Today, as in the days leading up to the July 31 anniversary of the closing of International Paper’s Natchez mill, The Natchez Democrat is exploring the effects of the mill’s closing on the Miss-Lou.

Hundreds of people have lost their jobs, sending a ripple effect through our community. To say Natchez was better off in a number of ways when the 50-year-old mill was still in operation is certainly an understatement.

But one way in which the event has forced Natchez’s hand is in spurring local officials to explore all options in recruiting new industry.

The key is to take a look at all the resources Natchez has and see what industries would best make use of those resources.

The Natchez-Adams Economic Development Authority has commissioned studies in the past to explore what types of industries are the best fit for Natchez.

We encourage our economic development leaders to find new ways to solicit the input of the public in expanding that list.

As is seen in today’s article, some residents advocate hanging at least some of the area’s economic development hopes on recreation-based industries.

We encourage our leaders to take into account the environmental record of the industries they solicit.

The economic benefits of a potential industry must be weighed with its environmental effects for our long-term good and the good of generations to come.

A balanced approach is key. While jobs &045;&045; hopefully, from a wide variety of industries &045;&045; are desperately needed, we must not sell our future in our desperation to solve the economic woes of the present.