It was two years ago today that the course of Albert Lea history was altered forever. That was the day a spark ignited a pile of cardboard boxes at the Farmland plant. Two days later, when the fire was finally under control, it had become clear to around 500 employees and 30,000 residents of Freeborn County: After many ups and downs, the meatpacking industry that had been so closely linked to the city for a century might be done for good.

In the two years that have passed, Albert Lea has seen good and bad. On the bright side, it became clear that a more diversified economy had developed, allowing one of the town’s largest employers to disappear without the devastating effects some predicted. And the crisis brought out the best in the people of the area and the state, as help for the unemployed came in many forms.

But attempts to replace the large employer have brought one disappointment after another. From Farmland’s bankruptcy, which seems to have put plans for a new plant on hold indefinitely, to the failed attempt to land a Ford warehouse and the high-paying jobs it would bring, to the revelation less than a week ago that a new packinghouse giant, Premium Pork, will go elsewhere, those who seek jobs or hope for a spark for the local economy have seen setbacks.

The important thing is for the community not to give up. The case of St. Joseph, Mo., which go the Premium Pork headquarters, should be an example. That city lost several major employers, and it took years of effort before there was good news to celebrate. But leaders there stayed the course through hard times and now things may be looking up.

The same can be said for a nearby city that was looking at economic hard times in the 1980s. In the aftermath of a strike at Hormel, Austin struggled for years to get back on its feet. But today, the city appears as vital as ever. It’s another example of how a community can recover from what seems like a major blow.

It’s little comfort right now to those who still feel the effects of the Farmland fire, but the city’s efforts over the last two years have not been in vain. Its courtships with Farmland, Ford and Premium Pork have left Albert Lea better prepared to welcome other new employers if they come knocking, with the city-owned industrial site on the city’s south side ready to go. And before long, the old plant will finally be gone and the huge site where it sits will become city property, opening another opportunity for development that could help provide a better future. The chance for a tax-free zone from the state is another potential economic stimulus that could make a difference.

To make good things happen, Albert Lea must stay positive and continue developing strategic plans and goals. Nobody said it would be easy, but it’s been demonstrated that with time and effort, a community can recover from a setback like the Farmland fire. It might seem natural to be discouraged right now, but there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic.