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MEC, AccelerateMS to conduct regional...

MEC, AccelerateMS to conduct regional listening meetings aimed at increasing worker credentials

By: Frank Corder - October 21, 2022

The listening meetings are designed to provide an opportunity for local communities to weigh in directly on credentials of value needed in their area.

The Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) and Accelerate Mississippi will conduct eight regional ecosystem listening tours to gather essential information from education partners, business leaders, and community stakeholders to help inform the strategic planning for Mississippi’s Ascent to 55% initiative.

The Ascent to 55% initiative is made possible by a $1 million grant from the Woodward Hines Education Foundation to the Public Education Forum (a subsidiary of MEC), utilized over four years to develop and execute a strategic plan to guide policy and develop marketing to increase the number of Mississippians with credentials of value.

The listening meetings are designed to provide an opportunity for local communities to weigh in directly on credentials of value that Mississippi will use as the state and its partners in the private sector work to increase industry-driven credential attainment to position Mississippi’s citizens for a more economically prosperous future.

The current attainment level for Mississippi is 45.2%, with the goal of reaching a 55% attainment level by 2030 and 60% by 2035.

Meeting dates, locations, and registration information can be found here.

About the Author(s)
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Frank Corder

For nearly two decades, Frank Corder has reported and offered analysis on government, public policy, elections, business and matters of faith. He is the Editor for Magnolia Tribune where he oversees the day-to-day content development. Frank’s interviews, articles, and columns have been syndicated throughout Mississippi as well as in various national publications. His resume includes appearances on the BBC, CBS News, ABC News, and Fox News, among others. Frank is a frequent analyst on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State and beyond. During his career, Frank has interviewed government officials and candidates from City Halls to the White House, including Presidential candidates, White House officials, U.S. Senators, Congressmen, Cabinet Secretaries, and Governors. He previously hosted his own local radio and television programs and has managed private businesses in the financial, hospitality, and retail sectors. Frank has served his community as an elected City Councilman and as an Assistant/Acting City Manager. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, he led the effort to plan Pascagoula's recovery and rebuilding which earned him recognition as Mississippi's Volunteer of the Year. Frank also led Pascagoula's municipal government out of a $14.5 million deficit, which the Mississippi State Auditor heralded as a model for other communities facing dire financial straits. As the president of the Pascagoula High School Quarterback Club, Frank has self-published "The Book of Pascagoula Football." He has been married for over 25 years and has two children, both of whom work in public education. Email Frank: frank@magnoliatribune.com