We do not live in a vacuum. Our concerns about the economy in Selma, Dallas County and the Black Belt are shared.

That fact should be evident by recent headlines from the state over. Just Friday ThyseeKrupp announced it would delay the start of its stainless steel producing plant slated for construction near Mobile. Toyota announced it has considered cutting 1,000 jobs. The corporation operates a plant in Huntsville that manufactures V-8 engines.

There are other stories.

Phil Hardwick, the guest speaker at the Selma & Dallas County Economic Development Authority’s annual meeting, had a point when he talked about distractions as fatal.

We need to remember that we’re all in this together. The point is to keep our eyes on progress and remain positive. While we’re concerned with this area, we also need to remember we’re not suffering hard times alone.