Scott Waller, President & CEO, Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) spoke to the Rotary Club of North Jackson at the club’s August 7, 2018 meeting. The MEC is the Chamber of Commerce for the State of Mississippi. The main purpose of his speech was to discuss impediments to the economic growth of the state, which he described as infrastructure needs and the education of its citizens to fill the jobs that continue to be available. He pointed out that by 2020, two years from now, 65% of all jobs will require postsecondary education and to quote: ”we must connect the dots and use postsecondary education and training to help create a qualified. and prepared workforce ready to fuel Mississippi’s economy.” Further, he said that Mississippi’s high school graduation rates are improving. They have gone from 71.1% in 2012 to 83% in 2016. Still not good enough, but improving nonetheless. Kindergarten reading readiness scores have likewise improved from 54% in 2015 to 65% in 2017 giving further hope for improved graduation rates in the future.
Mr. Waller is shown during his talk in the first accompanying photo and following his talk with Club President Anna Powers (left) and Club member Jon Turner (right). We thank him for his talk and for his service to the State. 
