Commercial Truck Driving / Panola Partnership at NWCC

This episode of Bank First Ranger Hour highlights Northwest Mississippi Community College programs and regional economic development efforts.

Kyle Eldred, instructor for the Commercial Truck Driving Program, discusses the Batesville and DeSoto County cohorts, the 16-week CDL training course, and the importance of hands-on driving experience. He explains how NWCC prepares students for safe and professional driving, using simulators, real-world road conditions, and industry best practices. Kyle also shares job prospects for graduates, emphasizing the high demand for truck driversand the strong support from NWCC's career and technical education programs.

Joe Azar, CEO of Panola Partnership, talks about the organization's role in economic and workforce development in North Mississippi. He discusses the impact of The Concourse, a regional workforce training hub created in partnership with NWCC. Joe also highlights Panola Partnership’s role in bringing new businesses to the area, including a $50 million retail development, and the importance of alignment between government, education, and industry for sustainable growth. He also shares insights from South by Southwest, where he represented Panola County’s solar energy initiatives and their partnerships with Microsoft, Rivian, and Vanderbilt University.

This episode also includes updates on NWCC athletics, including the softball and baseball teams’ schedules, and the upcoming Northwest Soirée on March 29, where Panola Partnership will be honored as the 2025 Organization of the Year. The Heindl Center for the Performing Arts lineup is also highlighted, featuring Mean Girls the Musical, The Commodores, and Chapel Hart.

Keywords: Northwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC, Bank First Ranger Hour, commercial truck driving, CDL training, NWCC workforce development, NWCC The Concourse, Panola Partnership, Batesville economic development, Mississippi workforce training, commercial driving careers, NWCC athletics, Heindl Center events, Northwest Soirée, solar energy projects, Microsoft renewable energy, Rivian sustainability, Vanderbilt University solar project, economic growth in Mississippi, Northwest Community College programs.