Population by Race and Ethnicity, St. Joseph MSA (2006)
Caucasian
93.2%
African American
4.2%
Hispanic
2.2%
Other
0.6%
American Indian or Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian, Pacific Islander
0.5%
Source: Demographics Now Total is greater than 100 percent because Hispanics are included in other ethnic groups.
Workforce
One of St. Joseph's most valuable resources is its people. St. Joseph workers have gained a well deserved reputation for hard work, high productivity and low absenteeism and turnover.
One factor contributing to our high quality workforce is the educational background of our residents. Nearly 86.4% of the area's adult population have a high school education or better. As a result of a community-wide partnership, St. Joseph's high school dropout rate is among the lowest in the state between 11 and 12%. Furthermore, over 22.8% of St. Joseph workers have a bachelor's degree or better.
To ensure a well-trained workforce that meets the needs of local employers, continuing education and customized training is available through Hillyard Technical Center, Vatterott College, and Missouri Western State University.
An unemployment rate that averages between 4 and 5% creates a pool of available workers that is bolstered by surrounding communities.
Missouri has lower than average rates for unemployment and workers' compensation insurance. And at 6.25%, Missouri's corporate tax is one of the nation's lowest. The favorable tax structure complemented by St. Joseph's positive work ethic translates directly into industry profitability.
DEMOGRAPHICS
Civilian Employment: With an area population of over 225,000, companies in St. Joseph have access to a large pool of both skilled and unskilled workers.
An unemployment rate that hovers around five percent, creates a pool of available workers that is bolstered by surrounding communities. A recent study conducted by Quantitative Resources uncovered 19,614 area workers are considered available workers.
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Workforce Demographics
Civilian Employment: With an area population of over 227,000, companies in St. Joseph have access to a large pool of both skilled and unskilled workers.
An unemployment rate that averagesbetween four and five percent, creates a pool of available workers that is bolstered by surrounding communities. A recent study conducted by Quantitative Resources uncovered 19,614 area workers are considered available workers.
St. Joseph Area Population (2006 Estimate)
County
Population
Andrew
17,017
Atchison (KS)
16,931
Atchison (MO)
6,259
Buchanan
83,992
Caldwell
9,348
Clinton
21,365
Daviess
8,138
DeKalb
11,973
Doniphan (KS)
7,874
Gentry
6,893
Harrison
8,750
Holt
5,024
Nodaway
21,585
Worth
2,170
St. Joseph MSA
120,856
County Area Total
227,319
Source: Demographics Now
St. Joseph MSA Civilian Labor Force
Year
Civilian Employment
Unemployment Rate
2000
58,519
3.4%
2001
59,066
5.0%
2002
58,991
5.8%
2003
60,585
5.7%
2004
61,808
5.9%
2005
61,445
6.41%
2006
Sources: MO Department of Economic Development updated 11/15/2005
Employment by Industry: While St. Joseph's largest single employer is the hospital system, our city has a diversified employment base which helps maintain a healthy and growing economy. Major employers range from education to animal pharmaceutical production, aerial work platform manufacturing to distribution of multiple product lines.
St. Joseph MSA Non-agricultural Employment by Industry
Industry
% of Total Employment
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, , hunting and mining
2%
Constuction
7%
Manufacturing
15%
Wholesale Trade
4%
Retail Trade
12%
Transportation, warehousing, and utilities
6%
Information
3%
Finance, insurance, and real estate
7%
Professional, scientific, management, administrative and waste management services
8%
Educational, health, and social services
20%
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accomodation, and food services
86.4% of the area's adult population has a high school education or better. As a result of a community-wide partnership, St. Joseph's high school drop out rate is among the lowest in the state at 11 to 12%. Furthermore, 22.8% of St. Joseph workers have earned a post-secondary degree.
