Mississippi Economic Council Tours The State

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss.(WCBI) – The Mississippi Economic Council is making its way around the state, working on plans for economic development.

The tour stopped in Columbus Tuesday.

When it comes to bringing manufacturing companies to the Magnolia State, CEO of Mississippi Economic Council, Scott Waller says the answer is simple.

“Focus on workforce training to bring companies in here. Provide the type of workforce they need. That is the biggest step for us. To make sure that we have the people that are willing to get into the workforce. The ability to get the training they need to be successful, once they get there,”said Waller.

The MEC is teaching business leaders about job creation, educational achievements, and changing industry climates.

East Mississippi Community College Vice President Dr. Paul Miller says the Communiversity, in Lowndes County, will be a great boost for future students, workers, and employers.

“Workforce is a concern all over the state. We know we have a very positive track record from the past. Being able to develop the workforce in order to build our advanced manufacturing base. We want to continue to do that by creating a new pipeline that’s going to create partnerships from our local high schools, all the way through, to our universities with EMCC right in the center coordinating those efforts,”said Miller.

Infrastructure also plays a crucial role in creating jobs.

Waller says with the state spending 225 million dollars a year on roads and bridges it’s important to keep them in good working order.

“Several years ago they created the four-lane highway system across Mississippi which opened up a great deal of economic opportunities across Mississippi. For us to maintain that we have to truly maintain those roads and make sure they’re in a condition that allows us to do so,”said Waller.

Waller believes many factors go into creating growth and development, including picking the best representation for Mississippi on the national level.

“Their right to go out and vote they need to take seriously. We encourage everyone to go vote because the leadership that we select will determine the direction of our state,”said Waller.

Each year the MEC tours the state to provide these updates and get feedback.

The information they get helps them lobby for several projects during the upcoming legislative session.