The Mississippi Economic Council is touring the state with the message that economic development gains start with a child who can read and comprehend by third grade.

MEC president Blake Wilson told a meeting Tuesday in Jackson that the business group will support a greater emphasis on pre-kindergarten and early childhood education programs so students can be ready for success from the time they walk into school.

The MEC began a tour of Mississippi last month to tout education and work force training as keys to building the state’s job base.

Wilson says the MEC also is calling for teacher pay raises and more incentives to keep talented teachers in Mississippi.