With the assembled crowd in the St. James

talking about the future and Craig Field’s upcoming speculative building, Economic Development Authority Chairman of the Board Catesby Jones took the time to remind everyone of the accomplishments of 2004.

“2004 was an exciting year for business and industry in Selma and Dallas County,” Jones said.

Exciting doesn’t begin to cover it.

The Black Belt took a major step forward in 2004 in terms of job opportunities. Between industrial arrivals, existing business growth and retail growth, 2004 was a year that has been seldom matched.

“Selma has made such tremendous progress,” Alabama Power CEO Charles McCrary said. “When you think about ’04 and all you’ve accomplished, you must be proud. If you’re not proud of ’04, I don’t know what could make a community proud.”

Jones, who welcomed executives from Renosol and Lear/Kyungshin Wednesday, summed up the successes.

“As a result of the recruitment of new industry and the expansion of existing industry over 750 new jobs were created in Selma and Dallas County during 2004,” he said.

Jones spoke about the arrival of the Hyundai related companies, Renosol, Lear and Lear/Kyungshin as well as expansion at Meadowcraft, Bush Hog, HLA, Henry Brick.

He praised the work of the people involved in the Centre of Commerce and the job they do helping bring in new business while meeting the needs of existing businesses.

“I would like to recognize our dedicated staff at the Centre for Commerce,” Jones said. “Wayne Vardaman, President of the Centre for Commerce and his administrative staff comprised of Sharon Hogg and Ann Love. Claire Twardy, Executive Director Selma/Dallas County Chamber of Commerce, Lauri Cothran, Director of Tourism, Carolyn Powell, Director of the Youth and Adult Leadership Selma/Dallas County Program and Tina Price our Administrative Assistant.”

While special attention was paid to the area’s new and growing business in 2004, existing business wasn’t forgotten.

“This community appreciates every business it has,” Probate Judge Johnny Jones said.

C. Jones also paid tribute to the area colleges as well as infrastructure improvements that will make attracting more business easier.

“In 2004 over 20 business ribbon cuttings were held by the Chamber of Commerce and new construction continued to boom on Medical Center Parkway,” he said.

Several of the nights speakers paid tribute to the spirit of working together that helped 2004.

“I think as long as we continue team building, working together for the common good not always agreeing but when we disagree to do it respectfully I think it will all work out for the good,” Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. said.

C. Jones summed things up, praising 2004 and looking forward to 2005.

“While 2004 was a good year for economic development in Selma and Dallas County, it didn’t just happen,” he said. “It took hard work dedication and unselfishness and a spirit of cooperation. We appreciate you and look forward to 2005 because I feel the best is yet to come for Selma and Dallas County.”