NATCHEZ &045; A prospective employer for the Natchez-Adams County area is soliciting information from the workforce.

The company &045; which local economic development officials could not name for confidentiality reasons &045; is looking for applicants in these job categories: account managers, collections, medical billings, investigations and clerical support.

Mike Ferdinand, executive director of the Natchez-Adams County Economic Development Authority, said such a survey helps a company evaluate the labor pool in an area.

The Natchez-Adams area has been hit hard over the last several months, with the loss of the Johns Manville plant, layoffs at H.B. Zachry and the impending closure of the International Paper mill.

A company might conduct a survey, Ferdinand said, &uot;when a company is trying to get a grip on what the labor base is in a community&uot; &045; not only for relocation purposes but also for expansion purposes.

&uot;Labor &045; human capital &045; is the most precious commodity for a company,&uot; Ferdinand said.

The surveys ask applicants for a name, address, years of experience, former employers, ability to travel, availability to work, and a resume.

Good communication skills and computer skills

are important, Ferdinand said.

If applicants are selected, they will be notified about interviews to take place April 3-5.