Greenville native Casey Rogers has been named to the newly created advisory council for the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association.

The new council will be called on to provide fresh ideas and new energy in promoting outdoor recreation and tourism in the state’s often-overlooked Black Belt region.

“I am thrilled to be part of such a great initiative to boost the economy of the Black Belt,” said Rogers. “Alabama’s Black Belt is rich in history, blessed with abundant wildlife and outdoor 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.”

The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association, formed in 2009, has worked to help attract tourist dollars to 23 counties in the Black Belt – particularly through hunting, fishing and other outdoor adventure opportunities. As part of that mission, the ALBBAA educates visitors on the great natural and cultural history of the Black Belt.

“The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association has made great strides in attracting tourists to our state,” said Thomas Harris, ALBBAA founder and board chairman. “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.”

Joining Rogers on 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; Hunter Smith of Pike Road, co-founder of Collegiate Outdoors; and Taylor Williams of Montgomery, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.

“I’m honored to be included in this talented group of movers and shakers,” said Rogers, who served as communications specialist for Pioneer Electric Cooperative.

“I have always been passionate about our great state and I believe it’s incredibly important to engage and inform all ages about the opportunities available here in Alabama.”