Immigration could be the answer to some of the area’s workforce problems.

Most of its statewide peers have increases, as well.

Katherine Trombetta, spokesperson for the Missouri Job Center, says unemployment levels are comparable to pre-pandemic levels. Trombetta attributes this to the diverse industry market in the …

Some employees still drive to work and worry if they are safe. Others are working from home – perhaps for the first time. Many aren’t working at all as a result of COVID-19 layoffs. What we all have in common is a need to be informed, stay safe and take care of our households.

When it comes to COVID-19 and the unprecedented measures taking place, small businesses are just trying to keep up and stay afloat. Navigating federal programs while following updated state and local orders is a daily challenge for business owners as most watch gross receipts plummet and bills pile up. They are cutting costs, moving products online, boosting social media, developing creative revenue streams and pivoting in ways they didn’t expect.

Part OneDirector of Small Business and Technology Development at MSU Chrystal Irons discusses the market outlook for small businesses in Springfield in 2017. She lists some of the challenges being faced by small businesses, such as finding and …