...The world economy is in a tailspin. Stocks are erratic, foreclosures rampant,
credit tight and governments are in a bailout mode. Tough times cause people
to tighten their belts, and that hurts business, and that in turn impacts jobs,
and the cycle continues.
...Mississippi, already one of the poorest, least developed states, is hurting.
Between October 2007 and 2008 the list of employed decreased by 15,100,
according to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. And there’s
no end in sight. In October and November, 16 companies told MDES they
will cut jobs, and 12 others plan to shut down.
...Gloria Neal, MDES’s chief of work force services, can’t recall a rash of job
loss notices like this since the period following Hurricane Katrina. The state’s
furniture industry has taken a beating, and even powerhouse Nissan cut
production levels in Canton.
...In South Mississippi, ATM-maker Triton of Long Beach cut its workforce,
Gulfport’s Future Pipe closed and Bailey’s Lumber and Supply mothballed its
Gulfport location. Casino revenues have taken a hit and there have been
layoffs. Biloxi's Isle of Capri Casino put an expansion on hold.
...But within the chaos is opportunity. It may put more eyes on South
Mississippi as companies consider less costly ways to do business. One key is
to show them a workforce and training system that can address their needs
now and in the future - The editors
January 2009
credit tight and governments are in a bailout mode. Tough times cause people
to tighten their belts, and that hurts business, and that in turn impacts jobs,
and the cycle continues.
...Mississippi, already one of the poorest, least developed states, is hurting.
Between October 2007 and 2008 the list of employed decreased by 15,100,
according to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. And there’s
no end in sight. In October and November, 16 companies told MDES they
will cut jobs, and 12 others plan to shut down.
...Gloria Neal, MDES’s chief of work force services, can’t recall a rash of job
loss notices like this since the period following Hurricane Katrina. The state’s
furniture industry has taken a beating, and even powerhouse Nissan cut
production levels in Canton.
...In South Mississippi, ATM-maker Triton of Long Beach cut its workforce,
Gulfport’s Future Pipe closed and Bailey’s Lumber and Supply mothballed its
Gulfport location. Casino revenues have taken a hit and there have been
layoffs. Biloxi's Isle of Capri Casino put an expansion on hold.
...But within the chaos is opportunity. It may put more eyes on South
Mississippi as companies consider less costly ways to do business. One key is
to show them a workforce and training system that can address their needs
now and in the future - The editors
January 2009
Opinion
Opportunity in the economic chaos
Opportunity in the economic chaos
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |