Georgia-Pacific invests in workforce development with donations to Tennessee colleges

Georgia-Pacific, the company behind the well-known Dixie® brand, has donated US$15,000 to Jackson State Community College and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in Jackson, Tennessee. The funding is intended to enhance educational programs that prepare students for careers in high-demand fields such as manufacturing, engineering, and other technical industries.

The donation aligns with Georgia-Pacific’s commitment to supporting the communities where it operates. The company recently opened its US$425 million Dixie® facility in Jackson, which is expected to create approximately 220 jobs when fully operational. By investing in education, the company aims to foster a skilled workforce to meet the needs of the evolving job market.

Mike Cook, plant director at the new Dixie® facility, emphasized the importance of workforce development in the company’s success: “Our success relies on the talent and dedication of our workforce and culture”, said Cook. “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”.

Leaders from both colleges expressed their gratitude for the partnership and Georgia-Pacific’s support.

“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 for 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, highlighted the value of the donation for the institution’s mission: “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”.

Georgia-Pacific reaffirmed its focus on workforce development as it establishes deeper roots in Jackson. The company looks forward to strengthening its collaboration with local colleges to create a steady pipeline of skilled workers, benefiting both the new facility and the wider community.