The Mississippi Economic Council will hold their annual MEC Capital Day this coming Thursday, January 10, to help kick-off the 2019 legislative session. Over 1,000 business and community leaders from across the state will join state officials and legislators to discuss ideas and issues that will help propel Mississippi forward.
Capital Day will outline MEC’s legislative agenda, and state officials will overview their top legislative priorities. The event will be held at the Jackson Marriott and the Mississippi State Capitol. Scott Waller, President & CEO of the Mississippi Economic Council, says that workforce development will be a key focus of the event.
“One of the things we really want to focus on is how do we focus on workforce development,” Waller said. “One of our morning programs is going to talk about the importance of all aspects of development including early childhood development, the impact that it has not only on the workforce of the future, by laying the foundation, but the workforce of today by having quality childcare with a quality education component available it allows parents to not have to worry and they can be part of today’s workforce.”
Governor Phil Bryant, Lt. Governor Tate Reeves and Speaker of the House Philip Gunn are all scheduled to speak at the event and will give a preview of what they see ahead for the 2019 legislative session.
Capital Day is always held the first Thursday of the legislative session and Waller said the event also serves as a time to mingle and network with their legislators and fellow business leaders.
“It gives everyone a chance to come in and be a part of the day,” Waller said. “It’s a big part of what Mississippi is in general. if you think about it, we are a big state geographically, but we are a close-knit state and this is an opportunity for our members, our business leaders from across the state, our community leaders, and our legislative officials to all come together and have an opportunity to catch up.”
