“Pulling the rope the same direction”

On a day when the state reports Oconee’s jobless rate has dropped to 5.5%, the county’s chief  economic development recruiter gave an upbeat report of what has been accomplished and what’s likely to be in the pipeline for the rest of 2016.  Richard Blackwell gave credit to Dr. Michael Thorsland, county superintendent of education, and to 10 top industrial members of the community for recognizing the need for efforts to help Oconee high schoolers access the types of jobs that are available now.  Blackwell spoke after Caroline Warner, the marketing and research manager for his office, gave a report on “NOW”—Nurturing Oconee’s Workforce.  The cooperative effort is aimed at help Oconee’s young to be workforce ready and marketable.  One student who was part of a visit to the Koyo plant near Walhalla has landed an apprentice position there.