LABOR FORCE
Our people are hard working, dedicated and get the job done. Calhoun and surrounding counties (Lafayette, Chickasaw, Grenada, Yalobusha, Pontotoc and Webster) have an estimated labor force of over 60,000.
With Calhoun County's renewed dedication and plan to bring new business and jobs into the county, many of our skilled workers will have an opportunity to work closer to home. About 35% of our civilian labor force of 6,280 travels outside the county to work. Including our unemployed of about 600, we have about 2,800 people that would likely prefer to change jobs to be closer to home, or are looking for work - an ample work force available for new or expanding businesses.
About 33% of our civilian work force, an estimated 2,100 workers, is employed in manufacturing jobs in Calhoun and neighboring counties.
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Employment and Training Opportunities
With an ample labor force in the county alone and ample land for construction of facilities, Calhoun County offers the opportunity for any new business and industrial development. About 1/3 of the labor force currently works in manufacturing facilities. Employers have no difficulty in maintaining viable and productive employees.
Training the workforce is a number one county priority. A new Vocational-Training Center is scheduled to open in late 2008 and will include the following career paths for residents and employers:
- Allied Health Services
- Automobile Technology
- Building Trade
- Computer Technology
- Industrial Maintenance
The following accredited training facilities are located within a short driving distance for more specialized skills training:
| Northwest Community College | Phone: (662)562-3333 4975 Hwy 51 North, P.O. Box 7030 Senatobia, MS |
| Itawamba Community College | Phone: (662)620-5000 2176 South Eason Boulevard Tupelo, MS 38804 |
| Holmes Community College | Phone: (662)226-3421 P.O. Box 948 Grenada, MS 38902 |
In addition to specialized training, these institutions offer services from business analysis to available resources for starting, maintaining, and expanding businesses and industries. All three institutions partner with Mississippi Department of Employment Securities through comprehensive and local WIN Job Centers. They serve both the employer and the employee with reduced cost and/or free programs designed to match prospective employer with skilled prospective employees.
Commuting Patterns
About 600 workers commute to Calhoun from outside our county, while other people come to our county to conduct business or see our attractions. About 2200 Calhoun residents commute outside our county to work in neighboring counties.