Workplace Study Survey Seeks Input From County
Team Schedules Friday Stop In Coffeeville, Water Valley
Staff Report
Economic development groups from North Mississippi, West Tennessee and East Arkansas have joined forces to revise an extensive workforce study.
The total study area is comprised of 54 counties in the three states. During February, the focus will be on 20 counties in North Mississippi including Yalobusha. Local businesses and residents are being called on to participate.
“The project is another tool to help North Mississippi create jobs, said Bob Tyler, Director, Yalobusha County Economic Development District. “The results from a similar study in 2006 have been used in major business locations and expansion decisions.”
In the short term, this data will assist employers and workforce agencies in matching workers with jobs and training programs. Long term, the project will help to prepare the workforce for the changing economy, which requires higher-level skills.
The study requires two different surveys. A labor supply survey is being conducted via brief personal interviews at numerous local retail sites. A labor demand survey is also being conducted online among employers.
“To achieve the greatest level of success we need the help of both businesses and individuals in the community,” said Bob Tyler. “We ask people to stop and talk to our surveyors when they are in your city.”
Survey teams will be at various locations in North Mississippi Thursday, Feb. 18, through Saturday, Feb. 20, conducting brief in-person interviews with area residents. The survey takes only a couple of minutes to complete but gathers very important information about workers and job skills available in the region.
On Friday, Feb. 19, a survey team will be in front of Larson’s Piggly Wiggly in Water Valley from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and at the Coffeeville Piggly Wiggly from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.
We plan to carry out a survey in the Oakland area in the near future, Tyler added.
Employers will begin receiving notices to complete an online survey the week of Mar. 1. AH individual responses will be kept confidential.
Younger Associates, a highly regarded economic development research firm, was tapped by regional economic developers to conduct the study, added Tyler.
For more information or to find our how your business can participate in the study contact Lana Suite, Younger Associates Director of research at 731-668-7367.
