Gov. Nixon Recognizes Workforce Development Efforts of Businesses and Community Leaders in Jefferson County

Press Release

Gov. Jay Nixon today was joined by local business and community leaders at auto parts supplier LMC Inc. in Arnold to congratulate Jefferson County for being designated as a Certified Work Ready Community (CWRC). The CWRC designation recognizes successful efforts by community, education and business leaders, working with the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, to strengthen workforce training and development to meet the economic development needs of communities.

"Employers create jobs in communities that have a trained and ready workforce, and that's why we are committed on a state and local level to investing in Missouri's workforce," Gov. Nixon said. "I congratulate the community, business and education leaders here in Jefferson County who are dedicating themselves to ensuring that Missourians have the skills to succeed."

In 2012, Missouri was selected as one of the first four states to participate in the Certified Work Ready Communities initiative by American College Testing (ACT), and now leads the nation in the number of fully certified counties. The initiative aligns workforce training programs with the economic development needs of communities; matches appropriate applicants to jobs based on skill level; and strengthens businesses by strengthening the workforce.

In 2013, Jasper County, Missouri was named the first Certified Work Ready Community in the nation, and six more Missouri counties -- Butler, Franklin, Henry, Jefferson, Ripley and St. Francois -- are now fully certified. Missouri now has 43 counties that are actively participating in the Certified Work Ready Community initiative.

"By earning the designation as a Certified Work Ready Community, Jefferson County is letting job creators around the world know that workers in here this community are ready to compete and succeed in today's global economy," Gov. Nixon said. "As Missouri's economy continues to grow, we will continue to make sure our workforce is one that employers can always count on to get the job done."

More than 100 local employers and organizations came together, including local school districts, educational institutions, chambers of commerce, workforce development and economic development organizations, to support Jefferson County's efforts to achieve this important certification. By participating in ACT's Certified Work Ready Communities initiative, Jefferson County is:

-Helping workers understand what skills are required by employers, and how to prepare themselves for success;

-Helping businesses effectively communicate their workforce needs to area education and workforce training programs;

-Providing educators with the tools needed to close the skills gap by establishing career pathways for students with stackable industry-recognized credentials; and

-Equipping economic development organizations with an on-demand reporting tool to promote the quality of their workforce.

For LMC, a manufacturer of products for next-generation vehicles, participation in the initiative has increased the efficiency and productivity of its workforce and reduced turnover. As a result of this initiative and assistance through the Missouri Works Training program, the company plans to add an additional 25 jobs at its facility.

"This initiative is a win-win for employers, workers, and the entire region," said Paul Lemke, President of LMC Inc. "By helping us identify and hire skilled workers, this effort has already helped us reduce turnover and improve productivity, which translates into better products for our customers and more jobs in this community."

The designation comes as Missouri's economy continues to gain jobs. Last week, the Department of Economic Development announced that Missouri's nonfarm payroll employment grew by 8,100 jobs in September, and has increased by 53,700 jobs over the past year.

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