Workforce Development Center Revitalizes Economy in the MS Delta

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER

REVITALIZES ECONOMY IN THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA

The foundation for a booming economy in the Mississippi Delta exists thanks to the efforts of hardworking business professionals and programs at Coahoma Community College.

The mission of Coahoma’s Workforce Development Center is to bridge the gap between education, economics, and industry training in the Delta region. The Center has played a significant role in the formation of new industries, welcoming new businesses to the area, and training highly skilled students to succeed in the modern workforce.

Some of the new businesses that the Center has helped bring to the Delta are PeopleShores, a technology service provider based in the Silicon Valley, and Image Industries, a welding company based in Huntley, Illinois. The two companies are responsible for bringing a plethora of exciting employment opportunities for job seekers. Steven Jossell, executive director for the Workforce Development Center, shed light on how Coahoma was able to attract these and other companies to the region.

“Both companies were allured by the many resources, talent, and, most importantly, human capital within the region,” said Jossell. “The Workforce Development Center is incumbent to assist these businesses and other potential prospects to foster growth, economic development, and prosperity.”

Assisting in the Delta’s surging economy is a giant step for the Center. Jossell is proud to be one of the individuals at the forefront of its success. “Being granted the opportunity and privilege to serve in my capacity has provided me with a sense of euphoria. It is a joy to serve as a catalyst and change agent for the betterment and enhancement in the quality of life for all area constituents ranging from individuals, businesses, and industries.”

To accomplish such an incredible feat, Jossell teamed up with Jon Levingston, executive director of the Economic Development Authority of Coahoma County. Levingston applauds Jossell for sharing his resources to better their community.

Steven Jossell, executive director Workforce Development Center

CCC president Dr. Valmadge T. Towner, local officials, and various stakeholders gather for the ribbon-cuttng ceremony of Automation Anywhere Inc., as the company makes a new home in Clarksdale.

“It is my job to recruit new industries to our community and assist existing industries in developing and expanding their business,” said Levingston. “It would be impossible to accomplish these tasks without the cooperation and effort of the Workforce Development Center, which provides excellent workforce training opportunities to employers and employees. It is a pleasure to work with Mr. Jossell and his staff.”

With its exceptional training methods and qualified students, the Center’s value gives Levingston confidence in the hub’s contributions to the region in the future.

“Coahoma Community College is an institution that is essential to the well-being of the Clarksdale/Coahoma County community. It serves as an educational institution that provides people of all ages with excellent educational opportunities,” Levingston added. “Through the College’s Workforce Development Center, the College provides first-class training opportunities for employees of existing industries and training for employees of industries newly committed to our community. Knowing that the Center is capable of providing potential employers with great workforce training gives me the confidence necessary to recruit almost any kind of industry to Clarksdale.”

Proper overall training of the students also is a goal of the Center. Jossell emphasized that although teaching the students technical skills is essential, training them how to communicate, lead, and solve problems, among other abilities, enhances their chances of gaining employment. “It is critical to prepare individuals for the real world holistically,” Jossell noted. “As we embark upon this crusade to train and provide a pipeline of qualified individuals, due diligence is exercised to encompass not only technical skills but also soft skills. Coupled together, possessing these skills will increase the odds of productivity, safety, rewarding success, and retention for employers and employees.”

The Center has changed the lives of people looking for a chance to succeed in life. As Jossell reflects on his tenure at Coahoma, he appreciates being in a position to provide opportunities to those who may have lost hope in securing a career. Propelling others to new heights is his goal, and he encourages those who have found success to give back by uplifting others.

“It’s a feeling unlike any other because serving as a transformational proponent fills me with exuberance. Often, individuals come to us feeling hopeless about life. It is a personal sense of accomplishment to have a hand in changing the winds of adversity in their favor,” Jossell expressed. “For those who have become success stories in their respective fields, I challenge each of them to identify someone in similar situations and commit to serving as a mentor to foster hope, confidence, and success.”

For more information about Coahoma’s Workforce Development Center, call 662-627-9139, or visit the Center at 510 Sunbelt Dr., Clarksdale, MS 38614.