Let’s Get to Work
SEMO REDI CEO Shad Burner introduces Industry Insights, a new publication created to explore the trends and challenges shaping Southeast Missouri's economy. The inaugural issue examines workforce development and highlights
Industry Insights is SEMO REDI’s new publication exploring the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping Southeast Missouri’s economy. The inaugural issue examines workforce development and provides data, local perspectives, and practical ideas to help business and community leaders plan for the future.
Articles from this Issue
The Great Labor Reckoning
America is entering a long-term labor shortage driven by demographic decline, retirements, and workforce participation trends, requiring employers and communities to adapt through talent development, technology, and new workforce strategies
Closing the Gap: The labor shortage isn’t a temporary downturn — it’s a structural shift in the region’s workforce. Here is how our region answers it.
Dr. James Stapleton explains how AI, apprenticeships, and upskilling today's workforce can help Southeast Missouri compete in tomorrow's economy.
College Looks Different Today: How community colleges are building the workforce of tomorrow
Dr. Joe Gilgour explains how community colleges have become essential workforce development partners, providing the technical training and industry-recognized credentials needed to close the skills gap, strengthen local economies, and
Fearlessly Forward: How SEMO’s new strategic plan is changing education, preparing students for careers, and supporting the region
Dr. Brad Hodson outlines Southeast Missouri State University's Fearlessly Forward strategic plan, which aims to strengthen workforce readiness, expand career-connected learning, and prepare students to drive regional economic growth.
Ranken Southeast Is Expanding Aviation Training To Help Meet Growing Employer Demand For Skilled Maintenance Technicians
Crystal Jones highlights how Ranken Technical College's expanding Southeast campus, including a new Aircraft Maintenance Technical School, is strengthening Southeast Missouri's workforce by preparing students for high-demand technical careers aligned
Building the Next Step: How Alan Wire is investing in Southeast Missouri’s youth
For more than a decade, Alan Wire's NextStep program has shown how giving high school students real jobs, real paychecks, and real responsibility can strengthen both lives and the regional
What We’re Hearing Across Southeast Missouri
Business attraction and business retention go hand in hand, and insights from more than 100 employer visits show that supporting existing companies is one of the strongest ways to grow