Natchez Inc. has been in existence for approximately 10 years now and while the Natchez and Adams County job market could be better, it is no doubt better off with Natchez, Inc. than without it.

According to the most recent statistics available from the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, Adams County’s unemployment rate was 7.9% as of July as compared to the state average of 6.1%, which is above the national average of 4%.

That number is much better than some surrounding counties, including Wilkinson County at 11.9% and Jefferson County at 18.3%. Adams County’s unemployment rate, however, is worse than some other nearby counties, including Lincoln County, which is at 5.8% and Hinds County, which also is at 5.8%. Both Hinds and Lincoln counties have interstates running through them and have more population than Adams County.

Still, Adams County’s unemployment numbers are not too far off of the state average and we are much better off than counties such as Jefferson and Wilkinson.

Adams County lost a big portion of its employment when oil prices rose a decade ago and priced local oil businesses out of operation. Since then, Natchez, Inc. and its supporting organization from the private sector Natchez NOW have worked hard to recruit and retain industries in the area.

Without those efforts Adams County could be closer to the unemployment figures of Wilkinson and Jefferson counties rather than being closer to the unemployment rates of Lincoln and Hinds counties.

In today’s strong national economy, hiring employees has become more difficult for some of Adams County’s industries that are expanding, including Great River Industries and Jones Companies.

Therefore, Natchez, Inc. is sponsoring a job fair from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Natchez Convention Center. Several other local companies will be represented at the event as well.

It is a good problem to have. Thanks, Natchez, Inc., and Natchez NOW for supporting our local industries.