Fairhope, Ala. – Baldwin Alliance and its partners have earned three prestigious recognitions from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as part of the 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards, highlighting Baldwin County’s nationally recognized approach to collaboration, economic growth, innovation, and workforce development.
Baldwin Alliance received an Excellence in Economic Development Award in the Multi-Year Collaborative Economic Development category for its work developing the South Alabama Mega Site and securing Novelis’ transformational investment in Bay Minette. BaldwinAlliance.com was recognized in the General Purpose Website category for its innovative approach to economic development marketing and stakeholder engagement. And Baldwin Preparatory Academy’s partnership with Coastal Alabama Community College received an award in the Postsecondary Education Partnership category for its dual enrollment programming and innovative workforce development model.
“These awards reflect what is possible when a community takes a long-term approach to economic development and works together toward a shared vision, helping create an economy where businesses can grow, people can build careers, and Baldwin County can remain competitive for generations to come,” said Lee Lawson, President & CEO of Baldwin Alliance.
The Multi-Year Collaborative Economic Development Award recognizes more than 15 years of collaboration among Baldwin Alliance, the Baldwin County Commission, state and local partners, and private industry to position Baldwin County for transformational investment.
The effort began in 2009 and led to the 2012 purchase of more than 3,000 acres in Bay Minette for the publicly owned South Alabama Mega Site. Partners subsequently invested more than $13 million in site readiness and infrastructure, ultimately helping attract Novelis in 2022 for its new integrated aluminum mill, which is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027. The more than $5 billion project is projected to create approximately 1,000 direct jobs and generate approximately 5,400 construction jobs, 900 additional indirect permanent jobs, and more than $6.5 billion in total economic output.
“The South Alabama Mega Site represents more than 15 years of vision, persistence, and collaboration between the Baldwin County Commission, Baldwin Alliance, utility providers, municipalities, and countless local and state partners who believed in the future of Baldwin County,” said James E. (Jeb) Ball, Commissioner, Baldwin County Commission. “From the beginning, the goal was always to create long-term economic opportunity for the North Baldwin community. Novelis’ investment has already created meaningful impact through jobs, workforce development, infrastructure, and community engagement, and their commitment to this region will shape Baldwin County for generations to come.”
Baldwin Alliance’s second IEDC award recognizes BaldwinAlliance.com, developed in partnership with HatchMark Studio to bring a more modern, technology-forward approach to economic development marketing. The interactive platform combines economic data, business recruitment tools, workforce information, investor resources, and community storytelling in one central hub. Since its launch, the site has earned positive feedback for its modern design, transparency, and functionality.
The third recognition honors the partnership between Baldwin Preparatory Academy and Coastal Alabama Community College, which received an award in the Postsecondary Education Partnership category for an innovative curriculum that gives high school students access to college coursework, industry-recognized credentials, career-technical education, and hands-on workforce experiences. The program helps students graduate with college credit, valuable skills, real-world experience, and a pathway to high-demand careers.
“While these awards recognize three distinct initiatives, they ultimately tell one story,” Lawson said. “Baldwin County is investing in the infrastructure, people, partnerships, and innovation necessary to build a strong economic future. We are proud to share this recognition with the many partners who have helped make that progress possible.”
The IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs demonstrating excellence and leadership in economic development. “Baldwin Alliance is leading the field of excellence in economic development with these projects. These awards shine a spotlight on their commitment to the community and showcase the significant impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. The organization will be recognized at the IEDC 2026 Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, this October.
About Baldwin Alliance
Baldwin Alliance is a coalition of public and private leaders working together to drive sustainable economic growth in Baldwin County. The organization is committed to promoting Baldwin County as a premier location in the U.S. for investment and continuing to raise the quality of life in the community.
About the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
Based in Washington, D.C., IEDC is the world’s largest association for economic developers. Originating a century ago, IEDC is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that represents the entire economic development profession. Members include practitioners in economic development through local, state, provincial, and federal governments, non-profits, public-private partnerships, entrepreneurial support organizations, chambers of commerce, utilities, universities, and a variety of other organizations.
IEDC is the leading voice in driving the future of the field. IEDC provides professional development through courses and certifications, networking, conferences, research, policy advocacy, partnerships, and other valuable offerings to economic development professionals across the globe. For more information, please visit www.IEDC.org.