Highest Level of Education St. Joseph MSA (2006)
Percent of Population
Less than 9th Grade
4.1%
Some High School
13.5%
High School Diploma or GED
40.1%
Some College, no degree
23.5%
Associates Degree
4.7%
Bachelors Degree
12.0%
Graduate or professional degree
6.1%
Source: Demographics Now
Training & Education
Our workforce is one of St. Joseph's biggest assets. Possessing a solid midwestern work ethic and a strong educational background, our workers are sure to be your biggest ally. The community also has programs in place to train your workers in the specialized skills you need.
Colleges and Universities: Missouri Western State University Misouri Western offers both associate and bachelors degrees and operates as a satellite location for many postgraduate degree courses. Enrollment: 5,100
Northwest Missouri State University The university, located approximately 45 miles north of St. Joseph, offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Enrollment: 6,200
Benedictine College This four-year, Catholic residential college is a liberal arts institution 20 miles southwest of St. Joseph in Atchison, Kansas. The college has a 15:1 student to teacher ratio and offers numerous undergraduate majors, an executive master's in business administration and a master's in educational administration. Enrollment: 1,284
Technical Education: Hillyard Technical Center This public school meets both industrial and individual needs in areas such as architecture, computers, business technology, welding, medical technology, and personal development. Enrollment: 600 daytime, 1,500 evening
Vatterott College This private technical school offers a broad array of programs. Enrollment: 713
Purpose Provide assistance to companies creating a substantial number of new jobs in Missouri. Whether the company is expanding its workforce or locating a new facility in the State, this program is designed to assist with the costs of training the employees in the newly created jobs.
How the Program Works Local community colleges initially finance training through the sale of certificates. The certificates are repaid by using tax credits from the employer's regular withholding that is based on a percentage of the gross wages paid to employees in the new jobs. The tax withholding is equal to 2.5% of gross wages for the first 100 new jobs and 1.5% for the remaining new jobs. To repay the training and certificate costs, the tax withholding for projects in excess of $500,000 may be claimed up to eight years, and those projects not in excess of $500,000 may be claimed up to ten years.
Eligible Applicants Businesses with a sound credit rating currently located in or locating to Missouri engaged in interstate or intrastate commerce for the purpose of manufacturing, processing, or assembling products are eligible. Companies that conduct research and development or provide services in interstate commerce are also eligible. Retail businesses do not qualify for the program.
Eligible Use of Funds Funding can be used toward reimbursement for the training and costs associated with the issuance of certificates. Training activities such as skill assessment, orientation, pre-employment training, occupational skill training, and on-the-job training can be included in the project.
Withholding tax credits claimed in excess of the amount of the project are returned to the Department of Revenue.
Application Procedure The appropriate community college will submit a "Notice of Intent" for a potential project to the Department of Economic Development's Division of Workforce Development (DWD). DWD determines company eligibility and reviews for training duplication. On behalf of the company, the community college will then submit an application for the New Jobs Training Program outlining training details. Upon approval of the application by DWD, the community college may enter into a formal contract agreement with the company. However, the community college board of trustees must approve all final project agreements.
Funding Limits The current limit on the total amount of outstanding certificates sold by all community college districts is $55 million. There is also a limit on the amount of funds available each year.
Special Program Requirements Other eligibility criteria may be applied, such as types of occupations, types of industries, and minimum wage rates.
Missouri Customized Training Program Purpose Provide assistance to Missouri employers for the training and retraining of new and existing employees.
How the Program Works The Department of Economic Development through the Division of Workforce Development operates the program in cooperation with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Missouri employers may apply for On-the-Job Training, Classroom Training or a combination of the two.
On-the-Job Training helps to reduce the cost of production loss associated with training new employees. On-the-Job Training is for companies creating new jobs in the state. The program provides a fifty percent wage reimbursement for new employees in selected occupations for their first several weeks on the job. Companies provide training to the new employees on an individualized basis while making a product. The length of training is tied to the skill level required and the time needed for the new employee to become productive.
Classroom Training provides funding for employers training new or existing employees in a classroom setting. Assistance may be available for training costs such as curriculum development, instructional salaries, and training materials. Local education agencies, private vendors, or company personnel may provide the training.
Eligible Applicants Missouri companies providing permanent, full-time employment to Missouri residents if the company is:
creating new jobs in the state above their peak employment level in the past year; or
retraining existing employees as a result of a substantial new capital investment.
