Alabama Economic Development Expert Urges Citizens to Support Food Security, Local Business, and Community-Driven Revitalization
TUSCALOOSA, AL / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Dr. Nicole Wadsworth, a nationally recognized economic development consultant and site selector based in Alabama, was recently featured in a spotlight interview titled "How a Small-Town Leader Became a Statewide Force for Growth." Now, she's using that platform to raise awareness about an urgent priority: empowering everyday citizens to drive economic transformation from the ground up-especially in Alabama's small towns and rural communities.
With over two decades of experience and a résumé that includes four degrees and multiple certifications, Dr. Wadsworth has visited all 67 Alabama counties more than 25 times. Her message is rooted in experience and optimism.
"When members of a community are given the opportunity to collaborate," Wadsworth said in the interview, "cities and towns are built."
A Career Grounded in Listening and Service
Nicole Wadsworth's unique approach combines technical knowledge of contracts and policy with something more personal-her willingness to listen to farmers, teachers, veterans, employees, and local business owners.
"To be successful in economic development, you need vision, resilience, and the ability to build communities," Nicole explained. "You have to know how to sit at a kitchen table and listen."
This boots-on-the-ground approach has helped communities unlock grant funding, revitalize downtowns, create local jobs, and strengthen infrastructure. Whether negotiating major industrial site deals or supporting a local fire station, Nicole Wadsworth's strategy is the same: engage people, back ideas with data, and stay focused on outcomes that matter.
Why It Matters Now
Alabama, like much of rural America, faces real challenges. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 23% of Alabama counties saw population decline in the last decade. Simultaneously, food insecurity affects 1 in 6 Alabamians, including 20% of the state's children (Feeding America, 2024).
Nicole Wadsworth sees these struggles not as reasons to retreat-but to act. She believes rebuilding must start locally-with practical solutions and shared ownership.
"With a state as rich in resources as Alabama, no Alabamian should ever have to go hungry," she said. "Folks need stable meals in order to be productive in life."
"Success means creating meaningful opportunities that allow Alabamians to thrive in their own communities," Nicole added.
A Call for Community Leadership
Wadsworth is not just advocating for economic development professionals-she's calling on everyday citizens to participate in their communities' growth.
"Growth doesn't happen in echo chambers," she says. "You have to engage."
Her message is especially timely as rural and urban communities alike face increasing pressure to compete for resources, retain their populations, and adapt to changing industries.
What You Can Do
You don't need to be a CEO or an elected official to make an impact. Here's how residents, business owners, and local leaders can help build a stronger Alabama:
For Residents:
Support Local Businesses. Choose local vendors, shops, and restaurants whenever possible.
Donate or Volunteer at Food Banks. Stable meals are the foundation of productive lives.
Speak Up. Attend town meetings. Offer feedback. Share your vision for your neighborhood.
For Business Owners:
Invest in Place. Hire locally. Mentor young people. Reinforce community pride through your operations.
Apply for Local Grants. Seek development incentives to grow responsibly and sustainably.
For Civic Leaders:
Build Coalitions. Create task forces that include residents, nonprofits, and private enterprise.
Be Data-Driven. Focus on measurable outcomes-jobs retained, roads repaired, investments secured.
Preserve History. Use heritage as a foundation for future growth, not an obstacle to change.
"We are called to use our God-given talents to serve others," said Wadsworth. "That's what our family believes in."
To read more, visit the website here.
About Nicole Wadsworth
Dr. Nicole J. Wadsworth is a site selector, economic development consultant, commercial real estate developer, and mediator. Nicole Wadsworth, PhD, MBA, MS also earned the Certified Alabama Planning and Zoning Official certification and EDAA Leadership Certificate. Nicole's primary focus is building business, large and small, within the state of Alabama. A lifelong advocate for community collaboration, she works daily with Alabama's primary industries to create jobs, restore historic spaces, and promote long-term prosperity. She is also active in civic organizations such as the Business Council of Alabama, Manufacture Alabama, Alabama Agribusiness Council, and the Alabama Rural Health Association.
Wadsworth's husband, Tim Wadsworth, serves in the Alabama House of Representatives. Together, they raise their children with a shared commitment to faith, legacy, and public service.
Contact:
SOURCE: Nicole Wadsworth
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
