At the center of business and the community are the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce and the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation. A strong partnership between the city, the county, the Chamber and ODEC provides a positive environment for current and potential businesses.
In recent years, Policom Corporation ranked the Ozark micropolitan area, which includes Dale County, first in the state, in its Economic Strength Rankings.
“Our ‘economic engine’ Fort Rucker continues to drive our local economy, helping us to remain the top micropolitan area in Alabama, said Ozark Mayor Bob Bunting. “To remain the top player means one thing: we must work harder to stay in first place. It’s a mammoth task to compete for every business and job. The Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation leadership is out front doing just that. I am proud of them.”
The Enterprise micropolitan area ranked second in the state, followed by the Troy area coming in third. “The study demonstrates the stability of the Ozark micropolitan. Since 2008, we’ve consistently maintained a top spot in the micropolitan ranking,” said Veronica Crock, ODEC president. “Our task is to continue working with our communities and existing businesses in expansion and retention efforts while working to bring new opportunities.”
“This is just another example of why it is so important for all of the towns and cities that make up Dale County to continue to work together,” said Dale County Commission Chairperson Mark Blankenship.
The Policom Corporation created the economic strength rankings to study the characteristics of both strong and weak economies. The highest ranked areas have rapid, consistent growth in both size and quality for an extended period of time.
The Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce is actively involved in many aspects of the business community, as well as retiree recruitment, tourism, military affairs, agriculture, education, technology and downtown revitalization. The Chamber continues to work on defining and meeting the needs of the businesses and community.
Ozark-Dale County Economic Development is a private nonprofit partnership that represents the local government and a diverse section of the Ozark business and industry community. The Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation leads the county-wide initiative to stimulate job creation and capital investment in Dale County. ODEC is located in the Ozark Technology Center, 3269 South U.S. Highway 231. For information, call (334) 443-2000 or visit www.odedc.com.
Ozark Technology Center
Ozark Technology Center provides the following services to new and expanding businesses:
• Flexible and affordable space for lease
• High speed internet access
• Copier and fax machine
• 24 hour building access and security
• Loading and receiving dock
• Assistance with business planning and financing
• Small business resource library
• Use of conference room
• Lighted, ample parking
• Professional support staff