The Red Hills Festival showcases the work of local artists and offers great food and entertainment.  For those who like to run, there is a fun run, 5 K run and a 5 mile walk/run.  Annaul Car Show, Antique Show and Sell at the First Methodist Church, Art Display at the Library

2012 Red Hills Festival

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 26th.

Vendor Registration – Due May 11, 2012

Virtual Tour of Downtown Louisville

Winston County enterprises deliver a wide range of products and services to customers around the world. Primary product categories include

• lumber and composite wood products
• cabinetry, church furniture, and wood flooring
• chemical products such as adhesives, sealants, and resins
• permanent floral products and home decor
• industrial trucks and tractors
• textile and plastic products
• steel plate and stainless steel fabrication
• conveyers and other product handling equipment.

Major businesses and industries are

• Choctaw Glove and Safety Company, Inc.
• Custom Air, LLC
• Georgia-Pacific Chip Mill
• Grayson Blu, LLC
• Hewlett Industries, Inc.
• Hot Shot Assemblies
• Louisville Hickory
• Louisville Industries
• Polo Custom Products
• Rives and Reynolds Lumber Company, Inc.
• Roseburg Forest Products Company
• Southern Conveyers and Metalworks, LLC
• Taylor Machine Works
• TEMTCO Steel
• Teters Floral Products
• Wells Church Furniture
• WCM Industries
• Wright’s Cabinets, Inc.
• Yarbrough Wood Products.

Community College Workforce Development Programs

East Central Community College (ECCC) provides general and customized workforce training to meet the specialized needs of industry as well as the more general needs of residents:

• Preemployment training to help learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed before employment with a company. Businesses often select employees from these classes.
• Postemployment training to help employees acquire technical skills using specialized equipment in settings that often cannot be simulated outside the industrial facility. Company personnel are often engaged as instructors, and training continues until the new employee can work independently.
• Upgrade training to prepare an individual for advancement in responsibilities or job classification. This type of training is unique to the industries served and covers a wide range of topics.
• Retraining to enable employees to gain new skills needed in response to changes in production processes or technologies.
• Development of Training Materials for use by businesses and industries. In collaboration with the Research and Curriculum Unit at Mississippi State University, the ECCC workforce development coordinator oversees the development of training manuals, videos, and CDs customized to the individual industry.

Training is also available to help supervisors improve skills in communication, problem solving, fact-based decision making, motivation, team building, managing change, and related topics.

Training courses are delivered not only on the ECCC campus in Decatur, Mississippi, but also at the Louisville Career Advancement Center at the heart of Winston County as well as several other sites.

Louisville Career Advancement Center – Louisville, MS

Courses offered at the Louisville Center focus on building skills in the areas of

• manufacturing
• industrial maintenance
• computer applications
• electrical work
• plumbing
• heating and air conditioning.

Specialized training for specific industries can be provided through the center or at the workplace.

WIN Job Centers

Mississippi’s Workforce Investment Network (WIN) offers a one-stop approach to employment and training services, serving employers and job seekers alike. It brings together available federal, state, and local workforce programs and services and makes them readily accessible via WIN Job Centers and Internet sites.

Each center provides easy access to services in the areas of employment, education, training, human services, and economic development.

A WIN Job Center in Louisville is managed by the Three Rivers Planning and Development District in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Call the district office at 662-489-2415 or the Louisville center at 662-773-5051 for more information.

Services for Employers

• access to a database of qualified workers
• assistance in writing job descriptions
• Internet access for posting job listings and reviewing resumes
• recruitment and screening of job candidates
• proficiency testing of employees
• information about on-the-job training programs
• training of new employees
• up-to-date information on the labor market and wages
• information about Work Opportunity Tax Credits
• notices of upcoming job fairs
• guidance and forms for filing a NAFTA or Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) petition
• information about Rapid Response services in case of layoffs
• information on NAFTA and TAA benefits for employees

Services for Job Seekers

• career and aptitude assessment
• assistance with job searches and placement
• Internet access for use in posting resumes and conducting job searches
• access to office equipment such as computers, a copier, and a fax machine
• use of resume preparation software
• tips on successful interviewing
• labor market information
• career assistance for veterans and ex-offenders
• information on the Workforce Investment Act core, intensive, and training services
• information on unemployment insurance benefits
• information on NAFTA and TAA benefits for employees
• referrals to sources of workforce training
• guidance on obtaining assistance with math and reading skills
• information and referrals for child care, transportation, and other support services
• referrals to rehabilitation services when needed

Workforce Data

Winston County, with a population close to 20,000, has a labor force of about 8,500. The greatest number of workers are employed in services, followed by retail trade, manufacturing, and wholesale trade.

