Image matters

By Staff
May 16, 2004
How a community is perceived by people who live in it and outside of it can be crucial to growth, development and an overall enhanced quality of life. We're not talking about papering over structural deficiencies or slapping a new coat of paint on an old building and calling it restored. The effort by members of the East Mississippi Business Development Corp. is deeper and, potentially, more meaningful than that. It has the potential for constructive change by changing the way we think about ourselves.
An Image Committee, headed by Billy Estes, who came to Meridian about 14 months ago to head Trustmark National Bank, has important work to do. Estes says the committee wants to survey local people to find out what they see as problems, a first move that can lead to solutions.
We've consistently maintained that suggesting "solutions" without first identifying problems is counter-productive. Finding out what residents need, want and expect from all aspects of their community including government, education, health care, commerce and quality of life is a healthy venture.
And, as a fresh face in the community, Estes is in a good position to head the effort.
When it comes to a community's image, there is no such thing as a quick fix. This area's image, both within and outside the community itself, has been developing since that great first debate over whether the town would be called Meridian or Sowashee Junction.
When the Image Committee comes calling, we encourage residents to share their thoughts freely and willingly. We'll look forward to periodically updating our readers on its findings.