The healthcare industry in Southeast Missouri has a significant economic impact on the region. Hospitals, tertiary care centers, and long-term assisted living facilities contribute to the economic activity in the area. Healthcare spending is crucial, with projected growth in national health expenditures. Initiatives such as community farms and school clinics aim to promote health and well-being. Fitness technology, healthcare leadership, and new faces in healthcare are also important aspects. Collaboration between business, civic, and education leaders in Sikeston is highlighted, along with tourism activities in the area. The agricultural industry, particularly the production of grain crops and rice, is another significant contributor to the economy. The cost of living in Cape Girardeau is mentioned, along with stories of veterans and local events. Recent remodeling efforts of ALDI and Walmart stores are also discussed.
Manufacturing in southeast Missouri is experiencing both incremental and transformational changes. Recruitment has become a challenge for major manufacturers in the region, with labor shortages expected to worsen over the next 20 years. Manufacturers are getting creative in their hiring process, looking for skills and the right attitude in unconventional places such as the service sector. The availability of affordable childcare is also a challenge in attracting and retaining workers. The article highlights the makeup of manufacturing companies in southeast Missouri, the impact on the community and economy, and the range of unique products produced in the region. [91916389] [65dfa30e]
Missouri's economy grew by 2% last year, compared to the U.S. economy's growth of 2.5%. The state lags behind in high-tech and information-based jobs. Missouri does not have a high-tech driver like Silicon Valley or Route 128. Politicians are trying to subsidize certain industries to promote growth, but it has not resulted in fundamental strengths. The economist suggests creating incentives for high-tech companies to relocate to Missouri, but acknowledges that it would require a long-term approach.
The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) released new data on job sectors expected to grow in the next two years, aligning with projections and strategies in Washington's new comprehensive plan. Statewide, the fastest growing occupations from 2023 to 2025 will include cooks and restaurant workers, nurse practitioners, data scientists, medical and health services managers, and food service supervisors. In the St. Louis region, the top 10 occupations expected to see the fastest growth fall into the general category of skilled trades. In Washington, the city government's comprehensive plan aligns closely with state and regional numbers in some areas and differs in others. The greatest occupation growth in Washington between 2002 and 2019 was in health care and social assistance, followed by administration and waste management, professional, scientific and technical jobs, transportation and warehousing, construction, lodging and dining, and finance and insurance. Manufacturing jobs in Washington have been relatively stagnant over time, but the city aims to diversify its job market and target industrial clusters for additional employer and workforce expansion. The comprehensive plan is expected to be approved in May. [85f2d6a9]