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The Lowndes County Economic Development Commission  (LCEDC) has announced job applications locations and test training for Chowel jobs in Fort Deposit, as well as a website for the LCEDC.

The announcements were made by those in attendance that the LCEDC meeting in Hayneville Tuesday.

David Hutchison, who works for the economic development commissions in both Butler and Lowndes County, announced that Chowel is using the Career Centers in Greenville, Hayneville and Fort Deposit to accept applications.

He said the plant opening in Fort Deposit is now set for mid-November.

Hutchison and Lowndes County Commission Chairman Robert Harris pointed out that Chowel has committed to fill 200 permanent jobs in Lowndes County over a period of two-years. 

And LCEDC Chairman Thomas Ellis said that the company must not reduce jobs in Luverne, but must add the jobs in Lowndes County.

According to Janice Grayson, manager of the Alabama Career Centers in Troy and Greenville, applications for Chowel positions in Fort Deposit can be made in Fort Deposit on first and third Wednesdays of each month; second and fourth Wednesdays of each month in Hayneville, as well as in Greenville. Hours, she said, are 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Dr. Daniel Boyd, superintendent of education for Lowndes County, reported, “There have been some concern with the test the Career Center in Greenville administers” in order for applicants to be considered for the Chowel jobs.

He said it requires a ninth grade level and “currently there is a high failure rate.”

Boyd said the applicants are falling on the math part of the Computer Learning Works Test.

He said he has spoken to Fort Deposit Mayor Fletcher Fountain and is looking to start a tutorial program for the test at Lowndes County Middle School.

Boyd said the math and reading tutoring services for the test will be offered Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 7 p.m. from Sept. 14 through Oct. 1.

He said those interested should contact Mayor Fletcher Fountain’s Office at 227-4194 Monday though Thursday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

He said the enrollment period starts Aug. 31st through Sept. 12.

Boyd said there will be no charge for the test and those who take this course will be allowed to retake the test.

It was also pointed out that the LCEDC has a website at www.Lowndes CountyEDC.com.