Leland Speed is in the economic business, and one thing about the Natchez economy jumps out and grabs him these days — money is changing hands.

Sales tax revenues have been up in Adams County consistently since Katrina.

The numbers are undoubtedly affected by the hurricane, but that doesn’t matter, Speed said.

The former director of the Mississippi Development Authority says increased sales tax revenues can only mean a bright future for a community.

Numbers jumped from $537,208 last December to $555,736 in December 2006.

But the sales tax success is not limited to this side of the river. Vidalia’s numbers went up 40 percent from 2005 to 2006.

A number of factors contribute to the sales — the influx of residents due to Katrina, several big construction projects and a new Wal-Mart in Vidalia — but, as Speed says, it is good news regardless of the variables.

High sales in Natchez and Vidalia bode well for the present and future economies of the area. The two towns are the economic leaders of the Miss-Lou, and residents will reap the benefits of the sales.

Don’t try to explain it away. Just enjoy it and look forward to the things to come.