The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED), the Missouri Department of Higher Education (DHE), and the Hawthorn Foundation are launching an initiative to help Missouri meet its workforce needs. Associated Industries of Missouri is participating in the effort as well as other business, political and civic leaders across Missouri.
The project is a set of initiatives that brings together two programs: the DED’s “Best in Midwest” economic development strategic plan and “Talent for Tomorrow”, an effort of DED, DHE and the Hawthorn Foundation to develop an overall workforce strategy.
The project will be guided by a task force of thought leaders from business and industry, education, trade, the public workforce system, state and federal government, and the legislature. Ray McCarty, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Missouri, is a member of the task force.
“Workforce development – finding and developing the talent in workers to prepare them for the jobs or today and tomorrow – is critical to all our Missouri employers and we are proud to be a part of this effort,” said McCarty.
Regional workshops have been held or are planned in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, and Cape Girardeau. The project started with a statewide summit this week.
Attendees heard from many political leaders and the two state departments that are directly involved in the project: DED Director Rob Dixon and MDHE Commissioner Zora Mulligan.
Attendees learned three key attributes of a great workforce needed by employers statewide include:
Ability to learn;
Soft skills (getting along with others, showing up on time, pride in work); and,
Interest in jobs (inspiring workers’ ownership and contribution to the employer’s goals).
Regional meetings have been held in Cape Girardeau and Kansas City and more are planned in the following locations:
St. Louis Area
Embassy Suites Hotel
Two Convention Center Plaza | St. Charles, MO 63303
Friday, July 6, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Springfield
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Springfield
2431 North Glenstone Avenue | Springfield, MO 65803
Tuesday, July 10, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Columbia
Holiday Inn Executive Center-Columbia Mall
2200 Interstate 70 Drive Southwest | Columbia, MO 65203
Wednesday, July 11, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
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