This is what we have to do
The
key issues in a strong economy remain to be education, workforce
training and job creation in every area of our state. This
is especially true in the Delta.
While economic development strategies continue to change
and perception of different areas in the state create problems
with recruiting and creating jobs, we still have to work
together to ensure opportunities for all Mississippians.
There is no question that the labor force in our state is
one of the best in the United States. All you have to do
is spend time talking to company executives at International
Paper Company in Vicksburg; Cooper Lighting in Vicksburg;
Viking Range in Greenwood; Baxter Laboratory in Cleveland;
Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in Pascagoula and many more
across the state.
It is a well known fact that existing industry creates 80%
of our new jobs. Therefore, we need to spend more time and
effort to make sure they all have the tools to survive and
expand their operations.
To meet the needs of existing industry, it will take an
alliance consisting of the Mississippi Development Authority,
the Manufacturers Association, the Institution of Higher
Learning, the community colleges, the Municipal Associations,
the Board of Supervisors Association, utility companies,
local economic developers and the Chambers of Commerce.
Such an alliance will allow coordination of visits to existing
industry, documentation of their needs, coordination of
proposals to train, finance and assist industry in maintaining
their operations in our state.
In addition, by forming this alliance, we can train one
another on the basic needs of industry, learn how to assist
industry in solving their problems and put them in touch
with the experts to help them with these same problems.
The fact that someone from the alliance will be making calls
on existing industry on a frequent basis will ensure that
their needs will be met and existing industry will continue
to grow and prosper in our state. DBJ
(Jimmy Heidel is the executive director of the Vicksburg
and Warren County Economic Development Foundation, the Warren
County Port Commission and the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber
of Commerce).
