EDC Celebrates City, County Growth at Annual Investor Breakfast

Elected officials and staff of the City of Pell City joined with those from other communities on Thursday, Feb. 13 for the St. Clair County Economic Development Council’s Annual Investor Breakfast.

This event provides leaders from across the county an opportunity to learn about the previous year’s progress and goals for the future related to economic development in the region.

“Pell City has been blessed to partner with the EDC on so many great projects to enrich the economy and quality of life in the Pell City community, and we look forward to building upon this incredibly beneficial relationship,” Pell City Mayor Bill Pruitt said.

From left: EDC Executive Director Don Smith, EDC Grants and Leadership Director Candace Hill, Pell City City Manager Brian Muenger, Pell City Council President Jud Alverson, EDC Tourism Coordinator Blair Goodgame, and Director of Industry & Workforce Development Jason Roberts.

EDC Executive Director Don Smith announced that since 1999 the organization has worked as part of a network of state and local partners to bring more than 8,000 new jobs to St. Clair County and assisted in creating nearly $2 billion in new investments.

And, as he told the audience, local trends show more development is on the horizon. 

“This is probably the most excited I’ve been in the past 17 years at this position because of the potential of St. Clair County right now,” Smith said. “The next 5 years could be the most transformational in county history.”

St. Clair EDC is one of several organizations supported annually by the City Council for the City of Pell City through appropriation. Its work in the areas of education and workforce development, job recruitment and retention, infrastructure development, and tourism are highly valued contributions to Pell City’s growth.

“Pell City’s leadership has put all the pieces in place to continue their City’s success,” Smith said. “We’re excited to continue working alongside their excellent team to bring their projects to fruition.”

For more on the St. Clair EDC, visit stclairedc.com.

Council Approves Development Incentive that will bring Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse to Exit 158

On Monday, December 23, 2024, the City Council for the City of Pell City approved an incentive package to help secure two new restaurants for the community – Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse.

“Residents regularly tell me that new dining options should be high on our list of priorities, so I’m very pleased to announce that two fantastic new restaurants are considering our city,” Mayor Bill Pruitt said. “This is a major win for our community, bringing new dining options, jobs, and economic growth.”

National restaurant brands Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse are in a due diligence period to consider occupying sites along US 231 at the intersection of I-20.

The $6+ million development is located along US Highway 231 and Hazelwood Dr., near the ramp to I-20 West.

Developers W.C.E. LLC and E&R Properties Inc. requested City assistance with site preparation and utility relocation costs for the project.  Using the incentives, the developers propose to prepare four build-ready parcels, which cover 8.73 acres.

“Through this incentive, the City anticipates additional commercial development at the site, beyond the two named restaurants,” City Manager Brian Muenger said. “Most national tenants require interstate visibility, so it is important that the City maximize the opportunity this land provides.

The City anticipates $10 million in combined annual sales from the two restaurants.

The public hearing on the incentive package is a small portion of a years-long recruitment process. Olive Garden and LongHorn are currently in the due diligence period of the development process.