Economically Speaking: Jobs, education inseparable parts of state's future

Kelvin Simmons is director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

I am excited about the opportunity Gov. Holden has given me to serve as director of the Department of Economic Develop-ment. I can think of no other public service job that is as important right now than this one. It is a tremendous responsibility because this department works with partners across the state to help secure a prosperous future for Missouri's families, businesses and communities. As the new director, I intend to build on these partnerships that already exist to ensure we have new opportunities to retain and create jobs.

My predecessor, Joe Driskill, recently conducted one in a series of Economic Conditions reports prepared by the department's Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. That report showed that during 2003 Missouri bucked the national trend of job losses by adding new jobs. The report also showed that Missouri's unemployment rate is nine-tenths of a percent below the national rate, we rank 12th among states in manufacturing employment growth, we have a record number of businesses, and our personal income growth is higher than the rest of the country. It is quite apparent that Missouri's recovery from the national recession is accelerating.

That's great news. In appointing me to be the new DED director, Gov. Holden made it clear that I was chosen to build upon the state's recent surge in jobs and take economic development in Missouri in an exciting new direction. He made it very clear that my top priority was to recommend and implement strategies to create and retain jobs and further expedite our economic recovery.

I am anxious to meet the Governor's challenge and believe my background will enable me to work with DED staff, members of the General Assembly, other state agencies, businesses and our many partners around the state to achieve sustained economic growth in all parts of Missouri.

I believe my background prepares me for this role. I am a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia with degrees in communications and interdisciplinary studies; I have an executive MBA from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. I have studied business and financial markets internationally and engaged in missions of understanding in Hong Kong, Beijing, South Africa, Sweden, Finland and Cuba, and I have made presentations in France and Jamaica.

Before accepting this job, I had served as a member and chairman of the Public Service Commission since June of 2000. I also served as a member of the Kansas City Council for nearly four years, as director of constituent services for Gov. Mel Carnahan, and as state director for Equal Employment Opportunity in the Office of Administration. I believe the experience and knowledge I have gained in these previous positions will enable me to be successful as director of DED. My chosen career is public service; I am proud of that choice, and I am anxious to serve in this new role.

In this role my total focus is jobs. Everything we do is in some way related to jobs. Good jobs are essential to the future of our state. Gov. Holden knows this. I know this. We all know this. We also know that to be competitive in today's global, knowledge-based economy, we must have a highly skilled work force. That is why education is so important. That is why the governor has been fighting for additional funding for education. The fact is that jobs and education are inseparable. We simply will not have quality jobs unless we have quality education at all levels and in all parts of our state.

Over the next few months, I plan to spend a great deal of time visiting with business and community leaders across Missouri to hear what you have to say and how our department can better serve your needs. That input is very important to me.

I believe Missouri has a strong business climate that is sparking growth, that our economy is fundamentally solid, and that we have unlimited opportunities.

But to take advantage of those opportunities, we must work together. I look forward to working with all Missourians over the next few years to help secure a bright future for our families, businesses and communities.