Officials may have been talking about the present but the real goal was to keep an eye on the future.

That was the focus of a public forum last week that gave officials and several companies the opportunity to talk about where we are, and perhaps more importantly, where our region is going.

Many of the booths were designed to simply bring everyone up to speed on the various projects, many of which take years to take shape and get off the ground.

With projects that truly impact all of Lawrence County, many of the focal points are centered on infrastructure, the one element perhaps more than any other that will be the foundation for success.

The list is impressive:

Developing the Charley Creek and U.S. 52 intersection to make it more safe and allow more opportunity for commercial development.

Continuing growth at The Point industrial park, with an eye on it becoming a key shipping port along the Ohio River.

Restoring Ironton’s downtown to some its past glory with an emphasis on creating residential and commercial ventures that will increase foot traffic.

Reworking the Tri-State Transit Authority’s Ohio bus system to better serve the region and link the three states more seamlessly.

These are just some of the positive things happening in Lawrence County. Couple these with private development projects like two health care centers in Ironton and the RiverWalk project in Proctorville and the future looks bright.

It is important that residents see these things are happening.

Progress, and a positive attitude, will go a long way toward making Lawrence County the business and recreational hub of southern Ohio.