Application Procedure Missouri employers should submit an Employer Request for Training 30 days prior to the start date of training or hiring. The Customized Training staff will review the application and notify the employer of the final decision.
Special Program Requirements Funding amounts are approved on an individual basis. Some occupations and industries may not be eligible for this program and minimum wage rates apply.
*Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to open, view and print the workforce documents. If you have Acrobat Reader, you can download the documents now. Otherwise, you can download the FREE Acrobat Reader application from Adobe's Web site.
As a global economy increases the demand for an educated workforce, we must invest in strategies that improve the potential for education attainment and retention of our students.Early childhood learning, student awareness of promising career opportunities, continued life-long learning and skill development, enhanced work ethics, and improved attainment in science and math curriculum are all essential long-term strategies for meeting the workforce needs of the diverse base of employers in the St. Joseph area.
Another Smart Move
As the overall umbrella for our workforce department programs, this important initiative promotes “life long learning”.Additional education and training can provide a better job and a better life.Check out www.anothersmartmove.com to learn about exciting training opportunities, job growth trends, and job listings.
Business Ethics Workshop
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce, area businesses and St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce teamed up on January 9th at the Holiday Inn to promote ethics for our future workforce.St. Joseph and Savannah high school students learned about the importance of sound ethical practices.Business and community representatives provided small group leadership.
Career Fair
The largest Annual Career Fair in northwest Missouri was held on March 18, 2008 at the Civic Arena.Over 1800 job seekers attended.The St. Joseph Employment Coalition assists in the organization and planning for this event.Ninety businesses participated in 2008 and 20 educational providers.
emPower Plant
A transformative learning program known as emPower Plant is noticeably preparing students from the 4-state region for careers and as responsible citizens. This only one of its kind national demonstration site works with rural and urban schools (primarily grades 6 – 8). It combines an innovative one-day learning simulation at emPowerU, which is then extended and linked to an in-class curriculum and an opportunity to connect with community through real-life service-learning work. Students are challenged to think critically, work in teams, communicate effectively, and make good decisions. Visible results show children who experience emPower Plant are more likely to show gains in civic engagement, citizenship, social responsibility, valuing education, and higher achievement scores. A modified emPower Plant simulation is also available for the business community in promoting team building and problem solving skills for their employees. For more information, contact Heartland Foundation at 816-271-7200.
My Success Event
Area businesses promoted career opportunities available to over 1800 area sophomore students from 26 northwest Missouri high schools. Held on October 2 & 3, 2007 at the St. Joseph Civic Arena, representatives from over 70 businesses met one on one with students and encouraged them to develop a career path.Through a career laboratory, they shared the educational and technical skills necessary to pursue their career interests.By clicking on www.mysuccessevent.com , you can learn more. The My Success Event in 2008 will be held on October 8th & 9th.
P-20 Council
Strategic planning efforts by the Heartland Foundation – Healthy Communities Investor Council, led to an understanding that educational attainment unlocked the door to healthier communities. A Northwest Missouri P-20 Educational Council was formed to address this issue. The council’s mission is committed to promote healthier, more livable communities through connecting a diverse partnership committing to, advocating for, and achieving optimal educational outcomes and ensuring a prepared workforce now and in the future. More information can be found at www.heartlandfoundation.org/HealthyCommunities.
Profit In Education
As a United Way initiative, the PIE mission is to improve the educational level of the workforce in the community.Increasing the high school graduate rate to 90%, reduce the percentage of adults who lack a GED, and encourage lifelong learning are current goals of the program.The business community and educational parties are teaming together to meet challenging goals.Visit stjosephunitedway.org for more information.
Show-Me Scholars Show-Me Scholars is a community based high-impact strategy to motivate students to complete a more rigorous set high school courses to better prepare them for college or the workplace.Brings local business leaders into 8th grade classrooms, where they work with students in planning their future.The St. Joseph School District and the Chamber are evaluating an implementation date for 2009.
