Several years ago when Natchez Inc. was first formed Executive Director Chandler Russ said something quite profound about the area’s economic future.

“We’ve got to make the business case make sense here first. If they can’t make money and make a world-class product here, it just won’t work.”

Russ was referring to Natchez Inc.’s work in recruiting industry to the area.

Perhaps one of the shining stars in Natchez’s economic crown at the moment is a testament to what Russ was referring.

Great River Industries, formerly Enersteel and Dynasteel, produces world-class storage tanks and industrial pressure vessels from steel.

But the company forged a new era of its history last week, announcing plans to move its corporate headquarters from Memphis to Natchez.

The move is a good one for Natchez.

The new corporate headquarters will bring with it approximately 25 more jobs to the community.

But more than that, it gives other companies the confidence to know that a high-level manufacturer can succeed in Natchez and believes in the community enough to call it home.

Natchez has many things going for it already, but the addition of Great River Industries’ corporate office simply improves things a bit more.

We’re happy the new corporate office is headed our way, and extend the welcome mat to them.