Local and state officials began summoning resources Friday and Monday to formulate a plan to address the shutdown of the Georgia-Pacific Chemical Plant.
"We have put together a proactive team to try and deal with the situation," said Gerald Mills, Economic Development Director for the Winston County Partnership.
Mills outlined that the Mississippi Development Authority, Lt. Governor Phil Bryant, and Governor Haley Barbour had been contacted.
"The full resources of the Lt. Governor's office and Mississippi Development Authority are available and ready to help," said Senator Giles Ward who attended the meeting.
Ward noted that he along with District 43 Representative Russ Nowell, Sen. Sampson Jackson and Senator Gary Jackson would be available to help in any capacity.
Mills and the other officials at the table while drinking from Georgia Pacific made cups discussed the role assisting displaced workers, MDA in locating new industries for the sites, and other options.
Mills noted the state does offer workforce development training through a rapid response program if new skill sets and training is needed.
"We do have higher education institutions near Winston County and the area that can provide such training for them if necessary," he said.
Mills noted other assistance in worker placement was also available through the state.
The officials also discussed ways to approach Georgia Pacific about helping the company market the site to other business endeavors or help formulating uses for the site since it was in a prime location in the county.
"We understand the slowing economy and market forces at work but see some good possibilities on the horizon," said Mills
The officials also discussed the impact on the community as a whole.
Mayor Daniel E. "Moe" Yarbrough stated that the jobs at the facility were good paying jobs and would have an effect on the local economy and personal lives of those losing their positions.
"For Winston County, it's a blow, but not insurmountable one," said. Mills.
"Other companies in the county are doing okay. I am not exactly sure what the trickle down effects will be. There will be some. Everyone is hoping to minimize those effects by putting plans in place now," said Mills
James "Jim" M. Craig, the director of Existing Industry and Business Division of the Mississippi Development Authority attended the Monday meeting to discuss possibilities and plans for the area.
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