Good things are happening in Brookhaven and Lincoln County, and state leaders have seen that first-hand this week.

On Tuesday, the Mississippi Economic Council hosted a lunch in Brookhaven to discuss economic development. The MEC serves as the state’s Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re so glad to be in Brookhaven,” said Scott Waller, president of MEC. “Brookhaven has made tremendous improvements over the years. This is a community that you want to live in.”

No one expected Waller to say anything different, but that does not mean the comments were not genuine. Brookhaven has its challenges, but it also has made great strides in ways other cities have not.

It has a thriving downtown when so many of our state’s cities are struggling. It has a strong medical community, when others are losing clinics and hospitals. It has a full industrial park, when others are losing businesses to other states. Brookhaven can also brag about its previous “healthiest hometown” designation, as well as boast about a thriving arts scene. Its churches, schools and families also make it a great place to live and work.

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves also got to see what Brookhaven and Lincoln County have to offer during a tour Wednesday. Reeves made stops at Brookhaven High School, a joint meeting of local civic clubs, Rex Lumber, Copiah-Lincoln Community College and King’s Daughters Medical Center.

He bragged on the city and county along the way. Again, like Waller, he is expected to boast about the places he visits. But that doesn’t cheapen the comments.

Thanks to the hard work of many in this community, Brookhaven and Lincoln County continue to be a great place to start a business, raise a family or find a job. It will take the continued effort of many to ensure that is always the case.