Oxford, Alabama — On Tuesday, the Calhoun County Economic Development Council was presented with a substantial award when the Alabama Department of Commerce made a special visit to present the Calhoun County EDC with a check for $2,064,000. This funding is in support of industrial site development through Alabama’s innovative Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program.

The SEEDS funding will be utilized towards the development of a newly acquired 115-acre property, expanding the Oxford West Industrial Park footprint to approximately 530 acres and preparing the site for future industrial growth.

Administered through the Alabama Department of Commerce and the State Industrial Development Authority, the SEEDS program was created as part of Governor Kay Ivey’s economic development “Game Plan,” a strategic initiative designed to strengthen Alabama’s ability to compete for new industry by ensuring communities have development-ready
industrial sites.

“Site readiness is an important factor for the attraction of new manufacturing companies,” said Don Hopper, Executive Director of the Calhoun County Economic Development Council. “Preparing this property ensures that when companies are ready to locate, Calhoun County will be ready for them.”

The expanded industrial park is strategically positioned within reach of a regional workforce of approximately 800,000 people, including more than 375,000 in the labor force, providing companies with access to a deep and skilled talent pool. The area is also supported by five higher education institutions, creating a strong pipeline for workforce training, technical education, and industry partnerships.

Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said the program is delivering on its mission to increase the inventory of industry-ready sites across Alabama.

“Ready-to-build sites are a crucial asset in industry recruiting, and they put our communities in prime position to compete for innovative developments and high-quality jobs, ” McNair said. “We are excited to watch as this strategic vision and planning by Calhoun County leaders pays dividends for the region for years to come.”

Local leaders gathered with EDC board members and representatives from the Department of Commerce to celebrate the milestone and recognize the collaboration between state and local partners that made the project possible.

Larry Deason, Chairman of the Calhoun County Economic Development Council, highlighted the long-term significance of the investment.

“This reflects our area’s shared vision for economic growth,” Deason said. “Investing in industrial site development ensures that Calhoun County is prepared for the opportunities ahead and positions us to attract companies that create lasting economic impact for our communities.”

Oxford Mayor Alton Craft also emphasized the collaborative nature of the effort and its impact on the community.

“We appreciate the continued leadership of the EDC in preparing our community for future growth. This project will strengthen Oxford’s ability to attract companies that create good-paying jobs and invest in our community.”

The SEEDS grant funding builds on additional momentum generated toward the end of last year, when the EDC secured $2,000,000 in Growing Alabama tax credits. Those funds are also being used to advance infrastructure and site work to create pad-ready industrial sites within the park.

Together, the SEEDS grant funding and Growing Alabama tax credits represent more than $4 million in strategic investment dedicated to further preparation of the Oxford West Industrial Park.