A rose to Columbus Air Force Base, which held its change of command ceremony Wednesday. We congratulate outgoing 14th Flying Training Wing commander Col. James “Flash” Blech and welcome his successor, Col. Joshua “JJ” Jensen. While the overall mission for wing commanders is the same — training the next generation of Air Force pilots — each faces unique challenges and opportunities. Blech’s two-year assignment here came during a major transition from old training jets whose best days were behind them to new, more sophisticated and more powerful trainers, a transition that will continue under Jensen as training on the new T-7 Redhawk jets begins next year. We thank Blech for the leadership he has provided and welcome Jensen as he begins his new assignment as wing commander.
A rose to Jackson-based nonprofit Covered Music and Starkville Strong for collaborating to bring a pair of Motown-themed concerts to support Starkville Strong’s mission. The concerts are set for 7 p.m. July 23 and 24 at Rick’s Cafe, with proceeds going to Starkville Strong, which tackles food insecurity, housing instability and homelessness and advocates for Oktibbeha County residents in need. Covered Music has established relationships in Pearl and Brookhaven. When it looked to expand to Starkville, the organization’s leaders inquired about a nonprofit in the area it could support. It is a credit to Starkville Strong that it was the overwhelming recommendation. We urge the public to get its Motown groove on by purchasing concert tickets to support this worthy cause.
A rose to the Golden Triangle Development LINK, which announced Tuesday that it has created a new position devoted entirely to the retention and expansion of existing manufacturing and industry. Brent Lochala has been hired as director of business retention and expansion. In the role, the longtime administrator at 4-County Electric will work closely with existing industries in the region to support business growth, expansion opportunities, workforce development initiatives and long-term business success. In economic development, there is always the temptation to focus almost exclusively on recruiting new companies, but the LINK has a proven track record of supporting existing businesses through numerous expansions. Creating a position whose only focus will be serving the needs of established businesses represents a continued commitment to those efforts.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 40 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
