Armed with an arsenal of big names in attendance, area economic developers showcased North Alabama this week in New York to industry executives, site selection consultants and media moguls.
    North Alabama native Don Logan, Chairman of the Media and Communications Group of AOL Time Warner, was the keynote speaker. Logan dazzled the audience with stories of growing up in North Alabama (Hartselle) and of bringing southern culture to the New York company.
     “How many of you have ever chopped cotton or picked cotton,” Logan asked a surprised crowd as he explained to the group why he chose to go to college.
    Both North Alabama members of Congress, Congressman Robert Aderholt and Congressman Bud Cramer spoke to the group in a display of solidarity. Their presence at the meeting and their stature on the powerful Appropriations Committee of Congress spoke volumes to the New York industrialists in attendance, and the message will continue to spread to other circles of New York business and industry.

     “I was one of the few who could raise my hand when Don Logan asked how many had ever picked cotton,” said Randall Shedd, Director of Cullman County Economic Development. “In fact, I have a miniature bail of cotton on my desk to remind me of it if I go to complaining about my job,” Shedd said.

   "This week’s trip to New York was invaluable to those of us from North Alabama who recruit industry and promote business development,” Shedd continued. “We could spend thousands of dollars on advertising and still not get our message to these people we were able to talk to about our county,” Shedd added. “I really appreciate NAIDA and Cullman Electric Cooperative and Cullman Power Board for supporting NAIDA.”
    The industrial recruiting trip was organized by North Alabama Industrial Development Association (NAIDA).
    Athens mayor and Alabama League of Municipalities president Dan Williams said, “It is a good idea for NAIDA to have these events. It gives us a chance to show what’s available in our area to our existing industry and new industry.”