[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 118 (Friday, August 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO BOB HIGGINS, BALDWIN COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2012

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Bob Higgins, senior vice 
president of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance. On 
August 1, 2012, Bob retired from his leadership position, which he has 
held for the past decade.
   Bob Higgins joined the Baldwin Economic Development Alliance in 
2002. While serving in the BCEDA, he organized many development 
projects that have led to the betterment of our community. One of these 
projects, which was facilitated through the Baldwin Business Incubator, 
created an aviation training center for local high school students at 
the Fairhope airport. With the recent announcement of Airbus' decision 
to locate its new manufacturing facility in Mobile, this effort will be 
instrumental in preparing a workforce for this new industry.
   Bob Higgins' work has not only helped to create future jobs in our 
area, but has also aided in supporting local companies as they battled 
the 2010 oil spill. Through his accomplishments, the Coastal Resiliency 
Coalition and Business Support Center were created to raise support for 
those who were severely affected by the oil spill, and their efforts 
continue today.
   Though he will be retiring from the BCEDA, Bob Higgins' work with 
these two groups will not be ending. He now intends to shift his focus 
and devote more time to worker training to help businesses prepare for 
the future, while the main focus of the Alliance will be in recruiting 
industry for the Baldwin County megasite and in support of Airbus.
   As many of Bob's former coworkers can attest, Bob's work ethic and 
drive have been influential in transforming Baldwin County into a 
better place to live and work. Upon his retirement, Bob is looking 
forward to having more time for personal activities and spending more 
time with his four grandchildren.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Alabama and my colleagues in 
the Alabama Delegation, I would like to extend a personal appreciation 
to Mr. Bob Higgins for his service to Alabama's past, present, and 
future through his leadership in the Baldwin County Economic 
Development Alliance.

                          ____________________