Time was, when you were considering taking a trip, the first thing you did was to drag the suitcases down from the attic, dust them off, and start packing.

Today, however, an increasing number of people log on to the Internet first before they even decide where they want to go.

So it was of more than passing interest to learn that the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce will be officially unveiling its new Web site &045; www.InSelma.com &045; at its forthcoming

annual meeting to be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center.

Increasingly, people are utilizing the Internet to help them to decide their vacation itineraries. The Web offers a quick and convenient way to learn about potential destinations, as well as a place to shop for the best prices and to finalize reservations.

Ensuring that Selma maintains an attractive and appealing presence on the Web just makes good sense. It’s a way for this city to tell its story to those who may be considering traveling this way either now or in the near future.

And it’s not just for visitors. Maintaining a strong Web site could also be a good first step toward helping various community organizations connect with each other and build a strong local network.

Such a Web site is also a good way for citizens of Selma to learn more about their own city. So log on, and see if you can’t learn something you about our city you didn’t know before.