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Commissioner Zora Mulligan sat down with thought leaders from the business, education and economic development communities to hear real voices talk about economic and workforce development. Episodes were released each Friday, Dec. 21 - Jan. 25. Listen now and read the Talent For Tomorrow blog that goes along with each episode.

 

Background

In May 2018, the Hawthorn Foundation, the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the Missouri Department of Higher Education launched Talent for Tomorrow, an initiative that will fundamentally reset Missouri’s approach to meeting the state’s workforce needs.

 

The initiative produced an assessment of how the state’s current workforce aligns with employer needs, looked at different economic scenarios to help build a workforce system that can adapt as the economy evolves, and identified a pilot project.

 

The initiative culminated with the announcement of a set of recommendations to form an over arching workforce strategy for the state. A major goal will be to align secondary and postsecondary education with the public workforce system and the needs of the private sector.

 

Leading the initiative was a task force of map of missouri, words are talent for tomorrowthought leaders from business and industry, education, trade, the public workforce system, state and federal government, and the legislature.

 

Innovators, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, scholars, and others to engaged in the process through regional workshops in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, and Cape Girardeau.

 

Ideas submitted

More than 130 ideas were submitted by individual citizens, organizations, and other groups that have interest in economic development, education, and workforce development. Volunteer committees working with both departments will consider these ideas as they develop recommendations on the state’s future plans. Topics include a specific issue or policy, such as a particular economic development incentive or an education program, and broad subjects, like higher education and economic development strategies generally.

 

Learn more about Talent for Tomorrow and Best in Midwest at bestinmidwest.com.