Statewide economic leaders continue to give Natchez a proverbial high-five, and that type of encouragement is likely just what our community needs.

The Mississippi Economic Council came to Natchez Wednesday to present its Blueprint Mississippi 2011 Road Show.

President and CEO Blake Wilson talked to area business leaders at the Rotary Club meeting and conducted a survey of the group’s opinions about the region and state.

But Wilson offered a few opinions of his own about Natchez and Adams County.

Pointing to a new approach to economic development in the area, Wilson said Natchez appears to finally be on the right track.

“I sensed a sense of, ‘Yeah, we can do this,’ in the room today,” he said. “I haven’t sensed that in Natchez before. You’re already halfway down the road with the formation of Natchez Inc. Now you just have to work together and build on it.”

A few weeks ago Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Gray Swoope had a similar pep talk for the county.

Area business leaders should appreciate the recognition for a job well done, but take the encouragement and run with it.

Wilson and Swoope believe the city and county is headed in the right direction.

No one has said we’ve arrived quite yet, so keep the fire burning.