This partnership that we're announcing today will help deliver one-on-one, state-of-the-art employment services that will match displaced Mississippi workers with opportunities in growing industries where the demand for employees is high
Elaine L. Chao, U.S. Secretary of Labor

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced an expanded partnership with Manpower Inc. to help Mississippi workers displaced by Hurricane Katrina find new jobs. The initiative will leverage the resources and reach of One-Stop Career Centers and Manpower Inc. to deliver employment and training services that meet evacuees' long-term career needs.

“I've met with Governor Barbour, Senator Cochran and Senator Lott on plans to rebuild Mississippi's economy to provide more new opportunities for Mississippians,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “This partnership that we're announcing today will help deliver one-on-one, state-of-the-art employment services that will match displaced Mississippi workers with opportunities in growing industries where the demand for employees is high.”

The partnership will target areas with high concentrations of displaced Mississippians. These Mississippi evacuees will receive “Career Success Cards” certifying them for employment with Manpower and giving them access to employment opportunities through Manpower or One-Stop Career Center offices. A “Coming Home Portfolio” of available resources and services also will be developed to promote re-employment in high growth, high demand career opportunities in Mississippi. These efforts are patterned after an approach that produced positive results in Florida last year.

“Through initiatives like this one, the integrated One-Stop system will be able to reach out to evacuees to provide critical assistance as Mississippians rebuild their lives,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. “This partnership will make even more effective our One-Stop Career Centers which provide localized expertise and can quickly assess and match employers' needs with individuals' skills to make long-lasting employment connections.”

Under this partnership, evacuees will receive personal assistance from trained career counselors from both Manpower and the workforce investment system. The partners will support the creation of “Corporate Sponsorships” to further assist Mississippians returning to their home state by providing housing, relocation, and other expenses.