Georgia-Pacific Invests $30,000 in Workforce Development with Donations to Jackson State Community College and TCAT Jackson
JACKSON, Tenn., November 25, 2024 – In a significant move to support workforce development in the local community, Georgia-Pacific, the maker of the popular consumer brand Dixie®, has donated $15,000 to both Jackson State Community College and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in Jackson, Tennessee. These contributions aim to enhance education programs that equip students with essential skills for high-demand careers in manufacturing, engineering and other technical fields.
Georgia-Pacific recently celebrated cutting the ribbon on its new $425 million state-of-the-art Dixie® facility in Jackson, which is expected to employ approximately 220 people once fully operational. The company aims to strengthen the communities where employees work and live and values educational partnerships to create a steady pipeline of skilled workers ready to pursue careers in today's evolving job market.
“Our success relies on the talent and dedication of our workforce and culture,” said Mike Cook, plant director at Jackson’s Dixie® facility. “By supporting Jackson State and TCAT, we’re not only contributing to the skill and development of future employees but also helping to build a thriving local workforce that supports Jackson’s growth.”
Presidents from both colleges shared their appreciation for the donation and partnership with Georgia-Pacific and its Dixie® brand.
“Mike Cook and his team at Dixie have been a great neighbor and community partner long before their plant opening,” said Carol Rothstein, president of Jackson State Community College. “We have enjoyed partnering with them to provide training and meeting facilities on our campus and we have also incorporated their input into our courses to better prepare our students to enter the workforce. We’re very grateful of this monetary gesture by Mike and his team and know that it will create a sizeable impact in the lives of our students.”
JacQuene Rainey, president of TCAT Jackson, added, "TCAT Jackson is excited to have industry partners such as Georgia Pacific – Dixie who support our mission to provide individuals with essential skills training for the workforce. We are truly grateful for their donation to TCAT Jackson’s foundation, as it will be instrumental as we strive to serve our students with their educational goals and career aspirations.”
Workforce development remains a top priority for Georgia-Pacific as they continue to establish roots in Jackson and look forward to strengthening partnerships with local colleges to build a strong pipeline of skilled workers, supporting both their new facility and the broader Jackson area.
