January 23, 2013

Notice anything different about the paper this week?

The Prentiss Headlight went on a diet. It’s just as tall but not as wide as before (Oh, that we could all be that.) Beginning today, the paper lost an entire inch in width, now measuring 11 inches by 22 and 3/4 inches in length.

The last reduction in paper size occured on October 15, 2008. The paper was reduced by one inch and three quarters in width. Being economically compettive by reducing costs (paper size), maintaining profit, and producing a good product is the focus of all businesses, including the newspaper business, these days. Speaking of the economy, the front page story about a new business choosing to locate in Prentiss sends renewed hope that our local economy can turn around.

Southeastern Environmental Services will start out small when they open in March, hiring a few they say, but the future growth potential is immeasurable.

Good news about Foley Products Company finally getting underway with construction. Stories about new businesses opening and commercial construction are rare for our county.

Speaking with a local business-owner this week, the discussion centered around starting one’s own business versus ‘working for the man.’

This owner knew from childhood that he always wanted to own his own business and be his own boss. He is a big proponent of entrepreneurship, and he sees opportunity in every empty storefront in the county as there are lots of things people need that cannot be purchased here.

A recent quote from a columnist in The Hattiesburg American this week stated young people are starting businesses in downtown Hattiesburg “working 80 hours a week for themselves so they don’t have to work 40 hours a week for someone else.”

With the improving economy, maybe it’s time to take a leap of faith (wearing a parachute of a good business model) and start that business you’ve always dreamed about.