Soon the word “blue” may make our economy a bit rosier.

Blue is the name Natchez Inc. and the Town of Vidalia have dubbed a prospective development they expect will begin business in the former Fruit of the Loom building in Vidalia.

The business, details about which have not been publicly disclosed, is expected to bring several hundred jobs, officials say.

A public hearing on the potential lease of the building will be in a few weeks, and the town expects to announce details of the business within 60 days.

Vidalia Mayor Buz Craft and Natchez Inc. Executive Director Chandler Russ both said the deal is nearly finalized.

If the development comes to fruition, it would be an excellent boost to our economy and at a great time.

Last year’s announcement that Vidalia Apparel Fruit of the Loom distribution center would close was a gut shot at a time when the area’s oil industry was already struggling to recover.

Based on what has been released, it would seem the new business, when fully operational, would more than double the recent number of jobs Fruit of the Loom created.

That has the potential to be extremely helpful and make the economy turn a little less blue in the months ahead.

We’re excited and look forward to good news ahead.