SEMO Workforce and Economic Development Forum

Welcome to the SEMO Workforce and Economic Development Forum! Join us at Eagle Sky of the Ozarks on November 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM for a time filled with insightful discussions and networking opportunities. This event is perfect for professionals and enthusiasts looking to explore the latest trends in workforce and economic development. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to connect with state and regional experts and expand your knowledge. See you there!

(Note: This is FREE event, lunch included, though mandatory registration is required. Only 100 seats available.)

Info: Lucas Presson, Director of Business Growth and Innovation at SEMO REDI, will be moderating a panel of Southeast Missouri leaders which will include State Senator Jason Bean, State Senator Jamie Burger, Poplar Bluff City Manager Robert Knodell, and Retired Economic Development Strategist Ed Dust. There will be a Q&A portion for the attendees to ask their questions of the panelist.

Info: Lunch will be catered by the exquisite staff of Eagle Sky of the Ozarks.

Info: Denny Hoskins was elected Missouri's 41st secretary of state in 2024. Previously, Hoskins served in the Missouri Senate and the Missouri House of Representatives.


The Missouri Secretary of State, via its Business Services Division, supports businesses by overseeing the formation and maintenance of business entities through the Corporations Unit, commissioning notaries public via the Notaries & Commissions Unit, and handling personal property lien filings through the UCC Unit. It also provides online filing options for immediate processing and administers the Safe at Home program for address confidentiality in certain cases.

Info: Chad Higgins, PhD, serves as Vice Chancellor for Extension and Engagement at the University of Missouri and Chief Engagement Officer for the UM System. Appointed in March 2024 following a national search, he has led the office since January 2023, overseeing statewide continuing education programs, university-wide engagement initiatives, and the land-grant mission to address Missouri's challenges in agriculture, health, education, and economic development. Prior to joining MU in 2020 as associate vice chancellor, Higgins was senior director of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. He holds degrees in history and education from Lyon College and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

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