NATCHEZ &045; After a somewhat stilted start, organizers of a community alliance in Natchez and Adams County believe the group is getting on track.

Chamber of Commerce President Fred Middleton said the group &045; which he hoped to model after Vicksburg’s burgeoning effort &045; is currently looking at projects such as beautification and recreation.

At last week’s meeting, the agenda included those items as well as education and economic development.

&uot;That’s our goal, to break down barriers in our community, whatever they may be,&uot; Middleton said. &uot;We’re looking into various things that can enhance industry.&uot;

But Middleton said the group is not intended to take the place of the chamber of commerce &045; traditionally the support group for local businesses &045; or the Natchez-Adams Economic Development Authority, which is charged with recruiting industry.

&uot;Our goal is for the community alliance to take on its own identity, with its own bylaws and its own funding,&uot; Middleton said. &uot;It’s not going to take the place of (the chamber or EDA).&uot;

Members of the chamber and EDA sit on the community alliance, as do elected officials and community and business leaders. The current group numbers 32, Middleton said.

One of the things the alliance can do, Middleton said, is bring together people who want to improve the quality of life of the community. Arella Bacon, a longtime advocate of beautification, sits on the alliance.

&uot;Ms. Bacon’s gone from one voice to 30,&uot; he said.

The group is also looking at what it can do to support efforts to raise money for North Natchez Park and for a girls softball complex.

Such quality of life ideas can help aid economic development, Middleton said.

&uot;We’re looking into various things that can enhance industry,&uot; he said.

At the same time, Middleton said the group recognizes the role of the EDA. &uot;We identify them as (the group to attract industry),&uot; he said. &uot;We respect them for that.&uot;

But Middleton hopes the group adds to the community’s unified voice.

&uot;We want to all be on the same page and all working for the same goals,&uot; Middleton said.

&uot;You’ll be able to fund more projects with a unified voice.&uot;

That unity, Middleton said, is something unique to Natchez. &uot;I don’t know that we’ve ever had it,&uot; he said.

And Middleton said that unity needs to extend across the river to Concordia Parish. &uot;We will prosper more if we have a plant move to Vidalia than someplace like McComb,&uot; he said, adding that the parish should be included on any plans to attract industry.