BAY MINETTE — Bay Minette and the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce recently held its 65th annual meeting

During the event, Bay Minette Mayor Jamie Tillery said that even amid an economic recession and devastating oil spill, the city of Bay Minette has seen growth.

“In the last two years, 22 businesses opened their doors in this city,” she said. “It is hope amid adversity.”

One new business announced that evening is HK Motors. According to Tillery, the Chinese-American hybrid automotive plant that announced in 2009 its intentions to build a plant in Bay Minette has purchased a business license and will soon open an office in town.

“They have purchased the license and are just looking for a location now,” she said.

Also during the event, Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance President and CEO Robert Ingram referred to a handout on the status of North Baldwin business and industry.

“Since 2006, there have been nine new or expansion projects announced in North Baldwin with a total employment of 460 and $29,222,250 invested in Baldwin County and North Baldwin,” he said.

One of those expansions was announced by 2010 Business of the Year Railroad Resources representatives. The company, which opened its doors in 2008, is a transport company, utilizing primarily the rail system.

“They transfer asphalt, oil, lumber, dry goods — and will not discriminate,” Industrial Development Board member Anne Pederson said. “Railroad Resources is a one-stop shop for transportation needs.”

Also during the banquet, Pederson presented the Business of the Year award to Railroad Resources owners Michael Wilson and Sonny Gaitley.

“This business started with two employees — the owners,” Pederson said. “Now they’re up to four: office staff and the two owners. They have just purchased 17 acres from Chuck Stevens Automotive on (U.S.) Highway 31 in Bay Minette and have received approval from the Bay Minette Planning Commission to expand their business to three rail spurs.”

Also honored during the 65th annual banquet was Myron Brogden of First National Bank of Baldwin County. Brogden has been a staple of the community for several decades, Hiram Templeton, outgoing chairman of the chamber board of directors, said.

In addition, Templeton presented Brogden with the Harry B. Still Sr. Distinguished Service Award. Brogden is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Bay Minette and First Baptist Church of Bay Minette.

Also during the chamber event, Tillery presented a  semi-state-of-the-city address, which included her view of the city of Bay Minette’s future.

“During the last few years, we have planned together and operated within a balanced budget. We have not dismissed a single employee due to the economy and have even afforded a 50-cent per-hour, across-the-board pay raise to help offset the rising insurance costs for our employees,” she said.

Tillery said the city has “continued our standing services” and “started many new programs, from recreation to parks and grounds.

“We have become a model for others,” she said.

The evening concluded with the exchanging of the gavel. Templeton presented incoming chairman of the board Brandon Simpson of First South Farm Credit, with the gavel, after which Simpson pledged to continue striving to bring new business and industry into Bay Minette, while helping existing companies in the city to grow.