Liberty County Educators, who are studying how to improve the flow of students into the local pipeline of employees for industries, got a firsthand look at some of the industries on March 17.

After a presentation by Liberty County Development Authority Director of Operations and Business Development Carmen Cole, the educators loaded up on a school bus for a tour of most of the industrial areas in the county.

The first stop was at DS Smith Lumber Mill in Riceboro. Mill Manager Mike Chapman and HR Director Michelle Richardson explained what the operation does, what they look for in employees and the benefits of working there.

After a meal at the Smokin’ Pig in Midway sponsored by LCDA, the educators took walking tours inside Hooker Furnishing’s 800,000 square foot distribution center in Tradeport East Business Center. Warehouse Operations Manager Rick Haslett and Assistant Operations Manager Amanda Marrone led the tours and talked about working at the center. It was on St. Patrick’s Day, when the employees were having a costume contest.