Signs of Successful Person (Character Traits)
The development of positive character traits is valuable to everyone.For example, confidence, compassion and cooperation help to define who we are.Schools and businesses are promoting character traits by recognizing students and employees for being positive role models.Monthly news media promotions include information from management, employees and students.
Success By 6
An initiative by the United Way of Greater St. Joseph, this is a community-based movement of pubic and private partners working together to deliver proven solutions for children.The goal is to ensure that all children ages zero to six are healthy, nurtured and ready to succeed.Check out www.readsingplay.org for more information.
Additionally, the Family Friendly Employer program was launched in 2008.The program encourages employers to evaluate programs or policies to help working parents better manage the stress in balancing work and home
Mary Brown Administrative Assistant, Economic Development brown@saintjoseph.com 816/364-4102
Labor Study
Labor Study Highlights In a recent survey of St. Joseph's employers, 87% rated the workforce stability above average or excellent; 69% rated workforce productivity above average or excellent; and 75% rated the workforce availability above average or excellent. Source: St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce 2004-2005 Business Retention Survey
Since no one industry dominates the Northwest Missouri region, employers benefit from a diverse, available workforce pool.
According to a recent labor study, there are 19,614 available workers in St. Joseph . Source: Quantitative Resources, 2002
St. Joseph workers are loyal. Our workers have been with their current employer for an average of 10 years.
While St. Joseph's largest single employer is the hospital system, our city has a diversified employment base which helps to maintain a healthy and growing economy. Major employers range from education to automotive battery production, aerial work platform manufacturing, and animal pharmaceutical research and production.
Declared a manufacturing "hotspot" by Industry Week magazine, St. Joseph has experienced substantial growth in the service sectors as well. Companies such as System Services & Technologies, USA 800, and American Family Insurance have recently made large investments in our community.
*Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to open, view and print the Business Retention Report. You can download the FREE Acrobat Reader application from Adobe's Web site.
Employer
Product/Service
Employment
Heartland Health
Health Services
2,900
School District of St. Joseph
Education
1,650
American Family Insurance
Insurance
841
Altec Industries
Utility Industry Equipment
840
City of St. Joseph
Government
655
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.
Animal Pharmaceuticals
607
Western Reception Diagnostic & Correctional Center
Corrections Center
590
Systems & Services Technologies, Inc. a Subsidiary of J.P. Morgan Chase Company
Loan Servicing
584
Johnson Controls-Battery Division
Automotive Storage Batteries
554
Missouri Western State University
Education
550
Sara Lee Foods
Meat Products
540
Wal-Mart, North Belt
Department Store
509
Missouri Department of Transportation
Government
420
IVX Animal Health
Animal Pharmaceuticals
410
Wire Rope Corp. of America, Inc.
Manufacturing
401
Wal-Mart, South Belt
Department Store
385
139th Airlift Wing
Missouri Air National Guard Unit
360
Buchanan County
Government
350
Triumph Foods, LLC
Pork Processing
1000
Northwest Missouri Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center
Taxes
Property Tax
Taxing Entity*
Tax Rate / Per $100**
City of St. Joseph
1.14
Buchanan County
.072
St. Joseph School District
4.03
*Not all taxes would apply. Depends on location of business or home **All Property is Assessed @ 100% Valuation
Sales Tax
City
County
State
2.15 %
1.1 %
4.225 %
Employment / Unemployment
Latest Employment Data:
October 2006 Unemployment: 4.7%
Transportation
Highways
I-29
US 36
Rail Service
Burlington Northern/Santa Fe
Union Pacific
Air Transportation
Nearest Airport
Miles from Airport
Rosecrans Memorial Airport
0
Kansas City International
35
Location From Major Cities
Kansas City, Missouri
53 miles
Omaha, Nebraska
132 miles
Chicago, Illinois
511 miles
Dallas, Texas
592 miles
Denver, Colorado
627 miles
Atlanta, Georgia
858 miles
Seattle Washington
1,838 miles
Los Angeles, California
1,654 miles
Miami, Florida
1,558 miles
New York City, New York
1,283 miles
Take a look at any United States map and you'll find St. Joseph right in the heart of America. In fact, our community is just over 200 miles from the population center of the United States. Our strategic location and transportation system provides for efficient access to customers and suppliers across the country.
