The Mississippi Economic Council Tour made its way to Meridian on Tuesday, drawing a crowd of more than 75 people.

The early morning breakfast meeting featured a presentation from MEC Interim President and CEO Scott Waller, who discussed topics that included economic development, healthy living, community programs and building a strong and successful workforce.

According to its website, MEC is visiting areas of Mississippi to help “make connections between business leaders, community advocates, and elected officials at both the state and local level – connections that are vital for putting Mississippi in the place of greatest opportunity.”

MEC’s current chairman William Yates III said growing existing business while creating jobs and creating an attractive environment for new businesses are important factors when striving to “do better.”

Waller presented several questions to the audience, who were able to submit multiple-choice answers via a small handset.

The first question asked if the state economy is better now than it was five years ago. Sixty percent said yes.

When asked what factors were important in creating and improving a robust economy, 57 percent said improving the skills of the state’s workforce, while 33 percent said improving the state’s image.

Waller said also stressed the importance of investing in infrastructure, specifically the improvement of roads and bridges. When asked, 62 percent of the audience said it was extremely important, while 30 percent said very important.

When asked if they supported spending more money to do so, 38 strongly supported it, while 54 percent supported it. Six percent opposed the action.

MEC also puts a high premium on education, as it assists in preparing the workforce for future jobs.

Waller cited a Georgetown University study that showed 65 percent of jobs will require some sort of secondary education by the year 2020.

When asked if the workforce was prepared to meet the needs of today and the jobs of the future, 71 percent said “somewhat prepared.

“What that tells me is we have work to do,” Waller said.

MEC will visit the following locations in the coming weeks:

• Warren County – Nov. 15  Vicksburg Convention Center – 1600 Mulberry Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180 – 11:30-1 p.m.

• DeSoto County – Nov. 29  Landers Center – 4560 Venture Drive, Southaven, MS 38671 – 11:30-1 p.m.

• Attala County – Nov. 30, Skylight Grille – 112 North Jackson, Kosciusko, MS 39090 – 11:30-1 p.m.

• Adams County – Jan. 9, 2018 Hotel Vue – 130 John R. Junkin Drive, Natchez, MS 39120 – 11:30-1 p.m.

• Lowndes County –  Jan. 23, 2018  Lion Hills – 2331 Military RD, Columbus, MS 39705 – 11:30-1 p.m.

• Alcorn County – Jan. 25, 2018  The Franklin Courtyard – 201 Franklin Street, Corinth, MS 38834 – 11:30-1 p.m.

• Forrest County – Feb. 2, 2018  Southern Oaks House and Gardens – 1246 Richburg Rd, Hattiesburg, MS 39402 – 7-8 a.m.

• Madison County – Feb. 8, 2018  Embassy Suites – 200 Township Ave., Ridgeland, MS 39157 – 11:30-1 p.m.

• Lee County – Feb. 9, 2018  The Summit Center – 852 N. Gloster St., Tupelo, MS 38804 – 11:30-1 p.m.