Automotive, aerospace, wood products, logistics and more make up the industrial base in these four counties.

Two colleges offer academic and aviation programs in this area.

The individuals who help shape the communities in Butler, Covington, Crenshaw and Lowndes counties, including Jim Byard Jr. of Byard Associates LLC.

These four counties are improving downtown areas, developing parks and supporting local schools.

Outdoor attractions, festivals and museums attract visitors to the area.

Kaishan Compressor USA, which makes industrial rotary screw air compressors in Loxley in Baldwin County, has broken ground for an $11 million expansion.

ArcelorMittal has earned $280M in federal income tax credits for an additional plant in Calvert, near Mobile.