Interstate 29, a major north-south interstate, runs through our city providing a corridor from Canada to Mexico. Northern Missouri's primary east-west thoroughfare, U.S. Highway 36, intersects with I-29 in St. Joseph.
Just 35 minutes south of St. Joseph via I-29 is Kansas City International (KCI) airport. KCI is a full service, international airport served by every major U.S. passenger and all-cargo carriers. Over 400 flights arrive and depart daily from KCI, and airfares are among the lowest in the nation.
Serving St. Joseph's civilian and military needs is Rosecrans Memorial Airport. The airport boasts two fully ILS-equipped runways—one is 8,050 long—and provides capacity for any size aircraft. Express Flight, Inc. is the Fixed Base Operator at Rosecrans and offers aircraft charter, rental, instruction and fuel services including Jet A. Rosecrans also serves as the home base for the 139th Air National Guard Unit.
The Missouri River, part of the nation's inland waterway system, is St. Joseph's gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. Our public river port facility, professionally operated by Global Material Services, gives area businesses the affordable option of transporting via river barge. In addition, rail service provided by Union Pacific Railroad and Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad provides direct access to all parts of North America.
Industrial / Business Development Sites Available
Name
Acreage
Mitchell Woods Business Park
18
Eastowne Business Park
350
Education
Name of Institution
Number of Students
St. Joseph School District
12,000
Missouri Western State University
5,100
Hillyard Technical School
600 daytime, 1,500 evening
Vatterott College
730
Northwest Missouri State University
6,200
Benedictine College
1284
Our workforce is one of St. Joseph's biggest assets. Possessing a solid mid-western work ethic and a strong educational background, our workers are sure to be your biggest ally. The community also has programs in place to train your workers in the specialized skills you need.
TRAINING RESOURCES: St. Joseph is a city of educational opportunities. A child can enroll in kindergarten and complete education through college and never leave St. Joseph. To ensure a well-trained workforce that meets the needs of local employers, continuing education and customized training is available through Hillyard Area Vocational Technical School, Vatterott College and Missouri Western State University.
Colleges and Universities: Missouri Western State University Misouri Western offers both associate and bachelors degrees and operates as a satellite location for postgraduate degree courses. Designation changed from College to University in 2005. Enrollment: 5,100
Northwest Missouri State University The university, located approximately 45 miles north of St. Joseph, offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Enrollment: 6,200
Benedictine College This four-year, Catholic residential college is a liberal arts institution 20 miles southwest of St. Joseph in Atchison, Kansas. The college has a 15:1 student to teacher ratio and offers numerous undergraduate majors, an executive master's in business administration and a master's in educational administration. Enrollment: 1,284
Technical Education: N.S. Hillyard A.V.T.S. This public school meets both industrial and individual needs in areas such as architecture, computers, business technology, and personal development. Enrollment: 600 daytime, 1,500 evening
Vatterott College This private technical school offers a broad array of programs. Enrollment: 730
Quality of Life
Public Parks
18
Public Swimming Pools
3
Public Tennis Courts
5
Football / Soccer / Baseball Fields
27
Golf Courses
4
Cinemas
20
Public Libraries
3
Theatres
1
Symphonies
1
Museums / Galleries
16
Churches
90
St. Joseph is fortunate to be located along the winding Missouri River and scenic Bluffs, lined with trees and rolling hills.Our prestigious parkway system extends throughout the entire length of the community.This setting allows us to live, work and play surrounded by natural beauty, outdoor life and friendly people.In St. Joseph, we are “Living the Good Life!”
The Missouri Small Business Development Centers provide counseling in such areas as business plan development, financial management, market feasibility, international trade, franchising and licensing, inventory, marketing and more. Training programs are offered throughout the year.
