Release
DURANT – Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell held the fourth stop of his Workforce Tour at the Durant Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Present at the roundtable were local business owners, representatives from Murray State College, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and Kiamichi Technology Center, and directors of state agencies tied to workforce development.
The group began their discussion on childcare and affordable housing. Concerns were expressed about the ability of childcare centers to attract and retain workers, something that the Lt. Governor has also heard in other stops around the state.
“The childcare industry, along with many other areas in the state, is experiencing pains with workforce that need to be addressed effectively,” said Lt. Governor Pinnell. “If we can fix these complications, we can show even more of the outside population that Oklahoma is the perfect place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Infrastructure was another concern expressed by many at the roundtable. Most of the waterlines in the area have been in use for over 120 years and are too small to keep up with the ever-growing demand for more water taps. Everyone agreed that growth in the area would happen if the overall infrastructure of Durant was upgraded. More discussion ensued about the best avenues for funding the upgrades.
After the roundtable, Lt. Governor Pinnell toured the local Oklahoma Works American Job Center. This office provides employers and job seekers with free education, training, and support services.
“I like to tour Oklahoma Works’ offices as much as possible, so I can see the impact that each office is having on their community,” said Pinnell. “I know that programs like this are a step in the right direction to strengthen our workforce in the state.”
For more information about the Lt. Governor’s Oklahoma Workforce Tour, please contact his office at (405) 521-2161. For more information about Oklahoma Works American Job Centers visit oklahoma.gov/workforce.html.