NBC television is well known for its “Now You Know” public service announcement campaign, and even famous cartoon G.I. Joe knew that “knowing is half the battle.”

Unfortunately, when it comes to Selma and Dallas County many of us don’t know or fully appreciate the good things we have here.

Far too often — and we are just as guilty as anyone — we focus on the high employment rates, the poverty rates and the ongoing fight against drugs and gun crimes. What we fail to do is recognize the advancements that have been made in bringing jobs to Dallas County, investments made in our community and the renewed focus on protecting the historical assets we have.

In Sunday’s edition, we reported how an official with the Southern Poverty Law Center — a well known and well respected organization — made a comment containing a less than flattering comment on the state of industry in Dallas County.

To the official’s defense, they quickly recanted their comments when presented evidence Selma and Dallas County have worked tremendously hard to find new industries and new jobs.

Their comments — their not knowing — is not a reflection on them, it is a reflection on us. We —and we mean all of us — need to learn more about what our area has to offer and begin spreading the good news about Dallas County.