Training program topics include accounting, marketing, getting started in business, taxes, financial analysis, cash flow analysis, computer software packages, customer service and business plans. Information and technology resources include computerized patent, trademark and copyright searches; computerized exporting leads; product design, testing and quality control; manufacturing studies; and plant layout.
Each year, the MO SBDC network counsels more than 3,000 clients. Most services are offered at no charge to clients. SBDC’s serve manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, service businesses, inventors, construction, and agriculture.
The St. Joseph Small Business Development Center is located in the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce building to assist business start-ups and existing businesses. To schedule your appointment, call(816) 232-4461.
SCORE Paul Jenner SCORE is dedicated to entrepreneur education and formation, growth and success of small business nationwide, serving as "Counselors to America’s Small Business". They provide confidential counseling and mentoring free of charge.
University Outreach and Extension Aline Laing, Business and Industry Specialist "Leading the Race to the Future" Business and Industry Program. Working with business owners and managers on a one-on-one basis, B&I specialists help entrepreneurs in all aspects of business. Training and education programs designed for the entrepreneur.
E.O.C. Cathy Ceglenski, Micro-Enterprise Program Helping businesses get off the ground by offering "Starting Your Own Business" program to anyone interested in entrepreneurship. EOC may provide tuition waivers/scholarships to persons in Buchanan or Andrew Counties who qualify.
Home Business Alliance Sharon Dale, President For home business owners and those interested in starting a home business, their goal is to foster professional growth of home business owners through learning and support activities and to increase community awareness of the value of home-based businesses.
Existing Business Services
Business Expansion & Retention Survey Report
BUSINESS RETENTION SURVEY- The Economic Development Division of the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce conducts an annual Business Retention Survey.The purpose of the survey is to gauge anticipated economic activity in the business community and to identify any trends or potential issues that may need to be addressed to facilitate economic stability in the community.
WAGE & BENEFIT SURVEY- A Wage & Benefit Survey is conducted to provide a timely view of current labor costs in the St. Joseph, Missouri community.The report provides a diverse picture of the employment landscape with data on over one hundred job descriptions.
ST. JOSEPH LABOR BASIN STUDY- The St. Joseph Labor Basin includes portions of Andrew, Buchanan, Clinton, DeKalb, Holt and Platte Counties in Missouri and Atchison and Doniphan Counties in Kansas.The purpose of the Labor Basin Study is to assess the available labor pool in this labor basin.The labor pool represents those who indicate they are looking for employment or would consider changing their jobs for the right employment opportunity.
Small Business Development Services
SBDCs help both established businesses and those that are just beginning. The only requirement is that you have a strong desire to help yourself and contribute to the stability of Missouri's economy. Although businesses vary, our goal to help them succeed does not. We provide
Individualized counseling The MO SBDC offers you personalized consulting that is comprehensive and individualized to meet your particular needs. SBDC consultants are skilled professionals with experience in many areas, including marketing and sales, accounting financial analysis and cost control, personnel, inventory control, business start-up or acquisition and business liquidation or sale.
Full disclosure of your financial or other proprietary information to the SBDC helps us provide you with the most effective assistance possible. All information you provide is held in complete confidence at all times.
Marketing strategies MO SBDC consultants are here to assist you in developing a marketing plan. SBDC staff will help you tap databanks that can provide customer lists, site analysis, sales territory management, demographic information and competitor information to assist you in selling to local, state, national and international markets.
Small business management Whatever your enterprise might be, a well-designed business plan can help ensure your success. Preparing a business plan can be a frustrating process. SBDC management consultants can walk you through the proper planning. With this assistance, you can formulate a strategy to help your company flourish.
Financial analysis Careful financial analysis is the first step in planning your business's future. SBDC consultants are qualified to help you take financial inventory and assist you in determining your business's strengths, weaknesses, growth potential and capital needs.
Our consultants are uniquely qualified to help you explore financing options and can also provide assistance in developing financial plans for banks or investors.
Technology access SBDC technology consultants can help you access databases and experts from businesses, universities and federal laboratories to provide information on manufacturing technology advances, manufacturing processes, patents and trademarks and approaches to solving manufacturing problems.
