Five Questions: Jeff Seifried

Q: What does your new job entail?

A: The main duty is to be an economic development resource for the region, whether that’s community development, economic development or strategic planning. A lot of the communities don’t have the resources to hire an economic developer, so I try to act as that resource.

Q: How can the region improve economically?

A: I think we can all continue to do a better job of networking with each other. The tools are here – there isn’t one thing that I can say, ‘Oh, if we had this, it would close the gap.’ Getting the word out that we have all of these resources, and that there is a very supportive network in the region, is the key.

Q: Some industries, particularly manufacturing, have pointed to work force issues as a key concern. Do you think the area’s work force is a source for concern?

A: I think work ethic is a strength overall, though there are pockets of industry that have trouble with work force. Overall in the region, I wouldn’t say there’s a work force issue, but people are becoming aware that down the road we need to start thinking about it. We need to look at how to manage our young people better, keep them in the region.

Q: You’re from Dallas, yet you graduated from high school in the Netherlands – how did you end up in southwest Missouri?

A: My counselor had gone to (Missouri State) and Drury (universities) both, and she said I should look at those two schools.

I had originally intended to go into the Navy, and she said it’s was a great opportunity, but I should look at going to college first and then become an officer. Springfield is a great community, and I didn’t think originally that I would stay here. The amenities are nice, it’s a great quality of life, the region has a lot to offer, and I ended up staying.

Q: How is the business environment in the Netherlands different from southwest Missouri?

A: You have to take into account the incentives for small business; southwest Missouri does a better job of promoting small business than a socialized country like the Netherlands. The Netherlands is great for established companies, but you do have that socialized aspect to deal with as far as work force and general employment. I think (that) makes (southwest Missouri) more competitive.