Jefferson City, Mo. — As Governor Mike Parson concludes his tenure as Missouri’s top economic developer, the Department of Economic Development (DED) celebrates the impact of the Parson administration on the state’s economy.
“Due to our unwavering commitment to supporting Missouri workers and business growth, we can confidently say that Missouri’s economy is stronger than ever,” said Governor Mike Parson. “From day one, our administration prioritized infrastructure and workforce development because we knew they would bring business investments and job creation. Today, we continue to see positive results of our hard work that are improving lives across every region of our state. We are humbled by and beyond proud of the legacy we have achieved through partnership.”
Since Governor Parson took office in June 2018, the state has experienced far-reaching economic growth that has positively impacted businesses, communities, workforce, and tourism.
“For more than six years, Governor Parson has helped Missourians prosper by serving as our state’s number one economic developer,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “The positive impact of the Parson administration’s efforts to strengthen our economy will benefit generations of Missourians for years to come. We’re grateful for Governor Parson’s dedication and look forward to building upon his legacy of economic growth.”
Business Growth
Under Governor Parson’s leadership, from June 1, 2018, to present, DED supported more than 740 business projects that totaled more than $17 billion in investment and more than 60,000 jobs created. DED’s promotion of business growth includes the use of programs, such as the Missouri Works Program, that assist companies in expanding, retaining workers, and creating new jobs. Governor Parson’s emphasis on improving critical infrastructure and strengthening Missouri’s workforce greatly contributed to the number of new projects and overall project size during the last several fiscal years.
Significant business projects completed during the Parson administration include the expansion of General Motor’s manufacturing plant in Wentzville, American Foods Group’s new facility in Warren County, Google’s new data center in Kansas City, EquipmentShare’s multiple expansions in central Missouri, Carlisle Construction Materials’ new facility in Sikeston, Casey’s General Stores’ new distribution center in Joplin, and Western Smokehouse Partners’ new facility in Mexico, among others.
Today, Missouri is ranked seventh nationally and first in the Midwest for job growth in the last year. Since June 2018, Missouri has added nearly 190,000 jobs to its economy. The state’s GDP growth is also outpacing national growth.
Community Development
During the Parson administration, DED supported a variety of projects to strengthen communities and increase their capacity for economic growth. Since June 1, 2018, DED’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program awarded funds to 320 projects across the state that totaled $230.6 million and have impacted more than 1 million Missourians.
Through ten grant programs funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), DED awarded more than $530 million to more than 700 communities, nonprofits, and businesses for projects supporting broadband access, workforce training, community revitalization, local tourism, industrial sites, and more.
DED’s Office of Broadband Development (OBD) greatly expanded efforts to connect all Missourians to quality internet access as it secured $1.7 billion in funding through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program – the third largest allocation in the nation. As OBD begins BEAD implementation, more than 75,000 new and improved connections have already been made through other programs that have awarded more than $310 million.
Workforce Training
Missouri One Start, the state’s premier workforce recruitment and training division, was formed by an executive order signed by Governor Parson in 2019. Since then, Missouri One Start has trained more than 173,000 employees as it supported more than 1,300 projects that represent a total of more than $10.7 billion in capital investment.
Tourism Impact
Missouri’s vibrant tourism industry also thrived under Governor Parson’s leadership. Since June 1, 2018, the state saw more than $103.7 billion in tourism-related spending with an average of more than 288,000 people working in tourism/hospitality each year.
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.
About the Missouri Works Program
As the state’s number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.
About Missouri One Start
Missouri One Start is the state’s premier workforce recruitment and training division. It helps eligible businesses of all sizes stay competitive by providing customized recruitment assistance, along with resources to train and upskill new and existing employees. Its recruitment strategies and training programs are tailored to the specific workforce needs of the businesses it serves.
