Missouri has a graying workforce, prompting the state to rethink economic development efforts. State researchers have discovered our workforce is aging. Workers between the ages of 45 and 64 grew by more than five percent between 1995 and 2002, now making up roughly a third of the Missouri workforce. The number of Missourians 65 and older still working has increased by three percent. Marty Romitti is the Director of Research at the State Economic Development Department. He says the research will affect how the department recruits business to the state. Romitti says the data on the state workforce can be combined with information about what specific businesses want to better target the state pitch. Those industries that typically have older workers on their payrolls include real estate, transit, air transportation and apparel manufacturing. Business services, bars and restaurants also hire older workers. Romitti says this is something the state must pay attention to.
