Yes, we’re hard working. Yes, we’re highly skilled. And yes, there are more than 3 million of us, giving us a bigger talent pool than 20 other states (and most of our neighbors). But where is Missouri talent working? What sectors do Missouri workers shine in?
Yesterday, the Missouri Department of Economic Development released Missouri’s unemployment rate for September. At 5.3 percent, it is the lowest it has been since August 2007.
Growth was noted in manufacturing, retail, art, entertainment and recreation.
These figures are a great visual regarding the growth taking place in Missouri. But the question many of us then ask is where else is Missouri talent working? What sectors do Missouri workers shine in?
Yes, we’re hard working. Yes, we’re highly skilled. And yes, there are more than 3 million of us, giving us a bigger talent pool than 20 other states (and most of our neighbors).
A big sector in Missouri is manufacturing, especially advanced manufacturing. F-150 trucks are made in Missouri. Actually Kansas City is the biggest manufacturer of automobiles outside of Detroit. F/A-18s are made in Missouri. And across our state, due to talent, distribution and costs, Missouri is manufacturing and re-manufacturing an incredible assortment of products.
Another key sector that stretches statewide is AgTech. The talent and companies stretch from Kansas City to St. Joseph to St. Louis, from Cape Girardeau to Springfield and Joplin, and everywhere else in all directions. This sector consists of animal health, plant science, agriculture, food processing and related fields. Add biomedical research to the talent mix and you can clearly see why Missouri is a leading force in these advanced sectors.
But wait, there’s more.
Financial services are massive in Missouri, with many companies and two Federal Reserve Banks. Moving goods from point A to point Z is also a strength of the region, due to smart people and access to every mode of transportation you could need to move goods around the world.
And then there’s our information technology talent. Some of them we stick in caves, not to hide them but due to the unique underground data centers across the state. Others are based in innovation districts such as the Cortex Innovation Community in St. Louis. Others are at the numerous Fortune 500 companies, such as Centene, Express Scripts, Monsanto, Edward Jones, and O’Reilly Automotive.
So, we are at 5.3 percent unemployment. And we have talent. Come see what we’re up to in Missouri. You’ll enjoy the show.