WASHINGTON   -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today expressed her excitement about a new program in Southeast Missouri designed to combine business retention and workforce development efforts.  The Early Warning Network cooperates with the Workforce Investment Board to identify at-risk companies and gather state and local resources to prevent business closings and layoffs.

“In good economic times and bad, we always have to be on offense to create new opportunities for workers and employers in Southern Missouri.  This program offers a great tool to our communities and businesses to grow our rural economy, while at the same time making sure we meet the needs of the businesses that choose our region can make the most of the wealth of resources Southern Missouri has to offer,” said Emerson.

The program, managed by Missouri Enterprise and funded through the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, will be available to companies in Iron, St. Francois, Perry, Madison, Bollinger, Scott, Cape Girardeau, Stoddard, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot and Dunklin counties in Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District.