Today, as so many of us gather around the table with family and friends for another Thanksgiving feast, we should remember we have much to be thankful for this year.

While our community is recovering from some difficult economic times, we have such a bright future ahead of us. New businesses and restaurants have opened on both sides of the river, and we continue to attract tourists and new residents to our community.

Our positive points were made quite clear last week by someone from the outside &045; and someone very influential. Leland Speed, director of the Mississippi Development Authority, told members of the Rotary Club that Natchez has great potential and great opportunities.

We just have to take advantage of them.

As examples, Speed talked about the city’s development in the tourism and healthcare industries, as well as our thriving downtown and the new extension of the Natchez Trace.

But Speed also pointed out where we need to improve, from our cooperation among public and private sector leaders to the beautification of the outskirts of our community.

Speed is the kind of leader we need to take advice from &045; not just because of his powerful position but because of his powerful knowledge of what is the right way to attract industry and create new development.

We urge our community’s leaders &045; those elected and those in the private sector &045; to take advantage of the great advice Speed has given us.

The MDA director has given us part of the recipe for success &045; and we already have all the ingredients.

Then perhaps next year, we will be able to count even more blessings.