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2019 Economic Outlook

Posted online

They said it. We're reporting it. Sixteen industry forecasts lead the way into 2019.

Manufacturing Outlook: Nikki Holden

Projection: The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, if ratified and functioning as intended, should be advantageous to the manufacturing industry.

Education Outlook: David Hinson

Projection: Students are more deliberative and cautious in their selections of schooling. People will wait and see, because of uncertainty, which will lead to flat enrollments.

Workforce Development Outlook: Alex Greiwe

Projection: A lot of synergy is currently in place at the state government level that should continue fueling focus on workforce development as a high priority through the economic development and higher education departments’ initiatives.

Technology Outlook: Mark Forbis

Projection: Businesses will better leverage the data they collect. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will become more relevant than ever.

Small Business Outlook: Mary Overbey

Projection: We’re seeing that side hustle, the gig economy. People are starting up that second job, that thing they really want to do, and it’s leading into full-time businesses.Projection:

Transportation Outlook: Jay Wynn

Projection: Work is plentiful as Springfield grows, but funding needed for city projects to expand roadways remains in question.

Diversity & Inclusion Outlook: Wes Pratt

Projection: As Springfield’s population becomes more diverse, following a national trend that “white” will be the minority by 2045, the community will value the inclusion of diversity by becoming more culturally conscious and compet

Nonprofit Outlook: Dr. Tricia Derges

Projection: Donor fatigue continues to storm on nonprofits, calling for greater collaboration and more creative fundraising.

Government & Law Outlook: Elijah Haahr

Projection: Missouri will make more strides in workforce development than it has the last two decades.

Health Care Outlook: Jon Swope

Projection: As the population ages, utilization of both outpatient services and inpatient care will continue to rise, as investment in telemedicine and virtual care will remain a key component in patient treatment.

Banking Outlook: Doug Neff

Projection: An increasing interest rate environment will continue, as the economy remains fairly strong, and banks should continue to perform well from an income standpoint.

Real Estate Outlook: Angie Mullings

While most experts would agree that we’re not headed for a recession, we are headed for a market shift.Projection:

Economic Development Outlook: Sarah Kerner

Projection: To combat low unemployment, businesses will have to connect with local universities to convince more graduates to stay in Springfield.

Construction Outlook: Chris Carson

Projection: Work in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, along with student and multifamily housing, will pace the construction industry, while increasing competition will keep margins low.

Energy & Environment Outlook: Doug Colvin

Projection: Batteries will become more mainstream in storing renewable energy power, so even when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing, there will be less reliance on coal.

Tourism Outlook: Rachel Wood

Projection: With nearly $1 billion in the pipeline for the Branson area in tourism-related projects, tourism is headed into another record year.

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