Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Highlights Bi-state Efforts to Create Jobs, Build Economy
KANSAS CITY–Governor Matt Blunt today discussed successful cooperative economic development efforts between Missouri and Kansas that have helped create jobs and support both state's economies. The discussion between Gov. Blunt and Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius was part of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration Workforce Innovations 2007 Conference. U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao and Assistant Secretary Emily DeRocco also participated in the event.
"Our efforts on regional economic development have led to great benefits for the Kansas City area," Gov. Blunt said. "Missouri's economy has dramatically improved over the last two and half years with Missourians adding tens of thousands of new jobs since January 2005. Working together with our neighbors in Kansas we have even more potential to add to that impressive growth."
The discussion focused on the power of cross-state collaboration to encourage talent and enhance economic development. The conference theme, "Beyond Boundaries," highlights a concept that the governors have already leveraged to great success and federal recognition.
In 2006, Governors Blunt and Sebelius submitted a joint application on behalf of the Kansas City region for a Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grant. The grants are designed to make significant improvements to workforce development and economic transformation through strategic regional alliances.
The bi-state Kansas City region was awarded one of the prestigious thirteen $15 million WIRED Initiative grants. The focus of OneKC WIRED is high growth/high demand industries of advanced manufacturing, healthcare and biotechnology.
Blunt has also worked to secure similar regional grants within Missouri and worked to secure another $5 million WIRED grant, awarded this spring, for the Southeast Missouri region.