We sit down with Lesley Rone, Southeast Regional Manager for the Regional Engagement Division, to discuss the latest developments in our state's southeast region. Lesley provides an overview of the area's economic strengths, including its rich farmland, ideal transportation infrastructure, dedicated workforce, and more.

We’re looking back at 2023 and highlighting the work of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Team DED’s work included business expansions, community development initiatives, addressing broadband availability, and deploying ARPA funds across the state, just to name a few. We look forward to what lies in store for 2024!

Jakob Pallesen, Manager of Ecosystem Engagement with Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC), tells us about grant opportunities through MTC.

St. Louis Regional Manager, Taylor Mazdra, talks about promoting economic growth in Missouri's St. Louis region.

A lot of work going on, but a lot of work still to do. Office of Broadband (OBD) Director, BJ Tanksley and Community Development Specialist, Adam Thorp speak about the continued efforts to expand broadband coverage to unserved and underserved locations across the state of Missouri.

Director of Economic Research, Jeff Pinkerton, provides an update on Missouri's economy. Hear about how the economy is beginning to moderate, current inflation numbers, industry growth, and much more.

Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) Executive Director, Jack Scatizzi, discusses the latest from MTC - including its implementation plan, success stories, challenges faced, and more.

Almost a year ago, we spoke with the Federal Initiatives (FI) team about the new ARPA programs. We catch-up with the new FI Director Kim Froemsdorf, and the Director of New Programs, Bradley Clark. Within a year, the FI Team launched nine new grant programs, conducted an extensive ARPA tour, and are currently working on additional grant programs. All this and more, in this episode.

On this episode we speak with Division Director of Regional Engagement, Lori Becklenberg and International Trade and Investment Office (ITI) Managing Director, Natascha Lord. They speak about overseas ITI trade shows, trade missions, and how the work of the ITI office helps bring Missouri businesses and products to a global market.

Part two of our ARPA: Helping Missourians Prosper Tour. In this episode we wrap up our trek across the state highlighting grant awards for various ARPA projects. This leg of our journey takes us from southwest Missouri, to St. Louis and finishes in the southeast region.