Washington  -  There is good news in the realm when it comes to the economy.  After several periods of growth in productivity and unprecedented investments in homes and durable goods, the statistics on jobs are catching up.

Nationally, the economy grew at the strong pace of 4.2 percent during the first quarter
of 2004.  Economic growth over the last three quarters has been highest in the last 20 years.  And in March, 308,000 new jobs were created, the largest monthly increase since April 2000.  Even the manufacturing employment index in March was at its highest level since 1987. 

But these numbers are still meaningless to skilled, loyal workers who are without a job.  Our charge is to make sure we feel the full effect of the much-improved business environment at home.

I often write in this column about the things Congress is doing to help Missouri farmers,
manufacturers, and businesses create jobs, grow, and keep their doors open.  Tax relief is one way to help rural business, making health insurance and other benefits affordable options for employers is another.

But ultimately, these are all broad solutions that are, by federal design, meant to help
out the small Missouri producer in the same way as they assist the small California producer.  It doesn’t mean they are not good policies – they are.

We can, however, work to specifically address the challenges we face in Southern
Missouri.  Our future economic livelihood depends on it.

Just like King Arthur’s collection of medieval knights, there are talented men and
women across our region who can help lead us to prosperity.  Working separately, we create pockets of economic health and a few prosperous industries or businesses.  Working together, we can create a rural economy that is a force in the global

marketplace.

To that end, I have asked local officials, experts, and business leaders to join together with me at a series of economic Round Tables to take place later this May.

Each of the participants in the economic Round Table will bring a different set of skills,
experiences, and observations to this table.  By sharing the strategies and practices we have seen in the workplace, at neighboring businesses, and on the local level, we can replicate individual successes from across our region.  Job retention and job creation are highest among the goals we will talk about.

During a time when our economy is again gathering momentum, Southern Missouri can take full advantage of the opportunities available now.

At the same time, I am working in Congress to make sure Southern Missouri workers
have the skills and job training they need to get the jobs and the pay they deserve. 

Last year, I learned that the U.S. Department of Labor was planning to scale back and possibly close the Mingo Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center.  The job training programs at the Center are proven tools that have enabled its students to competently cover two years’ worth of material in as little as seven months. 

Almost immediately, I began working on a plan to transfer authority of the Center to
another agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which could keep it open and
operating.  The resources this Center makes available are vital to ensuring workers who need the training most in Southern Missouri can share in the economic growth we hope to bring home.

Last week, I testified before a panel in Congress about the past successes of the Mingo
Center, and I hope this legislation will be on the floor of the U.S. House of 

Representatives as soon as next week. 

Between the witness table in Congress and the economic Round Table in Missouri, I
hope to have Southern Missouri’s economy riding high once more.