EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 21

WHEREAS, the creation and preservation of jobs in the State of Alabama is of great importance to the economic well being of the State of Alabama;

WHEREAS, the alignment of resources, agencies and public and private organizations involved in economic development initiatives is essential to a successful economic development strategy;

WHEREAS, memoranda of understanding have been executed between the Alabama Development Office and the public and private organizations involved in economic development initiatives defining their respective roles and responsibilities in economic development recruitment, retention, and renewal;

WHEREAS, after much consideration, it has been determined that the Alabama Economic Development Alliance should be formally established to more effectively and efficiently utilize  the job creation and workforce development assets of the State of Alabama; and,

WHEREAS, the Alabama Economic Development Alliance shall  consist of the Director of the Alabama Development Office; the President of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama; the Chair of the Alabama Marketing Allies; the Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, representing the Alabama Workforce Training System; the Chancellor of the University of Alabama System, representing universities and research organizations; and three local economic developer designees from the Economic Development Association of Alabama.

NOW, THEREFORE, based upon these considerations and for the good and valid reasons thereto, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama, do hereby create the Alabama Economic Development Alliance to coordinate and direct the creation of a statewide economic development strategic plan to be submitted no later than December 31, 2011.

BE IT ORDERED that the Alabama Economic Development Alliance shall be chaired by The Honorable Seth Hammett, Speaker Emeritus of the Alabama House of Representatives, until the economic development strategic plan is completed.  Upon completion of the economic development strategic plan, the Director of the Alabama Development Office shall serve as chairman of the Alliance and will oversee implementation of the strategic plan.