CHOCTAW, Miss. — U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $5.8 million grant to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians for the construction of the Advanced Workforce Training Center. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan’s Indigenous Communities Program.
“Workforce development is a primary focus for our Tribe,” said Chief Cyrus Ben. “We have undertaken many projects to help our community members prepare to face a challenging and ever-evolving job market. This Workforce Training Center is a key component of our strategy to increase the skills of our Tribal members, whether they choose a career on or outside of our Tribal lands.”
The Center will be in the Pearl River community and will be approximately 50,000 square feet. It will provide vocational and technical training to existing MBCI employees, local employers, middle and high school students, and Boys & Girls Club members.
“We have developed a long-term strategy to strengthen the Choctaw workforce, which is essential to successful economic development,” said Economic Development Director John Hendrix. “This new facility will enable us to provide advanced skills training, including vocational skills such as electrical, HVAC, and industrial maintenance. We will also offer training in computer and digital skills, healthcare, and management. The Center will also support Choctaw entrepreneurs with a small business development center with a maker space and incubator.”
Raimondo stated, “This EDA investment will facilitate hands-on training for the Choctaws in a modern, innovative space, creating new economic opportunity in the region.”
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, under the leadership of Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben, is the only federally recognized tribe in the State of Mississippi. With over 11,000 members, Choctaw lands cover approximately 34,000 acres in 10 counties. Providing permanent, full-time jobs for over 5,000 Tribal-member and non-Indian employees, the Tribe is a major contributor to the state’s economy. Learn more at www.mschoctawbusiness.com.
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Joins Tribal Land Conservation Initiative
CHOCTAW, Mississippi -- The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians announces that it is joining the Tribal Land Conservation Initiative, a national program that enables Native American tribes to implement sustainable management practices to preserve their land, protect...
MEC Leadership MS Alumni, 2020-2021 Students, and Honored Guests Meet in Choctaw
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI) hosted the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) Leadership MS Alumni, 2020-2021 students, and honored guests on October 21, 2021, in a “Meet and Greet” at the Silver Star Hotel & Casino. The meeting began with a...
Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben Announces the Appointment of Sarah Medlock as Director of Development Division
MEMORANDUM TO: Tribal Department Directors Program Directors Administrative Office Supervisors Tribal Government Employees FROM: Tribal Chief Cyrus...
WINSTON PLYWOOD AND VENEER LAUNCHES AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
Louisville, Mississippi – Winston Plywood and Veneer, a state-of-the-art plywood mill located in Louisville, Mississippi, announced today the launch of a new initiative to strengthen workforce recruitment and retention. The Winston Ambassador Program recognizes a...
First Mississippi Coding Academies Class at Choctaw Central High School is a Success
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- The MS Coding Academies class at CCHS concluded on May 14, 2021. Shonda Wesley served as Teacher Aide and MS Coding Academies Facilitator, and the coding students were Jaylen Bell, Joe Bell, Jr., John Clemons, Keziah Frazier, Jacob Jim, Xative...
Three Native American Tribes Form Unprecedented Economic Development Partnership Through New Hotel Investment
May 17, 2021 – Cherokee, NC – Three of the most successful Native American tribes in the Southeastern United States have entered into an investment partnership with DreamCatcher Hotels. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the...
Chief Announces Hotel Partnership
A message from Chief Ben: Halito, hello. I want to take this opportunity to share exciting news about a venture that we are about to undertake. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians will enter into a partnership with the Cherokee and Seminole tribes on a luxury...
NCCER Electrical Core Curriculum Students Appreciated
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- Brian Robinson’s National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Electrical Core Curriculum class had breakfast and a visit from Chief Cyrus Ben to show appreciation for their work and determination in class. Students include Michael...
Choctaw Teacher Selected as Mississippi Coding Academies Facilitator
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- Shonda R. Wesley is from the Pearl River Community but currently is living in Edinburg, MS. Ms. Wesley’s parents are Deborah Tubby, Stepdad Sandy Tubby, and the late Kenneth Wesley. She has three brothers and three sisters and many nieces and nephew....
John Hendrix
Director of Economic Development
601.650.1607
[email protected]
Office of Economic Development
375 Industrial Road | STE 2
Choctaw, MS 39350
Tribal Businesses
