LCCA CEO Karisa Young watches as representatives of local industries, from left, Michael Chapman and Michelle Richardson of DS Smith Lumber Mill, Nancy McDonald of Hugo Boss, Reginald Thomas of SNF Holding, and Tamar Korkashvili of Caesarstone in Bryan County answer questions about the careers they offer and how they hire employees. Terry McCormick with Elan Technology and Bien Nguyen with Howmet Aerospace participated online.
Program works to put more young people into labor pipeline
Liberty County High School teacher Donald Curry didn’t have high expectations for a seminar Feb. 3 on economic development.
“I got up this morning thinking that it was going to be another boring presentation day,” the business education teacher said.
Instead, he said, the program, Economic Development for Educators organized by Liberty County Schools, Liberty County Development Authority and Liberty County Chamber of Commerce, opened his eyes to what economic development does for a community and what industry is available here.
“The presenters and panel were knowledgeable and gave it to us straight,” Curry said. “I hate that we didn’t have more time with them. As a career teacher, they gave me needed information that will help with future lesson planning.”
Presenters included Georgia Power’s Regional Development Manager Jason Coley, who talked about how industry is attracted to an area, and how adding industry benefits communities. Georgia Powers Hinesville Regional Manager also talked about how the utility works with industry that locates here.
LCDA’s CEO Ron Rolley talked about the industries that are already in Liberty County, how LCDA worked to attract them and how the authority works to keep existing industry here and prospering.
A panel of employers from local industries, DS Smith Lumber Mill, Hugo Boss distribution center, SNF Holding, Elan Technology, Howmet Aerospace, and Bryan County’s Caesarstone also discussed what they look for in employees, and how schools can help prepare youth for local jobs.
Liberty College and Career Academy CEO Karisa Young said she considered the session, which is the first of three planned on various economic issues, a success.
“I’m really looking forward to our next session,” she said. “This program will definitely have a positive impact on our students’ readiness for college and careers.”
The program is designed to increase the pipeline of potential employees for local business. It also aims to make educators, and thus their students, aware of careers available in the county. It was developed as part of the school system’s designation as a 2021-22 Economic Development Partnership by the state Department of Education.