A Unique Chamber Collaboration Driving Baldwin County’s Future
Monday, August 26th, marked the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that officially launched the
Gateway Workforce Initiative partnership between the
South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and the
Coastal Alabama Business Chamber. This collaboration has become a significant force for workforce development and business advocacy in Baldwin County, Alabama.
Since its inception at the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce in 2018, the Gateway Initiative has served as a unique model of cooperation, perhaps one of the only such partnerships between chambers of commerce in the country. The initiative represents more than 1,700 businesses and focuses on key areas such as workforce recruitment, training, entrepreneurship, and pro-business advocacy.
The Gateway Workforce Initiative has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between local businesses, educational institutions, and municipalities. Its programming is designed to evolve with the community’s needs, providing critical support to ensure that businesses thrive in the face of Baldwin County’s rapid population growth and economic development.
"It is our duty to provide businesses in south Baldwin County with what they need today, tomorrow, and beyond. It is our goal to improve one life at a time while building community-wide economic prosperity." – Travis Valentine, COO South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.
Leadership from both chambers, along with key business leaders, oversee the initiative, which has become a recognized model of success within the state of Alabama. This milestone highlights not only the impact of the Gateway Initiative locally but also underscores its significance as a national example of chamber collaboration that has the power to shape the future of regional economic growth. As the Gateway Workforce Initiative continues to evolve, it remains a powerful example of how chambers can join forces to make a lasting impact on their communities.
"We are forging a brighter tomorrow and bringing about positive change by providing training and recruiting opportunities along with connecting our investors and educational partners with valuable resources." – Greg Alexander, CEO Coastal Alabama Business Chamber.
