Transitioning skills in disaster-impacted communities

The International Economic Development Council plans to showcase Southwest Missouri WIB’s experience in disaster recovery in a webinar November 20th. This virtual event provides a how-to introduction on developing workforce training programs in disaster-impacted communities. A major disaster can disrupt market flows and impact local businesses in ways beyond the imagination. Either temporary business closures or
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Manufacturing Day helps youth with career ideas

More than 400 youth from a dozen schools districts across the region participated in the first-ever Manufacturing Day, held Friday at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin. Reps from 20 different manufacturing firms exhibited in the event, coordinated by the Joplin Regional Partnership. 

Lawmakers learn more about work readiness

An interim education committee from the Missouri House of Representatives held a hearing in Joplin Wednesday night to gather input on improving Missouri’s education system. The hearing provided an opportunity for lawmakers to learn more about the benefits of the National Career Readiness Certificate

Study shows tornado recovery strongest with private sector leadership

Citizen Government can best facilitate recovery from natural disasters by allowing the private sector to lead the response, according to a new study by Troy University economists Daniel Smith and Daniel Sutter. The study, “Response and Recovery from the Joplin Tornado: Lessons Applied and Lessons Learned,” published in Fall 2013 issue of The Independent Review,
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Proclamation honors Joplin’s workforce disaster recovery help to Oklahoma

The Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Central Oklahoma recently issued a formal proclamation recognizing the assistance from Southwest Missouri as part of the workforce disaster recovery efforts.  Violent tornados struck the Oklahoma City metro and surrounding areas in May. A team from Joplin recently visited workforce system colleagues in Oklahoma to offer suggestions on launching
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Unemployment down, but job search challenges persist

While the Joplin region enjoys lower than average unemployment, some still face challenges in landing a job. KODE-TV’s Jessica Shaer took a closer look at the unemployment trends with data provided by the Workforce Investment Board. Jessica also interviewed two brothers that teamed up in their job search.    

Four new counties gain In Progress certification

Barry, Barton, Lawrence, and Newton Counties in Southwest Missouri joined the ranks of the 33 counties in Show-Me State with the Certified Work Ready Community In Progress designation. The Missouri Workforce Investment Board at the Department of Economic Development approved the second round of certified counties at its meeting in Jefferson City Friday, July 12th.
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Real estate magazine profiles Joplin CWRC

Site Selection magazine’s July 2013 edition includes a profile on Jasper County as the nation’s first Certified Work Ready Community. Site Selection provided background on CWRC, Joplin’s success in rebounding from the tornado disaster, and plans for the future. Mark Arend interviewed Susan Adams from Able Manufacturing and Jasen Jones from the Workforce Investment Board.
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