On Monday morning, the Natche-Adams County Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first legislative breakfast of 2014 at the Natchez Eola Hotel.

Everyone in the community is invited to participate, and this is one of the best opportunities we will have all year to meet face to face with the people whom we have chosen to represent southwest Mississippi.

Senators Kelvin Butler and Melanie Sojourner will be participating, as will Representatives Robert Johnson and Sam Mims.

We are beginning to make great strides here in Natchez and Adams County. Our City and County government, Natchez Inc. and other community leaders have been working tirelessly to capitalize on economic opportunities that have come to fruition in the past year.

I know our local leaders will want to welcome our state representatives as they work together for continued successful ventures in the future. We also encourage our Young Professionals and 2014 Leadership Natchez class to participate, as well, as they will have a critical interest in the future of the area.

This will be their chance to meet and communicate with the men and women who represent them at the state level. All of you who have attended these sessions in the past know how fortunate we are to have a group of legislators who are truly committed to their constituents, who do not mince words when defending what they think is right, who will tell you exactly how the system works and who consistently work together (imagine that) for the good of southwest Mississippi.

Regardless of the issues, the frankness of the discussions always leaves us grateful for the men and women whom we have elected to represent us in Jackson.

I know that many of our residents have very specific questions and concerns about the road ahead. Our Legislative Breakfast on Monday will afford each of you the chance to ask those questions.

We will begin our morning with breakfast ($10 per person — pay at the door) at 7:30 a.m. and get our program under way at 8 a.m.

Each legislator will have about five minutes to speak on the issues they see as significant, and then we will take written questions from the floor.

We will conclude by 9 a.m.; however, our legislators are usually able to make some time at the end to visit specifically with those who have additional issues to discuss.

So mark your calendars: 7:30 a.m., Monday, Natchez Eola Hotel. Let’s bring our determination for a bright future, a spirit of openness and willingness to work together and a commitment to the health and prosperity of our people and our area, which will be undeniable to the people who can carry that message to Jackson.

 

Stephanie Hutchins is on the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee.