Hoping to get a piece of the Nissan pie, the Natchez Board of Aldermen is encouraging local businesses to apply for supplier partnerships with the automobile company soon to locate in central Mississippi. The Mississippi Economic Council released a list Tuesday of commodities Nissan will require once production begins in 2003.

The deadline for application is Monday, Jan. 29. A list of manufacturing and service commodities needed and an application form are available on the Internet at www.mec.ms.

Ward 3 Alderman Theodore &uot;Bubber&uot; West said local businesses and industries should act quickly to assure Natchez and Adams County reap the benefits of the Nissan plant.

Although the plant will be located in Canton, analysts say suppliers and spinoff industries will be created throughout the state.

Ward 1 Alderwoman Joyce Arceneaux said she wants to enlist the help of the Natchez-Adams County Economic and Community Development Authority to spread the word to local businesses about the application and approaching deadline.

&uot;We’re really just begging that this gets out,&uot; she said.

In other business, the board:

4Heard a presentation by Lamar Braxton, AJFC Community Action Agency CEO, about how requests for assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services with utility bills are processed.

The Mississippi Public Service Commission recently issued an order asking gas companies to refrain from disconnecting service from customers who are making a &uot;good faith effort&uot; to pay their bills.

At present, AJFC is informing Mississippi Valley Gas Company only when people have been approved for assistance.

Jerry Moore, manager for Mississippi Valley Gas Company, said those people who have filled out an application – not just signed the waiting list – for assistance from AJFC should contact the gas company to ensure their service will continue.

4Viewed in finance committee meeting conceptual plans for a riverfront walk and retail development for Under-the-Hill provided by Weatherford McDade Ltd.

City Clerk Donnie Holloway and Ward 2 Alderman James &uot;Ricky&uot; Gray were absent.