In case you haven’t noticed, in the past several months several new businesses have sprung up in Natchez.

First up, several new businesses have popped up in downtown Natchez.

Among those new businesses are several culinary institutions, including the Jarita Frazier King’s Natchez Heritage School of Cooking and Regina Charboneau’s Regina’s Kitchen, as well as NX Level Cooking and Natchez Midtown Grill.

In addition, a new Steampunk Coffee Roasters/Papi y Papi espresso bar; Rolling ‘N’ the Dough, a cookie dough operation; and a new gift shop, The Painted Petal, have opened in downtown as well.

Beyond downtown, however, the trend continues with national brand Planet Fitness having located in the Natchez Mall and Stribling is building a new multimillion-dollar facility on U.S. 61. And, a local restaurant group is remodeling the old Ruby Tuesday location to be the home of a new endeavor.

All of the growth is an indicator of confidence in the local economy, which economic development officials say, is being spurred by growth in the local manufacturing industry, including expansions at Great River Industries and Jones Companies.

The expansions are expected to create 60 new jobs with an economic impact of $3 million in annual payroll and an additional 85 indirect jobs with a payroll of $2,720,000.

We are encouraged by the growth in the local business and industry sectors and believe you should be, too.

A rising tide lifts all boats, the saying goes, and the success of local industry can translate into the success of mom and pop shops in downtown.

We are finally seeing the results of the efforts of local economic development officials come to fruition.

Lets support our local businesses, especially as we are in the holiday season.

That will ensure a Merry Christmas for all and a happy New Year, indeed!