Complex to host more than 600 eligible workers starting Summer 2024
Foley, Ala —In an innovative move to address the ongoing challenges of seasonal labor shortages in Baldwin County, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians are teaming up with the City of Foley and Wisconsin-based Holtz Companies (Holtz) to create a seasonal workforce campus in Foley. The $18 million investment, constructed by Holtz Builders Inc. (HBI), will feature two residence hall-style buildings and will be managed by a sister company, International Residence Hall Inc. (IRH). A groundbreaking ceremony took place on August 15 for the campus, which will initially house 600 seasonal workers and will be completed in early summer 2024.
The initial phase of the project will feature (2) two 37,500 sq. ft. buildings. The site provides the ability for future expansion and could eventually house more than 2,400 seasonal workers. Future phases will be determined by the needs of the business community.
The seasonal workforce campus will be able to accommodate international students taking part in the U.S. Summer Work Travel (J-1 Visa) program, H2B Visa program, and others. Coastal Alabama-based businesses can connect with available seasonal workers through the IRH program and the sponsor agencies IRH works with.
Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ Chairman & CEO, Stephanie A. Bryan noted, “Our employees are the lifeblood of our businesses, and we are very proud to have found a cutting-edge solution to providing much-needed housing for the terrific seasonal workers who are vital to our businesses in Foley and to that community’s economy. Our partnership with Holtz and the City of Foley has created the first seasonal housing campus of its kind in Alabama, and we anticipate that this model can offer a solution to seasonal housing needs in other popular vacation destinations.”
“Employee housing is a crucial piece of the employment equation in this area, and we are glad to partner with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and Holtz to create this new opportunity in Foley,” said Mayor Ralph Hellmich, City of Foley. “Holtz has earned a stellar reputation of building partnerships in communities to create safe, efficient, and affordable housing for seasonal workers. This is a big win not just for Foley, but all of Coastal Alabama and is another step in helping solve the seasonal worker shortages.”
Holtz will construct, maintain, and manage the new property, offering an affordable housing alternative for eligible international students. Businesses throughout Coastal Alabama can team up with Holtz’s brand, International Residence Hall, to provide housing that will assist in recruiting workers for their locations.
“We strive to provide safe and affordable housing for seasonal guests that come from around the world and from the U.S.,” said Dan Bullock, President of the Holtz Companies. “Through our proven recruitment and management processes, we hope to provide a positive impact on the overall experience they have here in Foley.”
The state-of-the-art campus includes 24/7 staff on site with security monitoring and RFID access control to all resident areas. Standard rooms accommodate four residents with four beds, individual lockers, a private bathroom, a private shower, a large refrigerator, and study desks. ADA accessible rooms have space for two individuals and contain the same amenities as the standard rooms. Additionally, common kitchen space, gathering space, and laundry facilities are included. Wifi is included and provided throughout the campus.
For more information, contact Dan Bullock, President, Holtz Companies dbullock@holtzbuilders.com, 608.577.2836.
###
About Poarch Band of Creek Indians:
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama. From hospitality to aerospace, we continue to operate in a variety of industries across the World. Read more about our Tribe here.
About City of Foley:
Foley is a vibrant city located in South Baldwin County, Alabama and is situated on the state’s beautiful Gulf Coast. With a quality of life that is second to none, Foley attracts business owners, families and retirees from all across the country. Learn more here.
About Holtz Companies:
The Holtz Companies (Holtz) is a family of companies based in the Lake Delton, Wisconsin. Holtz focuses on serving people and communities with business interests in international workforce housing, development, construction, property management, farming, and vehicle and equipment repair and servicing. We pride ourselves on developing relationships that are built on honesty, transparency and integrity. International Residence Hall (IRH) is the Nation’s most experienced operator of Dormitory Style Housing for BridgeUSA J1 SWT Cultural Exchange Students and other International Seasonal Workforce. Holtz Builders Inc. (HBI) the Nation’s most experienced builder of Dormitory Style Housing for BridgeUSA J1 SWT Cultural Exchange Students and other International Seasonal Workforce.