The Missouri Small Business Development Centers provide counseling in such areas as business plan development, financial management, market feasibility, international trade, franchising and licensing, inventory, marketing and more. Training programs are offered throughout the year.
Training program topics include accounting, marketing, getting started in business, taxes, financial analysis, cash flow analysis, computer software packages, customer service and business plans.Information and technology resources include computerized patent, trademark and copyright searches; computerized exporting leads; product design, testing and quality control; manufacturing studies; and plant layout.
Each year, the MO SBDC network counsels more than 3,000 clients. Most services are offered at no charge to clients. SBDC’s serve manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, service businesses, inventors, construction, and agriculture.
The St. Joseph Small Business Development Center is located in the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce building to assist business start-ups and existing businesses. To schedule your appointment, call (816) 232-4461.
Utilities & Communication
Electric
St. Joseph's favorable energy costs and availability stand in sharp contrast with many cities of its size.
St. Joseph's electrical utilities are extremely competitive with other areas of the country. Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, Aquila provides electrical service to St. Joseph and ranks among the largest wholesale marketers of electricity and natural gas in North America. Several incentive programs are available to new and expanding businesses and commercial customers with high energy demands.
Natural Gas
Natural gas utilities are provided by Missouri Gas Energy (MGE) which serves 460,000 customers in central and western Missouri. MGE receives natural gas through long-term contracts with major interstate pipeline companies such as William Natural Gas Company and Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company. Through innovative purchase of gas on the spot market, MGE is able to ensure a dependable and economical supply. Rates are about 20% below the national average. An economic development rate is available that can save new businesses up to 50% of the commodity rate.
Water
As a subsidiary of the country's largest investor-owned water utility, Missouri-American enjoys the expertise, technical support and financial advantages of a nationwide network combined with localized knowledge and personalized service. Missouri-American supplies the water needs of nearly 200,000 people throughout the state provides economic development rates for heavy users. Customers are served by Missouri American's new ground water treatment plant that provides state-of-the-art purification and treatment of ground water to commercial and residential customers in St. Joseph and surrounding communities.
Telecommunications
St. Joseph is serviced by local telephone provider AT&T and several other service alternatives. Long distance carriers, MCI, and AT&T maintain points of presence in St. Joseph.
Incentives
ENHANCED ENTERPRISE ZONE
We are willing to go the extra mile to bring your project to St. Joseph. There are a number of programs for which you may qualify, including Enterprise Zone, Customized Training, and special rates from local utilities. There is also a local pool of money available as grants to qualifying companies.
Missouri New Jobs Training Program The New Jobs Training Program (NJTP) provides education and training to workers employed in newly created jobs in Missouri. The new jobs may result from a new industry locating in Missouri or an existing industry expanding its workforce in the state. NJTP is administered through Missouri's community college districts. In St. Joseph, NJTP services are provided by the Metropolitan Community Colleges system. The program provides assistance in reducing the cost associated with expanding a workforce or locating a new facility through these training services:
Customized training designed for the specific needs of the industry
Adult basic education
General occupational skill training
On-the-job training (OJT)
Training assistance can include skill assessment, orientation, pre-employment training, training facilities and equipment, instructor salaries, curriculum development, travel, and a variety of other training-related services. Through OJT, the employer can receive a reimbursement of up to 50% of wages paid to workers in the new jobs. The OJT benefits may be in effect up to six months for each new job.
Eligible businesses include manufacturing, processing, and assembling firms, as well as companies that conduct research and development, or that provide services in interstate commerce. Retail businesses and health and professional services do not qualify for the program.
Funds to pay for the training are provided through certificates that are repaid using a portion of the new employees' state withholding tax for a period of up to 10 years. The certificates are sold through the local community college district. The tax withholding is equal to 2.5% of gross wages for the first 100 new jobs, and 1.5% for the remaining new jobs. To repay the training and certificate costs, the tax withholding for projects in excess of $500,000 may be claimed up to eight years, and those projects not in excess of $500,000 may be claimed up to 10 years.
