment and the arts. If you are looking for a weekend getaway, Destin, Panama City, and Pensacola are right in your backyard. Enjoy relaxing beach vacations so you return to the office rested and ready to succeed.  

Residents Are Ready to Welcome You Home

The people are Covington County's greatest asset. With a labor pool of up to 288,000 residents, there is a strong workforce to draw from, and companies can also take advantage of training and education resources to ensure applications have the right skill sets. People in Covington County and the surrounding areas are ready to work and eager to welcome new industries to the community.

However, the people also support the quality of life in Alabama. New residents to Covington County can enjoy world-renowned Southern hospitality with neighbors who care. You can feel like you are part of a community when you live here with local events, supportive friends, and leaders who listen. Whether you are looking to find community through a church, your hobbies, or parent groups, Covington County can make you feel welcome. 

Discover Covington County for Yourself

We’re happy to talk all day about everything Covington County has to offer, but the best way to discover it is to visit for yourself. Contact the CCEDC and request a tour of this amazing community. We can showcase various towns and recommend available industrial parks and parcels of land that could be a good fit for your business. Your future is in Covington County.