By Richard Duke

June 14, 2007… A promotional DVD detailing the availability of opportunities and training for area high school students could be in production soon, according to Lou Ann Nesbitt, president and chief executive officer of The Alliance of Jefferson County.

Discussion of the possible DVD was a hot topic at the Jefferson County Port Authority meeting Wednesday.  Nesbitt spoke of area businesses getting involved with funds in order to start production.

“Several companies have already helped out, and we are still raising funds,” she said of the $40,000 tab for the project.  In order to begin, half of the amount would need to available.  The $40,000 would be the amount to produce and distribute the media to area schools.

The DVD, to be produced by Waymack & Crew of Little Rock, will be a look at several types of job opportunities for all types of Pine Bluff kids, from those attending college to those who need basic job training.

“What is great about this is that in our public meetings over the past few weeks, those involved have expressed interest in getting the proper job training to these kids,” said Pine Bluff Mayor Carl Redus.  “So they are aware of how important this is.  We have just got to connect that to those young people who need to figure out basic skills and education.”

The video will be designed to “catch the attention” of the viewer and provide all the information needed for all levels of career opportunities.  Nesbitt pointed out that jobs are available in the area, but the work force is not.

“We saw it in Marion recently, and it is happening in other places besides Pine Bluff,” she said.  In addition to Pine Bluff, Nesbitt said she believed the potential DVD could be distributed in other places to encourage the work force to consider Pine Bluff for job opportunities…