It is with this knowledge in mind that our state agencies have worked for more than a year to combine these services in one cohesive, customer-friendly unit. The Missouri departments of Economic Development, Labor and Industrial Relations, Elementary and Secondary Education, Social Services, and Higher Education have worked closely to establish these centers. Our department believes that the assistance these centers offer Missouri's workers will give them every advantage in achieving the skills needed to compete in today's economy. And for Missouri employers, there will be one office to contact to inquire about hiring new workers and finding the resources necessary to help train those workers. Fortunately, Missouri's economic conditions support and encourage a huge growth in employment.
Unemployment remains at or near record lows in many parts of the state.
In addition, Missouri is favored with a workforce that is consistently ranked among the best in the nation, with a strong work ethic and a level of productivity that is higher than the national average. The spirit and commitment of Missouri workers, both to their job and their community, is well known throughout the state. But no matter how promising our future looks, the Department of Economic Development will continue to be proactive in its efforts to create a more comprehensive and visionary workforce development policy for the state. Our department believes that by investing in our workers, Missouri is, in effect, investing in our future. Missouri WINS is a comprehensive and visionary way to provide workers with such skills.