Thursday representatives from Abbeville, Headland and the state of Alabama gathered together to brainstorm on ways to promote growth.

The cities are now working together to help increase revenue throughout the county.

Abbeville and Headland leaders are putting their own interests aside to benefit the greater good.

Headland Mayor Ray Marler said, "Today goes back to tell each of us in Henry Co. that we all need to pool our resources and work together as one."

With this new resolve for the two cities to unite as a team, Henry County can start to realize its potential for growth.

Tucson Roberts is the president of the Covington County Economic Development Committee. He said, "It makes it easier to bring manufacturing if you have a solid base and growing retail base."

Retail growth in the county means a greater tax base for both cities to pull from.

And while Headland and Abbeville are looking to attract new businesses, after Thursday’s meeting some leaders have a new focus.

Mayor Marler said, "Expanding businesses and existing businesses are important to the city. There may be a lot of businesses that don't know the abatements they can get from the city or the county."

Both cities now plan to talk with local businesses about the possibilities of expansion.

The next Henry County economic development meeting will take place in January.