NATCHEZ — The Mississippi Economic Council’s Marathon Tour will spotlight education, economic development and workforce training as it makes stops in 26 cities this fall. For its 24th stop, the tour will be in Natchez.

The Natchez meeting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Grand Soleil Casino & Resort. To register visit www.mec.ms

At the meetings, sponsored by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, business leaders and MEC members will discuss how the state should move forward to ensure Mississippi’s competitiveness and support education and workforce training initiatives.

There will be presentations as well as a question-and-answer session.

Mississippi is forging ahead in many industries and continues to focus on priming business, said Blake Wilson, president of MEC.

“Creating economic stability for all businesses in Mississippi is essential in building our state’s competitive future. The leaders of this state push on to make it a place where businesses thrive, education is improving and workforce training resources abound,” he said.