Beunkka Davis, Communications Specialist
JACKSON, Miss. — September 22, 2025 – The Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) and the Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA) will host a series of ATLAS (Accelerated Training and Livelihood Aligned Strategy) Industry Roundtable discussions in partnership with AccelerateMS, the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), and the Mississippi Community College Board (MCCB). Industry leaders, decision makers, HR professionals, career coaches, educators, and workforce development specialists are invited to participate.
These first-of-their-kind facilitated, in-person roundtables offer a platform to discuss critical workforce needs and to identify competency gaps impacting Mississippi businesses. Participants will help influence strategies that will guide workforce development efforts statewide and have opportunities to connect with business, education, and community leaders.
“These ATLAS Roundtables are about building a shared vision for Mississippi’s workforce,” said Dr. Courtney Taylor, executive director of AccelerateMS. “By uniting business and education leaders, we’re laying the foundation for long-term economic strength.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to create strategy to close human capital gaps, provide input on future needs, and ensure state workforce objectives align with industry priorities. By participating, stakeholders can ensure their needs are heard and incorporated into state and federal workforce planning, helping Mississippi prepare for changes in the economic landscape.
“These discussions are critical because they give industry leaders a direct voice in shaping workforce priorities and ensuring Mississippi remains competitive,” said John McKay, president and CEO of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association.
Dr. Lance Evans, state superintendent of education, said the roundtables will also benefit career and technical education programs across the state.
“When industries join us at the table, we can align CTE programs with real career opportunities and spark greater student interest in high-demand fields,” Evans said.
Roundtable sessions will be held at locations across the state. Events will take place at:
- Itawamba Community College, Tupelo: Monday, November 3, 9:00–11:00 a.m. (Belden Conference Center)
- East Mississippi Community College, Columbus: Tuesday, November 4, 9:00–11:00 a.m. (Communiversity)
- Meridian Community College, Meridian: Wednesday, November 5, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
- William Carey University Tradition Campus, Biloxi: Thursday, November 6, 9:00–11:00 a.m. (Belmont Room)
- Northwest Rankin Middle School, Flowood: Monday, November 10, 9:00–11:00 a.m. (Performing Arts Building)
- Northwest MS Community College, Senatobia: Monday, November 17, 9:00–11:00 a.m. (Haraway Center)
- Robinson Electric, Cleveland: Tuesday, November 18, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
- Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Wesson: Wednesday, November 19, 9:00–11:00 a.m. (Billy B. Thames Conference Center).
For more information or to register, please contact the Mississippi Economic Council or visit https://msmec.com/event-directory/atlas-industry-roundtable-2/.
About AccelerateMS
AccelerateMS serves the people and businesses of Mississippi by developing and deploying workforce strategies to connect individuals with transformative, high-paying careers. By leveraging resources and partnering with organizations that hold complementary missions, AccelerateMS effectuates positive change, creating sustained individual, community, and statewide economic prosperity.
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