Disappointing is a word that sums up the news that Lockheed Martin and Selma were not chosen to contract Introductory Flight Training for the U.S.A.F. That word represents the feelings that are among politicians from the Senate floor in Washington D.C. to Selma, Ala. to Selmians at large.

While disappointment may be consuming our emotions now, it is imperative to see the importance of a lesson learned.

Everything that our community did in efforts to win the bid from the Air Force is an example of how we should promote ourselves and act in the future. All efforts done for this bid will eventually help Selma become a better place and prospect for future industrial efforts.

It wasn’t long ago that there was one of the most endearing efforts of the community as people partnered together to help clean up a once drizzle Craig Field. People from all walks of life and all races and sexes worked for a common goal – one that wasn’t political.

This was and is a good sign for the future of Selma. Knowing that we can pull together and combine our talents for the good of our community is powerful. We should know that Selma’s cup is half-full rather than half-empty. There is significance in being a finalist and of being Lockheed Martin’s No. 1 pick for this contract.

Lockheed Martin is no stranger to multi-million dollar contracts and understands what makes a viable prospect. They saw Selma as a contender.

If we want to focus on anything, it should be on the grander scheme of what is to come. Let’s not focus on what could have been, but rather what is going to be. We have the confidence of a corporate giant like Lockheed and are once again on the radar screens of some of the most enticing economic contributors.

Selma and Lockheed Martin may not have won this contract, but Selma has come out of this as a winner – as a community that learned to pull together and because of their efforts and leadership are once again in the competitive market for growth and economic change.