Vicksburg is enjoying the best economy in its history, Mayor Laurence Leyens told about 65 people Wednesday.

Leyens, now in the second year of his second term as mayor, and the city’s two aldermen were the guests at the Chamber of Commerce’s February luncheon at the Vicksburg Convention Center. The theme was to provide an overall update or The State of the City.

&#8220If you’re not investing in this city right now, you’re really missing out,” Leyens said. &#8220So, open your eyes, quit kicking the tires and recognize this huge opportunity going on right now.”

With real estate property values on the rise, under 5 percent unemployment and upcoming industrial additions to Warren County such as an ethanol plant at the Vicksburg harbor and possible expansion at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station, Vicksburg will only move forward, Leyens said.

&#8220I find I’m doing nothing but real estate development in my office right now, and it’s just interesting that the local people are not at the table,” he said.

The city has a very strong, diversified industrial base – one that is not based on one specific entity that could kill the whole economy, Leyens said.

&#8220Every city has the same bag of tricks when it comes to tax incentives. It’s our job to make it friendlier, easier and faster in Vicksburg,” he said.

Leyens said Vicksburg is in the best strategic location for upcoming energy-related development in the next several decades.

&#8220We need to promote the city as a regional industrial center while we improve the quality of life for our citizens,” he said.

Leyens said he’s proud of the city and the direction it’s heading. He said he wants locals, not just &#8220outsiders” to take advantage of the economic opportunities.

&#8220I just want to get my team players – the people who I work for – to wake up and see what’s going on.”