Mayor Jim Staff summed up his thoughts about the upcoming year in one word: “Positive.”

“We’re going to have a prosperous year,” he said. “Everything looks positive and everyone you talk to seems positive.”

Staff acknowledged that times have been tough for Atmore since 2009, but added that the economic climate might be on the verge of turning around.

“We’re just about over the hump,” he said. “We see the light at the end of the tunnel and it isn’t a train.”

The city has been buoyed this year by announcements that Walmart will be building a store here and that Fairfield Inn will be coming to Rivercane.

“People aren’t as scared as they once were,” Staff said. “Nobody wanted to spend a nickel.”

Staff hopes that these announcements will soon add money to the city coffers, which will go toward new infrastructure.

The Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce is also looking forward to a prosperous 2014 as well, according to Executive Director Sheryl Vickery.
Vickery said she hopes the chamber’s Shop Local campaign continues in the new year. Also the chamber wants to help promote a positive attitude throughout the city.

“This year can be just as good or better than last year,” she said.
Vickery admitted there would be challenges, but added that “challenges bring opportunities.”

“We’re going to work toward a positive year,” Vickery said.