Change is on the way, and we need to be prepared.

That was Mayor James Perkins Jr.’s message to a job readiness class Tuesday morning. According to Perkins, new businesses such as the Selma Plaza, the AmSouth Bank branch and Hyundai suppliers are bringing jobs to the are.

Perkins isn’t the only one that needs the community to be ready. If our community is to grow and thrive, we must support those currently searching for jobs.

That support can come in various shapes. Perkins said that paving a road between Craig Field Industrial Park and South Dallas Industrial Park provided that support.

The road helped our community gain multiple Hyundai suppliers and jobs.

We can do the same thing, even if it’s on a small scale. If you see trash on the road or sidewalk, take the time to pick it up. It’ll keep our city looking clean &045; and help keep potential industries interested in locating here.

When you meet a stranger to our city, shake his hand and give him a friendly smile. Selma is already known for its friendly people. There’s no reason to stop now.

It’s up to our government and economic development authority to get roads paved and industry here. But we can help them do that in our own way.

Ensuring that Selma’s unemployed gain the new jobs doesn’t just help them, it helps those of us already with jobs. The newly employed will begin to shop Selma. That will put more money into our economy, which will improve the community as a whole.

And everyone will benefit from that.