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Editor's Notes
The positive change to the economies of the towns and cities in the area would be staggering. Within a matter of just a few years, we would see growth in many of the small towns from north Mobile County northward to Washington and Clarke counties as well. McIntosh, Chatom and Jackson would all three certainly see unprecedented economic growth with the influx of workers from all over the southern portion of Alabama, northwest Florida and southeast Mississippi. The increase in the amount of tax revenue alone would pump many dollars into local government coffers. I would expect to see several of these towns at least double in size and new businesses spring up seemingly overnight. In Jackson, the economy is already improving thanks to the efforts of our city and county leaders. The location of ThyssenKrupp in the Calvert area would just add to that growth. I believe we would see an increase in the demand for new housing as well as a variety of new businesses in both the retail and service industries, creating more jobs. I would also expect there to be even more employment opportunities created due to the need of offshoot suppliers for the steel company. Long-reaching effects could very well be seen in the need for the expansion of our schools to handle the influx of new students and even the possibility of expansion of the availability of the higher education services. As always, with change and the possibility of growth, comes the naysayers. I have heard a few comments from people who are concerned that the location of such a large plant in the area would drastically change Jackson, making it not as nice of a place to live. I disagree. Anytime you can increase the number of employment opportunities for future generations, giving them chance to stay home rather than moving elsewhere to work, it is a good thing. More often than not I hear people complain about there not being enough restaurants, grocery stores, etc.... If we want those things to come, we have to show that they will make money if they locate here. In other words, we have to show a true need for them. Jackson is on the right track and I hope to see it continue that way. The few who are against strong growth need to just take a backseat and learn to enjoy the ride, because I don't see it slowing down anytime soon and that is a good thing.
I will continue to support all growth efforts, not just in Jackson, but in the municipalities throughout our region, because I want to see them all flourish. I encourage others to get involved and help support the economic development efforts of \our local governments so that we can create a better future for us all and generations to come.
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