Commercial Dispatch Online - GOP Leaders Tout Leadership, Growth

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Commercial Dispatch Online - GOP Leaders Tout Leadership, Growth

By Kristin Mamrack
kmamrack@cdispatch.com

Local and state community and business leaders this morning were treated to breakfast with two United States senators and the governor at the Trotter Convention Center.

Sen. Thad Cochran and Sen. Roger Wicker, both R-Miss., joined Gov. Haley Barbour and special guests for a "Leadership Bridging the Gap" breakfast.

"Columbus is a viable and growing city," Mayor Robert Smith said in introducing special guests. "There is something inherently good about rallying together for the community good."

"We're proving we're close together," Cochran said. "I don't think that gap is as big as some people think. By our example, we can be an influence to the rest of the country. I am convinced we have a record of achievement and accomplishment in reaching out and working together that should be the envy of every state in the nation."

"I really feel at home here," Wicker said of visiting Columbus. "We've got a long way to go, but maybe we could pat ourselves on the back for a community (able to assemble) a diverse group of leaders."

"We really ought not to embark on a career of public service, unless we are trying to help our fellow Americans realize the American dream," Wicker said of elected officials. "I hope we're about helping people realize the American dream."

The American dream often includes education, home ownership and having a good job, he noted.

Additionally, he referred to the successes of SeverCorr, Aurora Flight Sciences, American Eurocopter, Stark Aerospace and the manufacture of mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles — MRAPs — in West Point as "opportunities."

"We have been really successful here in the Golden Triangle," he said.

Referring to Stark Aerospace and American Eurocopter, he added, "Isn't it great to have the Israelis come to the United States and say we're going to bring jobs to the Golden Triangle? Isn't it great to have the French come to the U.S. and say we're going to bring jobs?"

"We want to be about the business of the American dream," he concluded. "I don't think all the good ideas originate from inside the beltway in Washington, D.C. Most of the good ideas originate from local, talented people like you see in this room."

"I think of this area as a metaphor (for bridging the gap)," Barbour said. "When I think of bridging the gap, I don't think about black or white. If there's a color I associate with bridging the gap, it's green."

Referring to the companies referenced by Wicker, he added, "That's a function of teamwork."

Noting the importance of education and training, Barbour also said, "Absolutely essential to what's happening in this part of the state has been the quality of the workforce.

"Learning and education is indispensable and it's totally available," he continued. "Ultimately, nobody's going to come here and create jobs if they don't have confidence your workforce has the ability to learn and can do the job."

"I see my job as being the head job creation officer of Mississippi," he concluded. "We are getting the job done and bridging the gap. We bridge the gap by working together. There is no better place in this state for working together than what we see here."

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