CAREER COACHING PROGRAM

ABOUT: The Jones County Career Coaching program began in 2021 when the EDA of Jones County was awarded a grant from AccelerateMS. In this inaugural year, the EDA hired two career coaches, each of whom had split their time between two of the four public schools in Jones County.

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HR Workforce Lunch Focuses on Jones County's Workforce Future

The Economic Development Authority of Jones County recently hosted its HR Workforce Lunch, bringing together human resources professionals and business leaders to discuss workforce trends, challenges, and opportunities impacting our community.

Phil Hosey, Workforce Consultant for the EDA of Jones County, presented findings from the latest Jones County manufacturing workforce study. The report highlighted the vital role manufacturing continues to play in our local economy, with more than 8,100 manufacturing jobs accounting for 29% of all employment in Jones County. The study also identified key priorities for employers, including workforce readiness, employee retention, and the development of soft skills such as communication, accountability, professionalism, and dependability.

Attendees also heard from Collyn Leggett, Career Coach at West Jones High School and Curriculum Coordinator for the Jones County Career Coach Program. Leggett shared data demonstrating the impact Career Coaches are making through individual student meetings, classroom presentations, job shadows, field trips, and partnerships with local businesses and industries. These efforts are helping students explore career pathways, connect with employers, and prepare for success after graduation.

The luncheon served as a reminder that workforce development is a shared responsibility. Through continued collaboration among employers, educators, and community partners, Jones County is building a stronger talent pipeline and positioning itself for long-term success.

Thank you to everyone who attended and invested in the future of Jones County's workforce.

2026 Kickoff Your Career

Do you want to help shape our future workforce? Do you work for a local business or industry that wants to invest in local high school students? Join the Jones County Career Coaches for their annual event, Kickoff Your Career! This event allows students to practice mock interviews and learn soft skills from YOU, our...

The 2026 Spring Forward Career Expo, hosted by the Economic Development Authority of Jones County’s Career Coaches, brought together local high school juniors and seniors for a hands-on, interactive experience exploring career pathways right here in Jones County.

Students engaged directly with industry leaders across manufacturing, healthcare, energy, construction, law enforcement, agriculture, business and finance, logistics, and more. The event continues to strengthen our local workforce pipeline by connecting education and industry in meaningful ways.

A strong workforce starts with awareness, exposure, and opportunity. Spring Forward is helping prepare the next generation of leaders and skilled professionals for careers that support continued economic growth in Jones County.

2025 Kickoff Your Career

MEET THE COACHES

Iris Andrews

Meet Iris Andrews, the EDA Career Coach for Northeast Jones High School. She was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and moved to Laurel in 2023. Iris has lived in many places, including but not limited to Maui, San Francisco, and British Columbia, where she has held numerous jobs, providing her with a wealth of information to support her students in their career goals. She began her Career Coach role in August of 2024 and loves having the privilege of serving young people in Jones County while guiding them to achieve their dreams.

Collyn Leggett

Meet the Career Coach for West Jones High School, Collyn Leggett. Born and raised in Jones County and a graduate from WJH, Collyn loves serving her community by working with the future generation of workforce leaders. Her entire professional experience has been working with the high school demographic, specifically in the Pine Belt area. Collyn was part of the first group of Career Coaches across the state when the program launched in October of 2022. In 2023, she became the Curriculum Coordinator for the EDA of Jones County, tailoring the program to the needs of our workforce area. A fun fact about Collyn is she is bilingual and works very closely with her Spanish-speaking students and families.

Sarah Robinson-Rice

Meet Laurel High School Career Coach, Sarah Robinson-Rice. Sarah is a lifelong Laurelite and dedicated public servant whose extensive service at the local public library has given her a unique, community-focused insight. She is excited to leverage that knowledge to help the next generation of scholars thrive in the workforce and as productive citizens. Sarah assumed the position of Career Coach through the EDA of Jones County in August 2025 and is privileged to be working alongside the fine educators and staff of the Laurel School District, providing students with essential direction for their futures.

Career coaches network with business professionals to help high school students

Career professionals came together to talk about getting students prepared for the workforce.

Become An Industry Partner

The Jones County Chamber of Commerce joined Howard Industries for a milestone groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the expansion of its substation facility in Ellisville, Mississippi.

This investment represents continued growth for one of Mississippi’s leading manufacturers and reinforces the company’s long-standing commitment to Jones County. With new job creation, expanded production capacity, and support for critical infrastructure, this project will have a lasting impact on our local and regional economy.

Speakers highlighted the company’s legacy of leadership, innovation, and community investment, as well as the broader economic momentum happening across Mississippi.

The Economic Development Authority of Jones County, in partnership with the City of Laurel, announced plans for a new Marriott hotel development by Delta Lodging Group on Sawmill Road in the former Ramada Inn.

EDA officials said the project marks a major milestone in ongoing efforts to expand Laurel’s hospitality sector and strengthen Jones County’s position as a regional destination for tourism and commerce.

“This is the type of high-quality investment we’ve been working toward. One that not only breathes new life into an old property, but creates lasting economic benefits for the region,” Ross Tucker, President of the Jones County EDA, said.

Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee said the hotel coming to the city is another positive step forward for Laurel and Jones County.

“This development marks another step forward in Laurel’s continued growth and revitalization,” Magee said. “Marriott’s presence on Sawmill Road will enhance our city’s ability to host visitors, support local businesses, and showcase everything Laurel has to offer.”

The hotel will offer access to the downtown area, retail centers, and community attractions. Once completed, the development is expected to create 30-35 new jobs and generate new tax revenue for both the city and county.

Delta Lodging Group’s decision to invest in Laurel follows months of coordinated recruitment efforts by the EDA and the City of Laurel. The hotel will be a split brand of TownePlace Suites by Marriott & Fairfield Inn by Marriott.

“From the start, the City of Laurel and the EDA have been exceptional partners. Their commitment to revitalization and infrastructure improvements made this the right time and the right place to invest. We’re proud to bring Marriott’s trusted hospitality brand to Laurel and be part of the city’s continued growth story,” Suresh Chawla, Delta Lodging Group President, said.

Jones County Board of Supervisors President Phil Dickerson and Laurel Main Street Director Caroline Burks commented on the positive economic and community impact the development will bring.

“The Jones County Board of Supervisors expresses its full support of the project. Economic growth is a team effort. We’re proud to see development like this contributing to the county’s long-term success,” Dickerson said.

Burks commented, saying, “A new hotel means more visitors exploring our shops, restaurants, and events. This is another great example of how Laurel continues to grow while keeping its small-town charm.”

Construction on the hotel is expected to begin in late 2026 with an anticipated opening in 2028.

Demolition of the previous structure is already underway. For more information, contact 601-649-3031 or visit www.jonescounty.com.