We salute the efforts of the Delta Regional Minority Business Association to help business growth throughout its service area. The young organization has as its top priority helping small minority-owned businesses establish mainstream business practices, according to Larry D. Williams, Founder and Technical Advisor to the Association.

Helping businesses understand the processes of taxes, permits, sales and marketing, business plan development and other practices necessary to successful business operation is the primary focus. To this end, the Association holds seminars and workshops and provides technical assistance. Williams says that since funding is limited, most technical assistance is provided through other sources or through help available from the network itself.

The name of the organization gives structure and focus to the group and encompasses all businesses that qualify under the SBA guidelines for minority-owned businesses. "We would welcome any business to participate," Williams says. "We are inclusive, not exclusive, and would welcome white males too if they needed our assistance. We see business development as a way to improve the quality of life for everyone in the Delta."

DBJ says "Amen" to that. The rising tide floats all ships and we look forward to working with the Association and its members in a growing Delta business environment. DBJ

Mike Espy

DBJ is pleased with the recent acquittal of Mike Espy after his long ordeal with possible federal wrongdoing. While it is evident that Espy did receive some prohibited favors, almost everyone who knows him feels that there was certainly no intent to do anything wrong. Inexperience, possibly ignorance of new and stricter laws, and exuberant enjoyment of the perks of being unexpectedly catapulted into a position of real power seem to have overcome Mike's usual good judgement.

We hope to see Mike back doing the kind of good for Mississippi and the Delta that he has done in the past. We also hope that this painful lesson will not be wasted on other talented political aspirants. The mere appearance of impropriety can be terribly damaging to a brilliant career. DBJ

Mid-Delta Empowerment Zone Alliance

There have been a lot of things written and said about the workings of the Mid-Delta Empowerment Zone Alliance over the last few months. While we will not comment here on the litany of events, it is worth pointing out how strongly we feel the MDEZA should be utilized for positive economic development.

From the Mississippi Delta Community College workforce training center to additional incentives that helped lure companies like Dollar General to the Delta, the Empowerment Zone has shown that it has the potential to assist our communities economically, if administered correctly. Without pointing fingers, it is time for the staff, board members, state agencies and local partners of MDEZA to sit down and move this project forward in a manner that will bring about the greatest amount of good for Delta residents.

We have been handed an opportunity to improve some areas that have been neglected because of funding problems. Now, we have the funding mechanism in place, but local infighting has hampered the progress. It is time for those associated with MDEZA to cut the chains and let this project reach a zenith whereby Delta citizens can truly be empowered. DBJ