In these economic times employers should take a serious look at any opportunity available to get them ahead in the business world. Whether it is in the area of increased personnel productivity, tax incentives, or finding personnel in the first place, the Picayune Workforce Investment Network (WIN) is available to help.

The Mississippi WIN center is located at 2005 Wildwood Road in Picayune and operates through The Mississippi Department of Employment Security(MDES). People may know of the Center’s resources for those looking for jobs, but there are several resources that business owners looking for employees may not know about.

Are you looking for employees? The local WIN Center can: Host Job Fairs; provide E-Verify service which carries its own liability so that you do not have to; recruit, screen and refer qualified job seekers; provide Labor Market Information; provide office space for interviewing; as well as provide information about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).

MDES WIN Office Manager, Robin Stewart, says, “We truly have something for everybody. We have exceptional resources for both job seekers and employers. We now have an online database system where employers can have user names and passwords to view referrals and resumes.”

“The WOTC program can help further when certain target groups (such as Veterans) are hired and credits are not a way to dictate who is hired but can be a benefit to all involved in certain cases.”

“In addition,” Stewart says, “WIN can help update a current employee’s skill set through PRCC non-credited certificate programs and other programs.”

“Pearl River County has a lot to offer both employers and employees. We want to serve this community and provide services that can attract new businesses, retain current businesses and help prospective employees stay in Pearl River County,” Stewart says.