Missouri Customized Training Program The Missouri Customized Training Program (MCTP) helps Missouri employers with funding to offset the costs of employee training and retraining. It assists new and expanding businesses in recruiting, screening, and training workers, and it helps existing employers retain their current workforce when faced with needed upgrading and retraining.
The MCTP, through local education agencies, will help an employer identify training needs and develop a training program unique to the employer's needs. MCTP staff will help the employer customize a comprehensive training program, which can include classroom skill training, on-site or in cooperation with the local school system, as well as on-the-job training (OJT), and task-oriented profiling.
Examples of expenses which might be covered under the program are:
Curriculum development
Instructor salaries
Instructional supplies
Vendor trainers
Pre-employment training
Up to 50% of OJT trainee's wages
Programs are custom-designed to meet the specific needs of the companies involved:
Employers have options for building their workforce. Working closely with the company's personnel department, MCTP can help recruit, screen and test potential trainees. Assistance is also available in developing job classifications, job specifications, and interviewing techniques.
Classroom skill training can take place at the work site, at local educational centers, or a combination of both. Instructors may be provided by the MCTP, by vendor trainers, or the company may use its own employees.
Training can be conducted in the work environment. Designed primarily for newly created jobs, OJT helps make the most of training new workers by reimbursing companies up to 50% of a trainee's wages in order to offset training costs and reduced productivity.
Task-oriented profiling can provide occupational profiles to eligible companies at no charge to the employer. Companies may use the profiles as a basis for training plans, job descriptions, hiring tools, and detailed "process documentation" which is very helpful with training associated with ISO 9000.
Length of training is tied to the skill level and experience of the trainee, the skill level required for the job, and the time needed for the trainee to become productive. In addition, companies may request training assistance as often as needed.
MCTP may provide ongoing training programs. To ensure a steady supply of trained labor, ongoing training required for new products, processes or equipment may be provided. Or, if needed, help is available to retain and retrain a company's current workforce with new upgraded skills.
As the overall umbrella for our workforce department programs, this important initiative promotes “life long learning”.
Business Ethics Workshop
The largest Annual Career Fair in northwest Missouri was held on March 18, 2008 at the Civic Arena.
A transformative learning program known as emPower Plant is noticeably preparing students from the 4-state region for careers and as responsible citizens. This only one of its kind national demonstration site works with rural and urban schools (primarily grades 6 – 8). It combines an innovative one-day learning simulation at emPowerU, which is then extended and linked to an in-class curriculum and an opportunity to connect with community through real-life service-learning work. Students are challenged to think critically, work in teams, communicate effectively, and make good decisions. Visible results show children who experience emPower Plant are more likely to show gains in civic engagement, citizenship, social responsibility, valuing education, and higher achievement scores. A modified emPower Plant simulation is also available for the business community in promoting team building and problem solving skills for their employees. For more information, contact Heartland Foundation at 816-271-7200.
Area businesses promoted career opportunities available to over 1800 area sophomore students from 26 northwest Missouri high schools. 
Strategic planning efforts by the Heartland Foundation – Healthy Communities Investor Council, led to an understanding that educational attainment unlocked the door to healthier communities. A Northwest Missouri P-20 Educational Council was formed to address this issue. The council’s mission is committed to promote healthier, more livable communities through connecting a diverse partnership committing to, advocating for, and achieving optimal educational outcomes and ensuring a prepared workforce now and in the future. More information can be found at 
As a United Way initiative, the PIE mission is to improve the educational level of the workforce in the community.
Show-Me Scholars is a community based high-impact strategy to motivate students to complete a more rigorous set high school courses to better prepare them for college or the workplace.
The development of positive character traits is valuable to everyone.
An initiative by the United Way of Greater St. Joseph, this is a community-based movement of pubic and private partners working together to deliver proven solutions for children.
While St. Joseph's largest single employer is the hospital system, our city has a diversified employment base which helps to maintain a healthy and growing economy. Major employers range from education to automotive battery production, aerial work platform manufacturing, and animal pharmaceutical research and production. 
St. Joseph