𝐌𝐀𝐗 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲

From economic growth to community events, the conversation at the MAX Round Table with Doug Amos focused on the partnerships and shared vision helping Elmore County continue to thrive.

During the program, local leaders discussed the momentum taking shape across the county, with a strong focus on Millbrook, 17 Springs, sports tourism, and the continued development happening around the Marketplace at 17 Springs.

Throughout the discussion, one message remained clear. Elmore County’s progress is not happening by accident. Speakers pointed to the importance of local governments, ECEDA, school leaders, tourism partners, chambers, businesses, and community organizations working together with a shared vision.

“When you bring the county, ECEDA, and the Board of Education to the table, everyone has their own priorities, but you combine those visions and plan 10 or 20 years out,” Gay said.

A major part of the conversation focused on the number of visitors expected in Elmore County over the next several weeks. One of the largest upcoming events is the USSSA Alabama World Series Tournament, set for June 26 through June 28. The tournament is expected to bring approximately 40 softball teams to 17 Springs in Millbrook and around 75 baseball teams to the Wetumpka Sports Complex.

With more than 100 teams expected between the two facilities, leaders said the tournament represents a significant opportunity for local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. The influx of teams and families is expected to create a boost for the local economy while introducing more visitors to Elmore County.

Speakers said events like the USSSA tournament show why investments in facilities such as 17 Springs and the Wetumpka Sports Complex matter. These projects provide quality-of-life benefits for residents while also creating new opportunities to bring visitors into the county.

That strategy is already producing measurable results. During the round table, leaders discussed a weekend in May when events held at 17 Springs and the Wetumpka Sports Complex brought approximately 20,000 people into Elmore County. More than half of those visitors came from outside the county, resulting in an estimated $5 million local economic impact.

Speakers also explained that economic impact does not mean local governments directly received $5 million. Instead, it reflects the broader benefit to the local economy as visitors spend money at restaurants, hotels, gas stations, shops, and other businesses.

“That economic impact supports our businesses, our jobs, our workforce, education, and the benefits just keep going on and on,” Mercer said.

The discussion also highlighted the continued growth happening in Millbrook, especially around 17 Springs and the Marketplace at 17 Springs. Leaders described the area as an example of what can happen when communities plan for the future and stay committed to long-term progress.

A new addition to the Marketplace is expected to be announced in early July. While details were not fully released during the program, the project was described as something unique for the community and another development that will help draw people to the area.

“It’s not a restaurant. It’s going to be something this community has never seen before, and it’s going to be a great service to the community,” Kelley said.

Speakers also pointed to several upcoming events happening throughout Wetumpka and Elmore County.

On June 27, Alabama native Bobby Horton will perform at the Wetumpka Civic Center from 6 to 8 p.m. Horton is known by many for his work with Ken Burns documentaries on PBS and for bringing American history to life through music and storytelling. Speakers described the concert as a unique event for all ages, especially as the country prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Looking ahead to July, First Friday Downtown Wetumpka will return on July 3. The monthly event brings people into historic downtown Wetumpka for local vendors, extended shopping hours, live music, art activities, and an opportunity to support local businesses.

On July 4, the Wetumpka Independence Day Celebration will take place at Gold Star Park from 6 to 9 p.m. The free community event will include live music, family activities, and a fireworks show over the Coosa River.

For motorsports fans, the Sweet Home Alabama MX Series will return to Monster Mountain MX Park in Tallassee on July 4 and July 5. The event is expected to attract riders and spectators from across the Southeast for a weekend of racing, camping, and track activities.

Speakers also encouraged residents and visitors to support the Wetumpka Farmers Market, which takes place every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through August in downtown Wetumpka. The market provides an opportunity to support local farmers, vendors, and small businesses while enjoying one of the downtown amenities.

On July 11, the River Region Kayak Anglers Big Fish Tournament will take place on the Coosa River. Around 30 kayak anglers from across the region are expected to participate. Speakers noted that RRKA has become a staple of the local fishing community and that this year marks the seventh consecutive Big Fish Tournament on the Coosa.

ECEDA has partnered with the organization for several years, and the group also worked with local leaders to host the Alabama Kayak Fishing State Championship in Wetumpka in 2022. Spectators are encouraged to attend the tournament weigh-in, which will take place at 4 p.m. in the parking lot behind the City of Wetumpka Building at 408 Main Street. Anglers are expected to begin arriving around 3:30 p.m.

Together, the events reflect the variety of activities drawing people into Elmore County, from sports and music to fishing, shopping, family-friendly celebrations, and outdoor recreation.

The larger goal is not simply to bring people to Elmore County for one event. It is to create an experience that makes them want to come back.

That theme carried throughout the round table. Whether discussing sports facilities, community events, new development, or long-term planning, speakers emphasized that Elmore County’s progress has been built through cooperation between municipalities, county leaders, schools, economic development partners, and community organizations.

Local leaders also noted that Elmore County’s collaborative approach is being noticed beyond the county line. By working together across communities and organizations, the county has created a model that others are now watching.

“We’re leading the state in a lot of ways. Other communities are coming here, looking at this model, and taking those ideas back to their own areas,” Mercer said.

From Millbrook’s steady growth to the major events drawing people to the area, one message stood out during the MAX Round Table: Elmore County’s success is built on strong partnerships, thoughtful planning, and a shared commitment to making the county a place where people want to live, visit, invest, and come back to.​​