The majority are moderately well-educated individuals, with about 74 percent holding high school diplomas and 20 percent holding an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or higher. Among manufacturers, the leading employers are producers of machinery, plywood, particleboard, and metal products. For detailed employment information, see the Workforce Data page.

Workforce Training

Valuable training and employment services are available through two channels.

One is the state’s network of community colleges. East Central Community College provides general workforce training and custom-designed programs tailored to the needs of specific industries. To better serve Winston County, ECCC operates a Career Advancement Center in Louisville.

The second channel is a network of WIN Job Centers across the state, including one in Louisville. The centers provide convenient “one-stop” access to a wide range of services in the areas of employment, education, training, human services, and economic development.

For further details, see the Workforce Training page.

The city of Louisville and the town of Noxapater are Winston County’s population centers. In both communities you will find a welcoming atmosphere, a gracious Southern lifestyle, affordable housing, and an attractively low cost of living. The Winston County Chamber of Commerce serves both communities, creating a positive economic climate, promoting local businesses, and sponsoring annual events such as the Red Hills Festival, the Fourth of July Celebration, a “Stew Stomp” on Veteran’s Day, and a Christmas parade.

Louisville

Louisville Coliseum

With a population of 6,600, Louisville, Mississippi, is the county seat and the commercial hub of Winston County. Residents pronounce the name as “Lewis-ville.”  Louisville combines southern hospitality with an energized climate for business and industry. City affairs are managed by a mayor and five aldermen who work together to accommodate and assist new and expanding businesses.

Located adjacent to one of the state’s major four-lane highways (MS Hwy 25), the city enjoys convenient access to Starkville, Columbus, and Tupelo to the northeast and to the state capital, Jackson, to the southwest. Other state highways connect Louisville to major arteries I-55, I-20. and I-59. The city’s municipal airport complements the commercial air services available at the the Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) 50 miles to the northeast and Jackson-Evers International Airport (JAN) located 95 miles to the southwest.

Many of the city’s industries specialize in wood and wood products, metals, and chemicals. Taylor Machine Works is known in industrial circles worldwide for its “Big Red” line of over 100 models of forklifts and other materials handling equipment. Other companies with global reach are Georgia-Pacific, Roseburg Forest Products Company, Polo Custom Products, and Teters Floral Products.

The historic Main Street features shops offering the latest styles in clothing, furniture, and jewelry alongside antique shops with charming wares from the past. Restaurants offer Mexican, Chinese, Italian, and, of course, Southern cuisines. Ivy Park features Louisville Coliseum, a premier venue for horse shows, as well as tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, a playground, a picnic area, and a walking track.

Legion State Park within the Louisville city limits offers hiking, fishing, swimming, and other types of outdoor recreation in a hilly, forested terrain.

Downtown Louisville

Several buildings are of historic significance, including the newly remodeled Strand Theater, which provides a venue for an art and music events. Children and adults alike enjoy the American Heritage “Big Red” Fire Museum housing a large collection of antique fire engines and firefighting equipment.

Annual events in Louisville include the Red Hills Festival and Car Show, showcasing the work of over 100 artisans from across the nation on Memorial Day weekend, and the annual Stew Stomp held on Veteran’s Day each year, which combines a program honoring veterans with a cooking competition that leads to delicious servings of gourmet stew, soup, gumbo, chowder, and chili.

Noxapater

For those who prefer a smaller town with a strong sense of community and a comfortable pace of life, Noxapater, Mississippi  (population 410) is a good choice. It is located on MS Hwy 15 less than 10 miles south of Louisville. Noxapater is growing, and local businesses offer a wide range of products and services..

Noxapater is home to the Choctaw Glove and Safety Company, which manufacturers leather and knit gloves, mittens, and other protective clothing for use in industrial settings.

J.W. Young/Mollie Estes Park includes a unique arboretum and forestry teaching area. A large variety of trees are grown for scientific use and to provide learning opportunities for forestry industry professionals, students, and local residents. The park includes a jogging trail, baseball and softball fields, a pavilion, and a playground.

A major annual event, the Cotton Gin Festival, is held each September, featuring arts, crafts, music, food, a beauty pageant, and a car show. For those who like “down home” entertainment, the Catfish Opry has garnered national fame for great entertainment and food.

Government Contacts

Winston County boasts of highly rated public and private schools and a branch of East Central Community College, plus quick access to two of Mississippi’s eight public universities, including the state’s largest, which is located within a 30-mile drive.

