The Troup County school system touts the slogan, “It’s about learning.”

Troup County, in general, could borrow the concept. For all of us, in today’s economy, “It’s about jobs.”

Despite the economic downturn, job creation has continued at a steady pace here, largely due to hiring by Kia and its suppliers. Just this week, Kia confirmed definite plans to begin production before Thanksgiving with 1,200 employees. Kia suppliers are in production, too, meaning hundreds more people are working in Troup County in jobs that didn’t exist this time last year.

But job losses have continued at a steady pace, too. In all types of businesses, large and small, layoffs, cutbacks, hiring freezes and closings have offset - or even outpaced - automotive industry hiring. Instead of being the “bright spot” in Georgia’s economy, the local jobless rate has been at or near the state’s highest.

And an uncomfortable truth has become apparent. Many newly-created automotive jobs have gone to people from outside Troup County - some to people who were better qualified, some to people who were more savvy about how to pursue career opportunities in today’s competitive job market.

Which brings us back to that school system motto. Opportunities exist, but when it comes to landing a job, “It’s about learning,” too.

That’s the theory behind troupcountyworks.com, a new online initiative in development for the past several months and launched officially this week.

Operated out of the county’s Center for Strategic Planning, the web site aims to become a one-stop-shop for job seekers and employers alike. A place where local employers - small, medium or large - can post job openings or link to their own sites. A place where Troup County residents - and only Troup County residents - can go to one site and find out what kind of jobs are available. And what they need to do to get qualified.

Center director - and sole employee - Kay Durand says Troup County Works is “about more than just jobs.”

Like we said, “It’s about learning.”

The site will offer tips on creating an effective resume, information on financial aid and educational resources for those who need to add or improve skills. Information will be tailored to all types of job seekers – from young workers seeking first jobs to older workers, even retirees, who need to adapt to changing workforce requirements. The site will also include links to multiple resources, like the Georgia Department of Labor and other key jobs-related programs.

The program is in its infancy - and likely will have typical start-up glitches. But the potential is real.

Durand, LaGrange’s first female council member, is a proven leader with a knack for innovation and a prodigious work ethic. Equally important, she’s a persuasive leader who believes in what she’s doing and has the communications skills to bring others on board.

The Center for Strategic Planning, with its $100,000 budget shared among several governments and organizations, is a reasonable investment - less than $1.50 per year per Troup County resident. Even minimal success ought to be worth more than that.

For months now, people have looked at the jobs picture and said, in some form or other, “We’ve got to DO something.”

TroupCountyWorks aims to “do” the most important something - help put local people to work in local workplaces.

Its success or failure will depend on at least two factors: the willingness of employers to take advantage of the free service and the degree of effort job seekers are willing to make.

We urge folks on both sides of that equation to give it their best shot.

Another time-tested truism applies: You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.

Help is available, but individuals must take responsibility for utilizing it.

It’s time to get thirsty - and serious - about hiring locally and improving our workforce.

It’s important that troupcountyworks.com gets fully utilized - so Troup County Works can be a fact, not a slogan.