Missouri Gov. Mike Parson visited Warrenton Tuesday evening to address a gathering of the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council (GWCEDC).Parson spoke at the GWCEDC’s annual awards banquet at First State Community Bank in Warrenton. He discussed the state government’s progress and plans for improving Missouri’s workforce development programs and statewide infrastructure. The issues have been two of Parson’s signature agenda items since taking office in 2018.“I think all of us, when we talk about workforce development, want to make sure our kids have the opportunity that all of us have had,” Parson commented. “If you’re a business owner, you know the difficulty of finding good employees, (and) trying to make sure that we have them ready to go for the workforce.”The governor touted successes working with the Missouri Legislature to approve spending for new infrastructure and workforce development programs. Earlier this year, the state approved $301 million in bonds for bridge repairs across Missouri.Maintaining Missouri’s highway system, the sixth largest in the nation, is one of the key ways to encourage large employers to build and expand in Missouri, Parson said.In terms of workforce, Parson said a shortage of skilled workers extends statewide.“We have more skilled jobs in the state of Missouri than we can fill. That is problematic,” the governor commented.The solution is for more people to have access to a postsecondary education, including training in a trade, Parson said. A “fast track” state financial aid program was approved this year to help adults, especially those 25 and older, receive education in high-demand fields.The governor predicted that Missouri is headed in the right direction to see economic growth, including in rural communities like Warren County.“You have every opportunity to reach out and try to get some of that,” Parson commented. “One thing you have to do, is you have to sell your community. Because if you’re not selling yourself, I guarantee you (another town) is.”Prior to Parson speaking, Wright City Schools Superintendent David Buck explained that economic development programs can have a broad impact on the community.About five years ago, more than half of the school district’s students were receiving free or reduced-price lunches because of their families’ economic situation, Buck said. He explained that living with poverty can create barriers to young people’s education and future success.Now, five years later, the Wright City district has gained 180 students, but has 130 fewer students receiving food assistance, Buck said. He attributes that positive change to economic development initiatives bringing new jobs and employers into the region.“Every time we add jobs to our region ... that helps our kids,” Buck said. “Their parents have funds, they can provide for their kids, their kids are healthier, they come to school more ready and they have less barriers.”

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson addresses a gathering of the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council Tuesday evening. Parson spoke on efforts to improve Missouri’s workforce development programs and state infrastructure. 

Record photo/Adam Rollins

Gov. Mike Parson stopped to shake hands with State Rep. Jeff Porter during a visit to Warrenton Tuesday evening. Parson spoke about state-level initiatives to improve infrastructure and workforce development. 

Record photo/Adam Rollins