Over the weekend we highlighted some of the city&8217;s efforts to provide an attractive community in which we can all live and work.

To some, this might seem to be a completely cosmetic approach to making us all feel good about where we live.

Reality is far from that assumption.

Regardless of any other reason, we should all take pride in the appearance of our city, and that means taking pride in the appearance of our homes and businesses.

But there is often more at stake than we might realize. Demopolis is fortunate in that we have a growing retail and industrial base. That means we attract a lot of wandering eyes wondering if this jewel of the Black Belt is the ideal place for them to set up shop.

What they see will have an impact on their decision, and we are all responsible for making sure they are met with a clean, orderly city.

New business means new jobs which means a stronger economic base. That means better bottom lines for existing businesses. And part of this entire equation begins with a commitment to fighting litter and providing an attractive business community.

We&8217;ve seen a flurry of activity &8212; especially in the downtown and adjacent areas &8212; where business owners are sprucing up their shops.

We&8217;ve seen painting and landscaping and new benches and flowers. It&8217;s all a wonderful trend, and we hope that others take note as well.

It&8217;s the little things that often count the most in life, so we should all do our part to take care of the little things.