Blunt appoints DED head

“Greg Steinhoff has a keen understanding and appreciation of the challenges facing Missouri’s employers and entrepreneurs,” Blunt said in a news release.

Steinhoff, 45, is vice president for franchise relations of Option Care Inc., a company that provides specialty pharmaceutical products and related services through a national network of 130 company-owned and franchise locations in 32 states. Prior to joining Option Care, he worked as a pharmacist in Columbia.

Steinhoff’s nomination now goes before the Missouri Senate for approval.

The appointment has received favorable reviews from the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry

“The governor’s selection of Steinhoff to head this critical department shows he is in touch with Missouri’s business community and the factors that will enable our state to grow economically,” said Daniel P. Mehan, chamber president and CEO, in a news release. “Steinhoff is a proven businessman who knows what it takes to start and sustain a business in Missouri – what better requirement for this position?”

Steinhoff’s predecessor, Kelvin Simmons, who was appointed Dec. 11, and left the position Jan. 7, said in a news release that he was pleased with what was accomplished during his time as director and is optimistic that a foundation has been laid for economic growth across the state in 2005 and beyond.

“We have focused very hard on creating and retaining jobs and have done very well,” Simmons said in the release. “If we have the same level of job growth in 2005 that we have had in 2004, we will reach a record level of employment in the state by the end of the year.”

Between November 2003 and November 2004, the state added 4,500 manufacturing jobs, ranking it third in the nation. On a percentage basis, Missouri’s manufacturing growth is more than four times the nation’s rate. In eight of the past 11 months, Missouri has ranked in the top 10 states in manufacturing employment.

Simmons, 41, will return to Kansas City and is considering opportunities outside of state government. Prior to his appointment with the DED, Simmons served as chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission. He also served two terms on the City Council in Kansas City and held positions in the administration of former Gov. Mel Carnahan.