June 2010

Director's Spotlight: Preparing Missouri for the Evolving Economy   

Missouri’s economy is changing. Jobs and industries are modernizing across our country, and everyone needs to adapt to keep up with the evolving economic landscape. It is especially important as our state recovers from the recession that we attract new businesses and new industries so that we can continue to grow.

One aspect of this which is of particular interest to us here at the Labor Department is creating a positive, cooperative relationship between labor and management. As our state moves forward into its 21st century economy, this cooperation will be absolutely essential to competing and maintaining the efficiency and agility of Missouri’s workforce. And as we compete with other states and nations for jobs, we need to maintain our reputation as the world-class workforce that we are.

On that note, I am proud to announce that the 2010 Mid-America Labor/Management Conference again will be held here in Missouri, at the Lake of the Ozarks starting July 5th. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in sessions about a wide range of topics aimed at both labor and management audiences. Sessions include: alternative energy development, Missouri’s Shared Work Program, the National Labor Relations Act, state and federal apprenticeship programs, mediation, and self-funded health plans, just to name a few. The keynote speaker for the event will be Roger Wilson, former Governor of Missouri and current President and CEO of Missouri Employers Mutual.

By developing better regional cooperation between states and better labor relations, I believe Missouri will be on the fore front to welcoming new industries to the region thereby creating jobs.

For more information, or if you would like to register, visit http://malmc.org.