Alabama’s aging Black Belt is getting fresh sets of eyes that organizers hope will see new opportunity and make the region more attractive to millennials.

Organized hunts and lodges have boosted outdoor recreation and tourism in Alabama’s Black Belt. (Nik Layman/Alabama NewsCenter)

The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA) board of directors has created an advisory council to provide the organization with new ideas and youthful energy when it comes to promoting outdoor recreation and tourism in the state’s often-overlooked Black Belt region.

Members of the advisory council are KeAndre Cade of Tuscaloosa, managing member of FrameWorks Construction; Bee Frederick of Montgomery, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation; Sarah Reid Harris of Birmingham, Alabama Power; Evan Jackson of Anniston, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.; Freddy Padilla of Birmingham, Alabama Power; Casey Rogers of Greenville, Pioneer Electric Cooperative; Hunter Smith of Pike Road, co-founder of Collegiate Outdoors; and Taylor Williams of Montgomery, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.

“The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association has made great strides in attracting tourists to our state,” Thomas Harris, ALBBAA founder and board chairman, said. “We are excited to have this enthusiastic group of young leaders joining us in supporting our mission. Already they have made some great suggestions on ways to draw more interest, more tourists and more tourism dollars to the Black Belt. They will be invaluable in helping us reach millennials, who exhibit a great love for our environment, especially through social media interactions.”

Organized hunts and lodges have boosted outdoor recreation and tourism in Alabama’s Black Belt. (Nik Layman/Alabama NewsCenter)

Formed in 2009, the ALBBAA has focused on bringing tourism to 23 counties in the Black Belt through hunting, fishing and other outdoor adventure opportunities. As part of that mission, the organization educates visitors on the natural and cultural history of the Black Belt.

Members of the advisory council are eager to support that mission.

“As a native of Greenville, I am thrilled to be a part of such a great initiative to boost the economy of the Black Belt,” Rogers said. “Alabama’s Black Belt is rich in history, blessed with abundant wildlife and outdoors entertainment options and its people are the epitome of Southern hospitality. I look forward to sharing the good news about the region in new and exciting ways.”