The Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Hunting Works for Alabama to offer the community some insight on the impact that the hunting and shooting industry has on the local economy during a breakfast on Dec. 5.

“Hunting Works for Alabama is a new coalition that has come together statewide, and they are really looking to bring together anyone who is impacted by the outdoor industry, especially hunting and fishing … together,” said Landon Nichols, destination and marketing coordinator for the Chamber.

The organization began in September  and has already grown to more than 75 local businesses across the state.

Nichols said it doesn’t cost a business anything to partner with the organization, which strives to advocate for public policy that supports jobs and economic prosperity, according to its website.

“This organization really seeks to highlight the hunting and outdoorsmen opportunities in the state and encourage development of those resources,” Nichols said.

According to Hunting Works for Alabama, 535,000 people hunt in Alabama each year.

Of those hunters, 44,000 are from out of state. Alabama hunters spend $405 million on trip-related expenditures, more than $357 million on hunting equipment and each hunter spends an average of $1,700 a year.

Hunter spending translates to nearly $613 million in salaries and wages and supports over 27,000 Alabama jobs. Hunters pay $104 million in state and local taxes.

“We’re really excited to bring people together and be able to share some ideas about that impact and share that impact with some folks that maybe didn’t realize it before,” Nichols said. “We’re just real excited to bring together some folks and discuss the impact that hunting has on our region.”

Nichols said there will be a light breakfast and a short presentation about the organization and how it will be beneficial to local businesses.

“The Economic Development Authority in conjunction with the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce is inviting anyone in the community who is interested,” Nichols said.

The breakfast will take place at the Chamber, located at 912 Selma Avenue, and will be from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Those wanting to attend are asked to RSVP to Rob Sexton, coordinator for Hunting Works for Alabama at rtsstrategies@gmail.com.