A fact well-established in Vicksburg is that coordinated promotional efforts reap more benefits than could ever be achieved by single-business efforts. That’s why a move to expand Vicksburg Main Street should move ahead. Everyone chips in a little and everyone benefits a lot.

The most sterling example of combined promotions was creation of the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. While it has had some rough times, the VCVB over the decades has transformed the marketing of the city to the point that tourism is a leading industry. With a separate revenue stream and a full-time staff devoted to supporting the development of attractions and spreading the word about them worldwide, the VCVB has been a tremendous plus and is performing with excellence today.

Same for Main Street. The national model was first adopted here in 1984 to succeed a less formal association of downtown merchants. It was controversial, of course, because a key element was levying an additional annual tax on commercial property. But the dividends have been solid, largely stemming from the fact that the funds raised have been spent wisely by a professional staff to develop, enhance and promote commerce in the city.

The word from Harry Sharp, Main Street board chairman, is that the first step in expanding the district east along Clay Street to Interstate 20 and south on Washington Street to the Mississippi River bridges, is to call on individual business owners and provide data on what Main Street has done and will do. There will be opposition. Especially these days, no business owner will be excited about any new tax, even a small increase. But unlike 25 years ago, when Main Street was an untested idea, today we know it has worked and is working well. Indeed, the argument can be made that adverse economic times make pooling marketing resources even more important.

This town has seen benefits from cooperation and coordination. Expanding Vicksburg Main Street is a good idea.