Missouri Department of Economic Development

Missouri unemployment rate hits 49-month low, but there's a catch

Marshall Griffin — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 23:19:44 +0000

Missouri’s unemployment rate is now at its lowest point in four years.

November’s jobless rate is at 6.7 percent, down from 6.9 percent in October. At the same time, though, the state lost 6,800 non-farm jobs last month. John Fougere is with the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

“There’ll be blips from time to time, but we never focus on any one month of data when it comes to the number of jobs gained or lost, but instead the overall trend," Fougere said. "Right now the overall trend of Missouri’s economy appears to be positive.”

Judge denies Mamktek CEO lower bond

Associated Press — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:13:42 +0000

A Randolph County judge has refused to lower the $500,000 cash bond for the former CEO of a failed factory project in Moberly who is facing felony fraud charges.

Former Hostess employees get help in job search

Emily Potthast — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:46:07 +0000

The State Rapid Response Team is assisting former Hostess employees in Mid-Missouri get back to work.

Missouri unemployment rate remains below national average

Kristofor Husted — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 21:17:48 +0000

Missouri’s unemployment rate held steady at 6.9 percent in October, according to new data from the Missouri Department of Economic Development. That’s one full point below the national average of 7.9 percent.

43 new jobs coming to Holts Summit within the next few years

Devon Fasbinder — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:18:47 +0000

Pro Food Systems Inc. is planning to add 43 jobs within the next five years at its operation in Holts Summit. The new headquarters will have three components: a breading and blending facility, a logistics service center and print companies. The company said it will invest $6 million dollars into the new headquarters.

Missouri Department of Economic Development Spokesperson John Fougere said the Department used tax credits and other incentives to encourage Pro Food Systems into expansion.

Mo. job incentive program comes up short

Associated Press — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:39:43 +0000

A new audit says Missouri officials have overstated the economic impact of the state's main job incentive programs.

The report released Monday by Auditor Tom Schweich focuses on the Quality Jobs program, which provides tax breaks to businesses that add jobs with decent wages and health insurance.

Schweich says the projected jobs and investment reported by the Department of Economic Development has significantly overstated the amount of jobs actually created and the amount of money actually invested by businesses to improve facilities and equipment.

Columbia business incubator awarded tax credits

Anli Xiao — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 21:46:47 +0000

The Missouri Department of Economic Development awarded state tax credits to five small business incubators on Monday. The Life Science Business Incubation Center in Columbia was awarded a $100,000 in tax credits.

Missouri payroll jobs fall by 7,300 in May

Associated Press — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 22:59:01 +0000

Missouri officials say the state lost about 7,300 non-farm payroll jobs in May, even as the state's unemployment rate was unchanged at 7.3 percent.

Youth mentoring group Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri to benefit from state tax credits

Hannah Schmidt — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:22:37 +0000

The Missouri Department of Economic Development announced earlier this week that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri has been approved for state tax credits. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri received $102,782 in state tax credits under the Department of Economic Development’s Youth Opportunities Program.

Missouri's economy lagged nation's in 2011

Jacob McCleland — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 22:39:26 +0000

Missouri’s Gross Domestic Product growth was stagnant in 2011. That’s according to a new report released Tuesday by the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis, or BEA.