State of State Address Archives

Missouri’s governor credits workforce development for projects like Amazon in Republic and Chewy in Belton

January 29, 2021 By Brian Hauswirth

Missouri’s governor emphasized numerous job expansions and projects during this week’s State of the State Address in Jefferson City. Governor Mike Parson says they highlight the state’s increasingly competitive business climate.

State Sens. Barbara Washington, D-Kansas City, (left) and Angela Mosley, D-Florissant, applaud as GOP Governor Mike Parson walks into the Senate chamber for the January 27, 2021 State of the State Address (photo courtesy of the governor’s Flickr page)

“Accenture Federal Services in St. Louis, Chewy Incorporated in Belton, Amazon in Republic, Kawasaki in Maryville,” Parson says.

Governor Parson is also highlighting the expansions at Boeing in St. Charles and Ford Motor Company in Claycomo.

One of the biggest projects is in southwest Missouri’s Republic, where Amazon will open its first fulfillment center this year. The facility will create more than 500 new full-time jobs, in the fast-growing community. Starting pay for fulfillment center workers will be $15 an hour.

Kawasaki, which is the largest employer in northwest Missouri’s Nodaway County, is creating 110 new jobs by adding an assembly line and a second shift.

The plant already has about 1,100 workers. It manufactures small industrial gasoline engines for lawn, garden and turf products.

During Wednesday’s State of the State, Governor Parson noted that Missouri has jumped from 21st to 11th in the nation among site selectors. He says that’s primarily due to the success of workforce development programs.

“Through Missouri One Start for example, nearly 100,000 Missourians have received training through partnerships with over 400 companies,” says Parson.

The governor says since the newly revamped program was launched, businesses have invested $2.5 billion in Missouri.

Parson is also praising Ranken Technical College’s announcement of a new $7.5 million advanced manufacturing training facility in eastern Missouri’s Troy. He says it’s a “great example of what we can accomplish when education, government and the private sector work together.”

The governor also emphasized the importance of infrastructure, during the address. He specifically focused on levee projects and major bridge projects, including the Buck O’Neil bridge in Kansas City and the I-70 Rocheport bridge.

Parson predicts improved economic results for Missouri, following state government reorganization

September 3, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

Officials say the largest state government reorganization in decades will allow the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) to focus exclusively on its core mission, which is economic development.

The 2019 Missouri state government reorganization, courtesy of DED

Missouri’s governor is predicting improved economic results.

The restructuring plan took effect on August 28, and Governor Mike Parson (R) and Cabinet directors from four agencies briefed Capitol reporters last week about its significance and impact.

DED Director Rob Dixon tells reporters DED is now focusing on helping Missouri prosper and helping communities grow.

“For the Department of Economic Development, what that means is we’re going to go from an agency of about 900 employees, 865 or so, down to 177 employees,” Dixon says. “We’re going to be lazer-focused and streamlined.”

When Parson announced the plan in April, DED’s 865 employees were more than any of its Midwest competitors, and Missouri ranked eighth among Midwest peer states in wage growth.

The restructuring included moving the Division of Energy from DED to the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and also involved moving the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Office of Public Counsel from DED to the newly-named Department of Commerce and Insurance.

The restructuring also moved DED’s Division of Workforce Development to the Department of Higher Education.

Governor Parson tells reporters the reorganization highlights his commitment for greater efficiency while improving customer service.

“During my State of the State (Address) in January, I committed to the General Assembly and all Missourians that my administration would fundamentally restructure state government,” says Parson.

The governor says the reorganization was needed, especially for DED to improve its performance.

“Today is a combined effort involved with achieving this historical reorganization, something that hasn’t happened in decades but was needed to better serve Missourians,” Parson says.

Parson tells Missourinet he’s confident the restructuring will lead to better economic results.