Did anyone remember to buy the folks over at Natchez Inc. something made of leather?

A belt? A watchband? A saddle, even?

The belt would be appropriate, since we now rely on this economic development agency to hold us up.

A watchband would work too, since it could remind them that time is of the essence.

A saddle? Well, there’s a lot riding on them.

This community owes the agency something, it would seem, for the occasion.

Natchez Inc. and Natchez-Adams County celebrated our third anniversary together on June 1, and tradition has it that this anniversary is all about leather.

The couple is supposed to know its own strength by now.

At the same time, according to tradition, the couple should desire a long-lasting relationship in the years to come.

Both seem applicable.

Three years after its formation, Natchez Inc. has proven its worth on many fronts. Industries have come, and employees have been hired.

The community and Natchez Inc. now have a clear understanding of how important the other can be.

But the job is not done, and there are years of happiness to come.

We’ll celebrate with something nice — and leather — but we’ll remember the durability of the gift as a goal for tomorrow.