2015

STEWART from page Al area and Dr. Billy Stewart should be praised for being pro-active in dealing with Weyerhaeuser anc helping them prepare a workforce," Wilson said. Stewart said workforce development will be a crucial area for the state's community colleges. "This has great potential for our smaller com– munity colleges like Ea'st Central," Stewart said. "The funding has never been there before, but now we're able to do more in help building a work force development program." Stewart came to the MEC Philadelphia Regional Roundup for updates from Mississippi's government officials, and to see how the East Mis sissippi region -which includes Newton County, where ECCC is located, and Neshoba County, where Weyerhaeuser announced its expansion plans back in August - can better its economic development. "The bottom line is we have to explore all area~ of economic development," Stewart said. "We're here to meet the needs of our area employers and others who wish to come here. Events like this MEC Roundup are great for the cause." Like other community college presidents in the state, Stewart said he is hoping the legislature will approve more funding for community colleges as it deals with appropriations next week in Jackson. The state's legislative budget office said it has $88 million in above projected revenues for 2015, and another $112 million in its 2 percent set aside fund. "We've have had difficulty because of the lack of funding, but we've been able to make do and even add a new program like an electrical line pro– duction program which will help an industry like Missis ippi Power Company which is building the new plant in Kemper County," Stewart said. "Of course, I would love to see increased funding for our community colleges. It's important for us because we want to meet the needs that are there in our region. I don't like the status quo." Stewart said he expects the legislature to add at least $5 million in additional funding for commu– nity colleges. "The House last week had an $8 million package and then they took away $3 million and has left us with $5 million." Stewart said. "They still have to work it out with the enate."

ECCC president praised for workforce training efforts By Jeff Byrd Jbyrd@themeridianstar.com

PHILADEL–

PHIA-East Central Com– munity Col– lege President Dr. Billy Stewart was praised Thursday by officials from the Miss1s· sippi Eco- nomic Council

Stewart

(MEC) for his efforts in workplace develop– ment MEC President and CEO Blake Wilson lauded Stewart during a round table discussion following the MEC's Regional Roundup at the Philadelphia Depot on Thursday. ''1be $57 million expansion Weyerhaeuser announced last August has real potential for great economic growth for this

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