Nebraska’s stagnant labor pool reflects one of the nation’s lowest unemployment rates. Nebraska’s total labor force averaged just over 1 million people in June, up one tenth of a percent from the previous May. Underscoring workforce shrinkage is a weakening manufacturing sector. This year the state has lost jobs at a nail-biting 3.8% rate through the summer.
Bob Hallstrom, Nebraska state director for the National Federation of Independent Businesses, says employers would like to see more training programs helping resident develop skilled trades like welding.
“I know companies that would be expanding if they could hire welders,” he says. The Tax Foundation ranks Nebraska’s state and local tax burden 25th highest out of 50 states and ranks it 29th in business tax climate. Nebraska spends over $1.4 billion a year on incentive programs.
Missouri’s GDP surpassed $284 billion in 2014, 21st in the country and third largest in the Midwest. The total represented an increase of 2.8% from 2013 to 2014; the rate trailed the overall U.S. GDP growth rate by 1%.
Manufacturing represents 12.5% of the state’s economic output; government takes second place with 12.1%.
“Missouri’s economy grew more slowly than the national economy for the past 15 years, and the same theme is present in the recovery,” observes JPMorgan Chase economist James Glassman. The Tax Foundation ranks Missouri’s state and local tax burden 18th lowest out of 50 states and 17th in business tax climate. Missouri spends over $96.5 million a year on incentive programs.
Kansas’ growth has slowed after several months of expansion. Payrolls are growing less quickly than the national average and high-paying industries have shrunk over the past 12 months.
Economic development leaders fret that most of the new jobs are in low-wage industries. Business leaders cheered Gov. Sam Brownback’s tax reform initiatives, which included eliminating the small business tax and phasing in lower personal income taxes.
“Tax reform has been very positive. Kansas is now regarded as low-tax state, very easy to do business with,” says site selector Gigerich. Recent revenue shortcomings—the pre-reform $380 million budget reserve is now a two-year $700 million gap—have prompted some tax policy reversals; business leaders hope the governor sticks to his promises.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
0
1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
