Springfield Business Journal_2021-02-08

Missouri’s increasingly competitive busi- ness climate,” he said. “Since 2018, Mis- souri has jumped from 21st to 11th in the nation among site selectors. This is thanks in large part to the success of our workforce development programs.” Parson noted through the state Depart- ment of Economic Development’s Mis- souri One Start training program, nearly 100,000 Missourians have received train- ing via partnerships with over 400 companies. The program, origi- nally named Mis- souri Works, was revamped in 2019. One recent en- rollee in the pro- gram is Missouri Prime Beef Packers LLC, which is part- nering with Mis- souri One Start for recruitment assis- tance at its Pleasant Hope beef process- ing plant set to open this month. Parson also touted the success of the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant program, which rolled out in 2019. The program is designed to ensure college tuition and fees are fully covered for up to four semesters, when combined with other governmental financial aid. It’s aimed at people ages 25 and older with an average annual household income not exceeding $80,000. $2.00 · SBJ.NET FEB. 8-14, 2021 · VOL. 41, NO. 29 4 0 Y E A R S • YO U R B U S I N E SS AU T H O R I T Y Parson stresses workforce, infrastructure needs Local and state chambers want COVID-19 liability protection passed this session  by Mike Cullinan · mcullinan@sbj.net During the annual State of the State ad- dress delivered in Jefferson City last month, the message of top legislative priorities from Gov. Mike Parson struck a familiar chord with local and state chamber of com- merce officials. Parson stressed during the Jan. 27 speech the need to continue key investments in workforce development and infrastructure – two areas he’s stressed since becoming governor in 2018. His proposed state bud- get of $34.1 billion for fiscal 2022 is slimmer than the $35.3 billion budget approved by legislators for fiscal 2021. Parson pointed to successes last year at attracting and expanding businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic. He cited exam- ples in the Springfield area: Amazon.com Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN), which announced plans in November to build a distribution center in Republic, and expansion proj- ects in Marshfield by Tyler Pipe Co. and Armstrong World Industries Inc. (NYSE: AWI). The new and expanded projects across the state equate to an investment of over $1 billion and nearly 10,000 new jobs, he said. “All of these announcements highlight Amazon follows up Republic project with Springfield plans E-commerce giant targets March opening for ‘AMXL’ station near Partnership Industrial Center by Emily Cole · ecole@sbj.net As construction on a distribution center continues in Republic, Amazon.com Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN) has announced an ad- ditional delivery station coming to Spring- field. The planned “AMXL” facility allows Se- attle-based Amazon to expand its service of delivering large items, such as couches or televisions, according to a news release. “The investment into the buildout of our network means we can deliver a greater selection of items to our customers,” said Travis Autery, a general manager for Ama- zon, in the release. The Springfield site is identified as 2960 N. Martin Ave., and it’s slated to open in March following a February opening of the same type of facility in Joplin. The two AMXLs will create hundreds of part-time jobs paying at least $15 per hour starting wage, according to the release. Ryan Mooney, senior vice president for economic development with the Spring- field Area Chamber of Commerce, said the Springfield Regional Economic Partnership, which also includes the city of Springfield, Greene County and City Utilities of Spring- field, has an ongoing relationship with Am- azon’s economic development team. “Having a business-friendly climate, the right infrastructure and inviting industrial space certainly makes us more competitive with other regions to attract job-creating, growing companies like Amazon,” Mooney provided by GOVERNOR’S OFFICE STATE OF THE STATE Gov. Mike Parson presents his legislative initiatives during the Jan. 27 State of the State address. ERIC OLSON Work is ongoing for Amazon’s 1.3-million-square- foot fulfillment and distribution center in Republic. See PARSON on page 20 See AMAZON on page 24 Dan Mehan doubts COVID-19 liability protection will pass on the federal level.