It takes a community, a county and a state to raise an industry.&uot; What apt, and wise words, from Wally Kirk, president of the Natchez-Adams County Economic Development Authority’s Board of Directors.

Kirk shared that bit of wisdom with officials and businesspeople gathered Tuesday morning for the official groundbreaking of Stewart Orchids. The nationally recognized orchid-growing company is moving to Adams County — home of one of the company’s owners –&160;bringing with it new industrial development on Foster Mound Road and 15 to 20 jobs for Adams County residents.

The nursery, which will include more than 190,000 square feet of greenhouse space, should be open for business in Adams County in September.

More important, Tuesday’s groundbreaking offered a glimmer of hope in the field of economic development with tangible results from the EDA’s efforts.

With the theme of &uot;more jobs&uot; echoing throughout the city during this election season and the structure of the jointly funded EDA such a controversial issue, it’s important for the voters to see that something tangible — even if it is only 15 or 20 jobs –&160;is taking place.

And, quite frankly, Kirk’s words are more true than we may want to admit.

It does take a community to raise an industry … and here in Natchez, until our community — from city to county officials, from state lawmakers to business owners — can reach a consensus on the direction of economic development efforts and embrace, back and give support to one program, we’re not going to do much &uot;raising.&uot;

We’ve seen what can happen with a little hard work. We can only imagine what could happen with lots of hearts, hands and heads working together towards the same goal.