By Staff
Our View
The Atmore Area YMCA and Community Center was at full capacity Monday night as the Chamber of Commerce held its 61st annual Chamber Banquet.
James (Jim) P. Hayes was the speaker for the evening. He spoke about the economic development of the Atmore area, as well as the State of Alabama.
Hayes, the president of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, discussed how Atmore has great potential for growth because of the property that is available off Interstate 65 currently under construction. He said projects such as Rivercane will help develop Atmore into a great entity for the state.
In mentioning the work going on at Interstate 65 Hayes failed to mention the millions of dollars and effort being put forth by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to develop their property at I-65, which will compliment the city's retail project.
Rivercane is much needed for this community, nobody will argue that fact. However, the future of the Poarch Creek Indians' gaming efforts will also bring a lot of money and job opportunities into the town of Atmore. For that, they deserved credit, where credit was due.
Yes, a lot of the happenings on the reservation are hush-hush, but just like with Rivercane, if they say too much, it could jeopardize the entire project. Not many people in the community know exactly what the Poarch Creek Indians are going to develop at the interstate, but we all have a good idea and know that it will be big.
When the new Creek Entertainment Center opened in 2006, it not only helped attract people from other areas to come to Atmore, but it also created more than 100 jobs for Atmore and the surrounding areas. With talks of even bigger plans, it is evident that even more visitors will stop off in Atmore and more jobs will be created.
Although Hayes was correct in stating that the Rivercane project will be a good source to connect Atmore to the Mobile region; the Poarch Band of Creek Indians deserve some acknowledgement for the things they do for the town of Atmore as well.
Although this was a simple oversight on Hayes' part, the Advance felt it necessary to assure Tribal members and Atmore residents that their work and contributions are appreciated.
As for the Chamber event as a whole, the work by executive director Emilie Mims and her sidekick, Shelley Williams, should be commended. A lot of work goes into an event of that magnitude and a pat on the back is due.
If you know them, which we're sure you do, they won't deem it necessary.
Thanks!