Southeast Gas recently awarded an Economic Development Enhancement grant to the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $6,500. Grant dollars are available each year, and the Southeast Gas board representative for each owner city must apply for funding on an annual basis. Proceeds from this year’s grant in Andalusia will be used to enhance the existing business climate and for resources to help recruit new businesses.

The Economic Development Enhancement program is just a small portion of the funds designated by Southeast Gas to promote industrial development in Southeast Alabama. Over the past three years, the company has invested more than $1,000,000 to promote economic growth in Andalusia and throughout Southeast Alabama, resulting in the location of new industry to the area, as well as the enhancement of existing industry.

Chrissie Duffy, executive director of the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce, said that these funds are vital to the success of the chamber’s mission.

“This is an affirmation that we are moving in the right direction and we will use these funds to foster innovative approaches to activities that support and promote community based planning, pre-development, and research initiatives,” Duffy said. “Our goal is to improve the quality of life for our citizens, and promote opportunities for increasing private investment and employment in the Andalusia area. We are very grateful for Southeast Gas and their continued support and involvement in our Chamber.”

Southeast Gas is owned by 14 municipalities, including Abbeville, Andalusia, Brundidge, Dothan, Elba, Enterprise, Eufaula, Ft. Deposit, Greenville, Headland, Luverne, Opp, Ozark and Troy. Southeast Gas provides natural gas service to more than 30,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers throughout the southeast quadrant of Alabama.