Southeast Corridor Potential

  What is the WIRED Initiative in Southeast Missouri?

Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) initiative is a US Department of Labor funded initiative designed to promote regional economic development through the development of the workforce.  Southeast Missouri is privileged to be one of only 39 WIRED regions across the nation and will receive $5 million to invest in developing the talent of the region.

The Commerce Corridor of Southeast Missouri is attempting to accelerate its transition from an economy based on traditional agriculture and old line manufacturing to one that embraces innovation in new markets.   The 14 county region will promote innovation through new initiatives and the expansion of existing exemplary programs to accomplish four goals: 

• accelerate business productivity and economic development
• accelerate skills of current and dislocated workforce
• accelerate skills of emerging student pipeline
• accelerate entrepreneurship

WIRED has been engaging community members across the region in discussions centered around improving the collaborative environment between business/industry and the education community and will be partnering with community stakeholders regionwide to promote economic growth through the training and education of the region’s labor pool in the following target industries:

Target Industries

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Logistics
• Renewable Energy
• Tourism

WIRED will be engaged in asset mapping of the region, conducting a SWOT analysis, looking into opportunities to expand training in healthcare and advanced manufacturing, promoting WorkKeys, increasing digital workplace literacy, encouraging career-oriented initiatives in the education system, building entrepreneur-friendly” communities, and helping to develop a renewable energy industry in the region.