Groups work to bring national economics expert to Sikeston

SIKESTON (SMNS)-- Several organizations are bringing a national speaker on economic change to Southeast Missouri.

Scheduled for Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Southeast Missouri State University-Sikeston, the seminary "Retooling for Economic Change" will feature Ron Crouch, director of the Kentucky Data Center at the University of Louisville. Crouch will analyze population trends in Southeast Missouri and how they impact the future.

Other speakers inclued Southeast professors Dr. Bruce Domazlicky and Dr. Diane Primont, along with Dennis Roedemeier, chief executive officer of Missouri Research. The speakers will address how this region can prepare for economic changes on the horizon.

Domazlicky and Primont will discuss an exciting concept on which they have been working on regional clustering as an economic development tool. Roedemeier will address how communities can use the power of a university to jump-start economic growth and will share a sneak preview into a book on the topic he will soon release. Missy Marshall, Sikeston Area Chamber executive director, will emcee the event.

Partners for the event include the Missouri Research Corporation, the Center for Economic and Business Research, Southeast Missouri Economic Development Alliance, the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce, the Delta Regional Authority, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, both the Bootheel and Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commissions and the local Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) Initiative.

Lunch will be provided as part of the $10 fee for "Retooling for Economic Change" program. Seating is limited, and tickets will sell out quickly.

For more information or to register, please call Glenna or Christy at (573) 651-2286.