Industry key to GT’s growth

Industry key to GT’s growth Mississippi’ Golden Triangle business and community leaders met at Mayhew’s East Mississippi Community College on Jan. 22 for Mississippi Economic Council's annual Regional Round-Up to discuss the economic strengths and weaknesses of the state. A majority of the 175 attendees said industry is the Golden Triangle's greatest economic strength, though infrastructure, diversity, people and community were also noted as being strong. The biggest weakness, they said: education and workforce development, according to participants’ electronic voting of issues. Sixty-four percent also voted that the best way to strengthen regional competitiveness was to improve the workforce rather than regional partnerships and business climates. What specifically did attendees decide was the Golden Triangle’s greatest opportunity for economic growth? Seventy-one percent said advanced manufacturing. Education was also a key topic for discussion related to the economy. (Source: Columbus Dispatch, 01/23/15) Central Mississippi Note: Upcoming MEC’s regional meetings are scheduled Feb. 26 in Meridian at Mississippi State University’s Riley Center; and March 6 in Hattiesburg at Southern Oaks House and Gardens.