department of economic development

Mo. unemployment rate declines in April

Associated Press and Kristofor Husted — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:11:54 +0000

For the month of April, Missouri employers added more than 12,000 new jobs while the state’s unemployment rate dropped to 6.6 percent.

Mo. sees little change in unemployment in February

Associated Press — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:24:22 +0000

Missouri's unemployment rate inched up slightly in February although the state also posted gains in the number of jobs.

Figures released Tuesday by the state Department of Economic Development show Missouri's unemployment rate was 6.7 percent last month, up one-tenth of a percentage point from January.

Seasonally adjusted, nonfarm payroll rose by 3,900 jobs in February, with gains in the construction industry offset partially by loses in food services.

How one enzyme manufacturer catalyzed success

Meredith Turk — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:26:05 +0000

Researchers Katie and Brian Thompson of the University of Missouri took the plunge to start a company a few years ago. They relocated to the Missouri Innovation Center in Columbia, which provides them office space and mentorship support. The husband and wife team developed a technology that stabilizes enzymes. They created a platform technology, which has applications in many industries.

Economist casts doubt on Mo. business incentives

Associated Press — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 22:11:46 +0000

A university economist is casting doubt on whether Missouri's job-creation incentives actually result in more jobs.

Economist Howard Wall of Lindenwood University testified Monday before the House Government Oversight and Accountability Committee about the effectiveness of the Missouri Quality Jobs program. The initiative offers tax breaks to businesses that add jobs with good wages and health benefits.

Missouri adds 2,500 jobs in September

Associated Press — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 19:50:46 +0000

Missouri payrolls increased by 2,500 in September as the state's unemployment rate declined to 6.9 percent, the lowest mark since late 2008.

Manufacturing leads the way in Mo. job creation

Connor Wist — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 14:14:49 +0000

The latest Department of Economic Development report shows there were almost 18,000 new jobs in Missouri in August. The manufacturing industry added the most jobs with an increase of nearly 5,000 new positions.

Missouri Department of Economic Development spokesperson John Fougere says Missouri’s progress in job creation continues to grow following a big drop during the recession.

Columbia activists fight urban blight label

Associated Press — Wed, 30 May 2012 21:25:57 +0000

A city of Columbia's effort to classify certain neighborhoods as blighted to help businesses secure tax credits continues to draw fire from local activists.

The "blight" label is required by the state Department of Economic Development to create Enhanced Enterprise Zones. The zones are distinct areas where businesses can receive tax breaks in return for adding new facilities or jobs.

Opponents say the label will lower property values and could make it easier for local government to seize property under eminent domain laws.

Missouri unemployment numbers dip slightly in April

Associated Press — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:51:28 +0000

Missouri added about 6,000 jobs in April as its seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down slightly.

Figures released Tuesday by the state Department of Economic Development also show that Missouri added more jobs in March than originally thought. The March job growth was revised upward from 4,800 to 6,800 new jobs.

Missouri's unemployment rate declined one-tenth of a percentage point in April to 7.3 percent. The department said that is the lowest level in 40 months.

The national unemployment rate was 8.1 percent in April.

KBIA Newscast for Dec. 30, 2011

Rehman Tungekar — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 23:52:27 +0000

Regional news from the KBIA newsroom, including:

Governor Nixon selects new economic development director

Rehman Tungekar and Associated Press — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:32:44 +0000

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has selected the leader of a state-funded technology agency to become his third economic development director (AP).