Henry County is certainly no exception with the closing down of west point in Abbeville and several small businesses forced to close because of lack of revenue.

Now county leaders throughout the area are working to turn the economic downturn in the area around.

Henry County leaders are looking to the State of Alabama Development Office to help guide them toward a stronger economic future.

Mayor Ray Marler with the City of Headland said, "It’s important for both cities to work together and put our resources together to make us a stronger community."

That's the main focus of helping to entice businesses to Henry County- for Headland, Abbeville and Newville to work together as a team.

Mayor Ryan Blalock with the city of Abbeville said, "Growing Abbeville, growing Henry County or a tri county region, I think if we concentrate there and use each other’s resources we have a lake others may not have, we certainly have assets that others may not have, headland has a great opportunity in their airport so I think if we concentrate on our strengths we can overcome our weaknesses together."

Westpoint used to be a major manufacturing plant in Abbeville until it closed its doors. Now economic developers say this piece of infrastructure could be what lures businesses into the area.

Director of the Alabama Development Office Neal Wade said, "The strength of Abbeville is going to be the product it has. It's got an empty building with west point and businesses could look at that so we want to find the right fit for someone looking to come into southern Alabama."

Director wade also emphasized the need to bring "green jobs' into the area to stimulate the economy.

Henry County leaders will meet again October 8th to discuss the future of Henry County development.