No matter where you live, there are those who will always say they long for the “good ole’ days.” They look fondly on the “way things were” or “how it used to be.”

I caught myself saying the same thing Saturday as I took in a round of golf at Craig Golf Course. I found myself trying to envision what the former Air Force base was like in its heyday; planes on the runway and guards at the check points.

The base that once trained future combat pilots and instructors was a major economic catalyst for the city of Selma from the 1940s through the mid-70s. When it closed, the base was converted into civilian stewardship and with that conversion and relocation of hundreds of military personnel, Selma saw a major economic partner and countless tax dollars gone.

But, today’s Craig Field industrial complex is working hard to provide the same economic stimulus to the Selma and Dallas County community as the military base did three decades ago.

Hundreds of workers converge on industries and plans in and around the field daily and the airfield provides a huge recruiting tool few communities in the Southeast — much less the state of Alabama — can utilize.

The runways can handle planes as large as Air Force One and the remodeled hangars provide future corporations key space to not only store their planes during a regular visit, but do so on a permanent basis.

In a few months, the new terminal will be completed, providing yet another welcoming “front door” to the city of Selma, Dallas County and the Black Belt.

For those who haven’t taken time to visit Craig in a few years, you might be surprised to see just what industries and corporations call the former Air Force Base home.

There’s a lot to look back on and remember fondly of the past. But, Selma and Dallas County truly have tremendous potential and one of the key components to a bright future is the success at Craig Field.