Elementary and Secondary Schools

Louisville High School

The Louisville Municipal School District, which serves the entire county, provides high-quality education for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The system operates seven schools:

• Louisville High School
• Fair Elementary School (grades K-3)
• Louisville Elementary School (grades 4-6)
• Eiland Middle School (grades 7-8)
• Noxapater School (grades K-12)
• Nanih Waiya School (grades K-12)
• Vocational-Technical Center (grades 10-12)

A gifted education program is available to qualified students in grades 2 through 8. Special education services are available at all schools and include programs for speech and specific learning disabilities, as well as for students that are developmentally delayed, trainable mentally retarded, visually impaired, educable mentally retarded, and physically disabled.

The Winston Academy and Grace Christian School offer educational alternatives at the elementary and secondary levels.

Community College

East Central Community College

East Central Community College serves Winston and four other counties from its main campus in Decatur, Mississippi, and is accredited to award associate degrees. In addition to serving about 2,500 students in academic, technical, and career courses, the college provides workforce training for over 18,000 people annually through its Workforce Development Center on the main campus and at several other locations within its service area.

The college operates the Louisville Career Advancement Center offering courses focused on workplace and construction skills. For more information on workforce training programs see the Workforce Training page.

Public Universities

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University (MSU) is an internationally respected institution offering degrees through the doctoral level in a wide range of disciplines. With over 25,000 students, the university has particular strengths in business, engineering, the life sciences, agriculture, and forestry.

Located in Starkville, Mississippi, its main campus is a 30-mile drive by four-lane highway from Louisville in Winston County. MSU devotes substantial resources to outreach programs designed to make faculty expertise available to the state’s many different types of businesses and industries. See the Incentives section for details.

Number of Graduates in Specific Fields from Mississippi State University in the 2008-2009 Academic Year

Mississippi University for Women

Mississippi University for Women (MUW) in Columbus, Mississippi, about 60 miles northeast of Louisville, provides educational opportunities through the master’s degree level for both women and men. It is consistently ranked among the top southern public master’s degree universities.

With a student body of about 2,500 and an attractive campus, it has the feel of a small private college. More than 50 majors and concentrations, including preprofessional programs, are offered by the university’s four colleges: Business, Education and Human Sciences, Nursing and Speech Language Pathology, and Arts and Sciences. The university also operates a very successful lifelong learner program.

Workforce Training

General workforce training programs as well as programs designed to meet the needs of a specific industry are available to new and existing industries. For more information see the Workforce Training page.

Winston County Hospital

Medical Centers

Winston Medical Center in Louisville provides expert, responsive medical care for acute medical situations as well as general health care. The Center’s facilities include

• a modern, 65-bed hospital
• an up-to-date emergency room
•  a CCU/ICU unit
• an outpatient services area.

Among the services offered are

• cardiology
• radiology
• orthopedics
• endoscopy
• general surgery
• state-of-the-art laboratory services
• respiratory care
• rehabilitation therapy
• geriatric psychiatric care
• social services for patients.

Nearby Medical Centers

Nearby hospitals for conditions requiring more intensive or specialized treatment include 

• Oktibbeha County Hospital in Starkville, 30 miles from Louisville
• Baptist Memorial Hospital – Golden Triangle in Columbus, about 60 miles away.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, about 95 miles from Louisville, is highly ranked nationally and encompasses a clinic, four specialized hospitals, and the state’s only level-one trauma center and organ transplant programs.

Other Health Services

The Winston Medical Center operates a 120-bed skilled nursing home, and the Mississippi Department of Public Health operates a 50-bed children’s psychiatric hospital in Louisville.

Home health care in Winston County is offered by a number of organizations, including the Mississippi Department of Health. Among the services available are intravenous (IV) therapy and nutrition counseling.

Main Street in Louisville

Natural Gas

Louisville Utilities
118 S. Columbus Ave.
Louisville, MS 39339
(662) 773-7147

ATMOS Energy
216 S. Columbus Ave.
Louisville, MS 39339
Phone: (888) 286-6700 

Water

Louisville Utilities
118 S. Columbus Ave.
Louisville, MS 39339
(662) 773-7147

Sewer

Louisville Utilities
118 S. Columbus Ave.
Louisville, MS 39339
(662) 773-7147

Cable Services

Mediacom
116 S. Columbus Ave.
Louisville, MS 39339
Phone: (662) 773-9378 

Telephone

A T & T Business Services
Phone: (800) 222-0400

Internet and Broadband Services

A T & T Business Services
Phone: (800) 222-0400

Dixie-Net
305 N. Main Street
Ripley, MS  38663
Phone: (662) 993-2120

Telepak
Phone: (877) 835-3725 (1-877-TELEPAK)