Our Adams County Supervisors have really been busy in the past few months, and they have made big decisions which will affect citizens throughout southwest Mississippi.

Citizens and supervisors alike have expressed an interest in a forum during which questions can be asked and answered and discussions can be held on a number of issues that are relevant to Adams County’s future. The Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Co-Lin to present just such a forum on Tuesday morning, in the Nelson Multi-Purpose Center on the Natchez campus. Breakfast will be available at 7:30 a.m. at a cost of $8 per person. Our program will begin promptly at 8 a.m. and should end by 9 a.m.

Our supervisors have been very proactive on a number of issues, which will help Adams County move smoothly into 2009.

Each supervisor has a great story to tell on specific issues and opportunities in his district and for the county in general. Each supervisor is also aware of concerns on several issues which may or may not have been addressed in the recent budget sessions. The forum on Tuesday will be a great opportunity to get together and work through these items on a face-to-face basis. Several questions have been formulated by the Chamber of Commerce’s Governmental Affairs Committee; and there will be time for questions from the floor, as well.

Everyone in southwest Mississippi is affected one way or another by decisions made in Adams County. Business issues and economic development drive jobs, infrastructure, tax collections and growth. Recreation issues provide opportunities for not only our local youth activities, but also a destination point for tournament teams in many sports. Management of Natchez Regional Medical Center impacts medical care for people in surrounding areas. Several long-running questions such as consolidation of city/county government and annexation still are open-ended. New issues such as recycling and environmental responsibility present new opportunities.

Our supervisors are the decision makers who will ultimately define our county government’s profile going forward. Our forum is the venue during which our citizens can provide input to help in the formation of appropriate programs and policy. The Natchez/Adams County Chamber of Commerce, as a positive voice for business in this community, is dedicated to this open exchange of ideas.

A good crowd during this program on Tuesday will ensure a positive exchange of thoughts and ideas. This is a chance to meet and talk — face-to-face — with the people who can make things happen. We look forward to seeing you there!

Stephanie Hutchins is a member of the Governmental Affairs Committee of the Natchez/Adams County Chamber of Commerce.