Statewide organization meets in Starkville to discuss plans on future workforce
STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Recently, the job market has hit a slump.
In July, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the U.S. economy unexpectedly lost 23,000 jobs.
That has raised some concerns for state business leaders who are always looking for ways to grow the state’s workforce.
The Mississippi Business Alliance is a new organization made up of the Mississippi Economic Council, the state’s Manufacturers Association and other organizations.
The Alliance is hosting the Business Forward Tour to talk with city and county leaders about the opportunities and issues in economic development across the state.
“You look at where things are going well economically in the state, this stands out automatically,” John McKay said. “What we want to do is coming in here directly in front of the folks that are on the ground, what are they doing right that we can maybe take to other parts of the state. Then also let them hear from us and what we are hearing in Jackson and even Washington DC with just business and policy decisions.”
Local partners were in attendance such as Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Starkville Rotary Cub and the Greater Starkville Development Partnership.
“That broad network that the businesses here in Starkville bring for us and interact with, that is such a key thing in how we really can work together,” McKay said.
President and CEO of the Mississippi Business Alliance, John McKay said it is pivotal to figure out immediate ways to grow the state.
“You hear the intersection of business and education and how critical that is so we look moving forward, we look at the workforce development and education,” McKay said. “How can we bring all the partners in those areas together so K-12, community college, and then so important in this area in the IHL university level. How can we get businesses to the table and help inform the education partners on what things will be needed in the most relevant business growth and activity.”
The tour will be making further stops to talk with city leaders around Mississippi.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment declined in local government, education and retail trade and continued to trend up in health care as of July 2026.
