During a recent work session of the Warren County Board of Supervisors, District 3 Supervisor Charles Selmon expressed his concern that Vicksburg and Warren County are not “work ready” when it comes to economic development.

Selmon mentioned to Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Pablo Diaz the significance of the the Continental Tire Company that will be coming into Clinton and “letting them know Warren County is work ready.”

“Hinds (Community College) is involved in trying to get this community work ready for future development,” Selmon said. “We’re falling behind as far as work readiness and don’t have a lot of people signed up in Warren County. Other county’s have already been deemed work ready. You have to have a percentage of the county signed up to be work ready. It’s a big effort to say we are ready to go to work in Warren County. We have to get on board with that and maybe you leading the charge getting businesses to understand what it means to be work ready.”

Diaz, who has been promoting work readiness programs since his arrival earlier this year, agreed with Selmon and explained the monthly Chamber Luncheon at the Vicksburg Convention Center will focus on Hinds Community College’s ACT Work Ready program. The luncheon is set for Dec. 13 at noon.

Becoming a certified work ready community is vital to economic development and currently, Warren County is about halfway there. Work ready communities measure and close the skills gap, building common frameworks that link, align and match their workforce development efforts.

Diaz is confident more businesses will take advantage of becoming work ready and expects Warren County to be certified by the first of the year.

We also encourage the business community to learn more about the work ready program by contacting the Chamber of Commerce to be part of the December luncheon. Call 601-636-1012 to register or learn more.