On paper the program offers training in life skills, work ethics, goal setting, and interview skills. In reality, it is packed with straight talk laced with humor emphasizing the benefits of employees putting their best feet forward.
"We are the beneficiaries," said Karen Sock, Grand Casino general manager. "These are not warm fuzzy classes; they're practical."
Agreeing after observing teachers Charles Langford of Marks and Jackie Sanders of Shelby interact with 11 students for more than an hour was Jon Lucas, president of Park Place Entertainment, the parent company of Grand, Sheraton and Bally's casinos.
Langford stressed the importance of attitude, appearance, dependability and honesty on the job.
"You do not have a right to have a job; it's a privilege, and there is no excuse for being late. Be on time, and that will get you promoted," he said.
Pointing to the audience of top casino executives, Lanford told the students, "They wouldn't be here today if they were not interested in your being successful."
In one class exercise Sanders asked students to write down and later read out loud three positive things about themselves and three things they need to change.
Later she asked them to close their eyes and visualize themselves in a mirror. "Would you hire that person looking in the mirror?" she asked.
"What gets you hired will also get you promoted," said Langford.
"These classes are very practical and useful," added Pete Burns, general manager of Bally's, and Steve Schutte, Sheraton's general manager.
Cynthia Simms, Grand Casino's vice president of human resources, said.
"Our retention rate is better; turnovers are not as high" because of the CCC classes.
Welcoming the group to Clarksdale were McMurchy, CCC President Vivian Presley, and Betty Lynn Hunt, CCC Workforce Development coordinator.
Hunt praised Bob Clarkson, Workforce Development manager for Park Place Entertainment, and called him the "super glue that holds everything together."
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