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Bryan Parker and Neal Wade were the speakers at the Selma Rotary Club on Monday.

Parker is the Director of Governmental Affairs at the Alabama League of Municipalities. Wade is the Managing Partner of the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program. The two organizations are working together to improve cities across the state, especially the Rural areas.

“It’s a good partnership, we enjoy working with Neal,” Parker said.

Parker said that Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. is  on the board of the Alabama League of Municipalities.

“We enjoy working with Mayor Perkins,” Parker said.

Wade said the City of Selma participated in the EDA program with a small group that included the Mayor and two City Council members.

“Selma had a team in place, but we want to see a bigger group next time,” Wade said. “Selma fell on the Economic Vitality Index to get started. It’s a great city.’’

Wade said that Selma has some things to fix for improving the city.

“Selma has issues,” Wade said. “We need to get more people involved. Don’t just go with the Mayor and city council. Some cities bring city employees and business leaders to this.”

Wade changed the subject to the Workforce, which he said needs improvement between the ages of 16 and 25.

“We need a site and a work force,” Wade said. “Two things need to grow: we need transportation and child care.’