COLUMBIANA – The director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs spoke to The Shelby County Chamber on Thursday, Aug. 1, about the importance of collaboration and the upcoming Census.

Kenneth Boswell, speaking at the Chamber’s monthly Connections luncheon at Columbiana First Baptist Church, said Gov. Kay Ivey asked him to pass along her thanks for “what Shelby County does to make our state as strong as it is,” Boswell said.

Improving water and sewer infrastructure is a priority for many communities, Boswell said, and ADECA helps counties and municipalities with grants.

Collaboration among governments is important to the grant process, Boswell said.

“When we see counties and municipalities working together, along with legislators and the constituency, it makes our jobs easier from a standpoint of saying, ‘We need to help these people,’” he said.

Boswell also emphasized the importance of residents participating in Census 2020 because of its impact on grant funding and the distribution of Congressional seats.

“This is serious business,” he said. “We are asking for your help.”

As ADECA works to craft and distribute messaging to encourage participation, Boswell suggested business leaders should strive to reach those within their own personal spheres of influence.

“Anything you can do individually as well as collectively, do your part,” Boswell said.