| Workforce Development Key For Calhoun |
 |
 |
 |
|
By JOEL?McNEECE Jay Moon, president of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, told a Calhoun Economic Development Association (CEDA) audience that “workforce development” is most critical for a strong economy. “We must graduate seniors and send them to college or community college to get them prepared for the workforce,” Moon said. “The dropout rate is more than 30% in Mississippi.” Moon and John Baas, director of governmental affairs for the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, were featured speakers at the CEDA?meeting last week at the courthouse in Pittsboro. The Calhoun County Republican Party provided refreshments. Moon said “regionalism” is the second key to achieving success. “You can’t make it on your own,” Moon said. “You have to reach out and form a multi-county area.” Moon said Calhoun County needs to determine what it can offer that no one else can. then market that and sell it to the world. Baas spoke of some of the legislative issues he has been working on to help manufacturing in the state, which makes up 15% of the workforce. “3,611 bills were introduced this last legislative session,” Baas said. “We review all of them to see what their impact might be on manufacturing.” Baas said his organization supports the elimination of the inventory tax, noting Mississippi is one of the few that still require it. He also said they want the franchise tax eliminated, a reduction on the sales tax on energy used in the manufacturing process, and the prevention of the “card check” program, which makes it easier for union formation. “We are working as we can to try and take as much burden off of the private sector as we can,” Moon said. |