Recently, the State of Mississippi and specifically the tri-county area near Tupelo landed one of the largest economic deals in Mississippi history.

Toyota and supporting vendors will invest billions of dollars in the northeast portion of our state. It is very unlikely that the tri-county area near Natchez will ever become home to a billion dollar automobile plant. We have neither the workforce nor the infrastructure to support such an enormous project. What we can do is expand on what we have today, have the vision to plan for tomorrow and elect the right leaders to take us there.

Today, tourism is an extremely important aspect of our local economy. In the United States, billions of dollars and millions of jobs are generated through hospitality services — lodging, meetings and conventions, travel and food and beverage.

Considering the rapidly retiring U.S. population and the uncertainties of overseas travel, Natchez should see a steady increase in tourism revenues. Many believe we are significantly under-utilizing this portion of our economy.

The convention center, new hotels, new condominiums and riverfront development will help. Whether cleaning up downtown or doing a better job of supporting, promoting and expanding events, I am confident we can grow this industry.

While tourism is important, we must also focus on significant economic developments of tomorrow. These include a possible multi-million dollar clean energy solution facility, expanding services at Alcorn State University and Copiah-Lincoln Community College Natchez campus, new healthcare services and a privately run prison.

It is vital that we strive to provide economic opportunities for those who do not benefit directly from tourism. Jobs created by these industries will be good for all of Natchez and Adams County and the surrounding area. We have a responsibility to support initiatives that will provide people with good paying jobs and allow small businesses to thrive.

We need state, county and city elected officials to work together for a common goal. Leaders in the Tupelo area risked their political careers for one day realizing a project that would forever change the economics of the area.

Their idea was bold and innovative. Elected officials risked voter backlash for thinking too big or spending taxpayer money on something that may never come to fruition. In Natchez-Adams County today, we have a few political leaders who do not understand the economics of recruiting new industries.

They are simply contrarians or naysayers who are frozen by the fear of failure. Do not be fooled by this elementary political game. The truth is they lack the fortitude needed to demonstrate true vision. It is critical that we support leaders who can work together so everyone in the community can benefit.

There are many factors that must be considered while working to expand our economy; the environment, preservation and location to name only a few. We must do everything possible to find the right balance. Southwest Mississippi is home to talented business leaders who are giving their time and talent in support of economic expansion.

It is vital that we focus on what we have today, think bold and act aggressively for tomorrow, and choose leaders who can help us realize our goals.

Ryan Cole is the director of Business Development for TenXc Wireless and former Southeast Regional Manager at Andrew Corporation. He is a Natchez resident.