Governor-elect Matt Blunt listens for three hours as local economic development leaders suggest changes to state government to make Missouri more competitive in attracting businesses. Blunt pledges to those gathered for his job summit that he will do more than just listen. Those in attendance conclude that the State Economic Development Department has lost its focus and must again become the state’s chief job recruitment tool. They agree the tax credits offered by the state don’t do much and should be changed and enhanced. They also say the private sector needs to become involved again, perhaps through a revitalized Hawthorn Foundation.
