TROY, Alabama – Southeast Gas convened elected officials, business leaders and stakeholders from across the state for the first annual Southeast Alabama Economic and Policy Summit on Wednesday at Troy University. Together with presenting sponsors Southeast Energy Authority, Troy University, Poarch Creek Indians, Energy Southeast and Grow Southeast Alabama, the event aimed to highlight the economic vitality of the Wiregrass and surrounding areas, which are poised to continue growing in the near and distant future.
“Southeast Alabama is not only a significant economic driver for the state of Alabama and the Southeast, but also the place where Southeast Gas has called home for over 70 years,” said Greg Henderson, President and CEO of Southeast Gas and Southeast Energy Authority. “We as a country are at a fascinating inflection point for both workforce development and energy availability, and thanks to our speakers, guests and fellow sponsors, Southeast Alabama looks to capitalize in exciting ways. This event was just the first of many conversations we look to have on the bright future of our region.”
The event was headlined by two panels made up of some of the most influential voices in the state outlining their goals and visions for next year’s legislative session and beyond:
- Panel I – Legislative Leadership Fireside Chat: Moderated by Greg Henderson, the first panel featured a conversation between Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives Nathaniel Ledbetter and Ashley McLain, Deputy Chief of Staff for President Pro Tem of the Alabama Senate Garlan Gudger, on how state policy shapes the economic future of Southeast Alabama.
- Panel II – A Discussion on Workforce and Economic Development: Moderated by Senator Josh Carnley, the second panel highlighted a conversation on the future of workforce and economic development in the region, featuring Greg Reed, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce and Dr. Kerry Palmer, Senior Vice Chancellor and Provost of Troy University.
“We are so grateful to the leadership at Southeast Gas for seeing the value in assembling this group of economic development leaders and stakeholders in the Wiregrass,” said Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair. “Regional partnerships such as these are exactly how we move the needle on implementing the strategies laid out in the state’s economic development strategic plan, Catalyst.”
After the summit, guests enjoyed dinner provided by nationally renowned caterer Open Fire Catering and an advanced preview of Clyde May’s new state-of-the-art distillery in Troy, AL.
