Star Partner Awards Recognize Educational Excellence by Businesses

Missouri’s head of economic development Friday said the state’s number one economic priority is workforce improvement. And workforce improvement was exactly the type of effort honored at the Star Partner Awards luncheon where he addressed more than 160 people.

Sponsored by the Clay County Economic Development Council and its affiliate The Northland Education & Business Alliance, the event saw presentation of the second Star Partner Awards, which honor some of the most imaginative and effective workforce development programs in the region.

Addressing the group, Missouri’s new Department of Economic Development Director David Kerr quickly identified workforce development as one of five key issues that will impact the state’s economy. “Workforce will be huge as we get out of the recession over the next six, 12 and 18 months,” he said. “The states that are on top of workforce development will be leaders in the recovery. It’s good to see groups like this working together to accomplish just that.”

Kerr stressed promotion of “next generation” innovation and technology. Surprise priorities included travel and tourism along with community development. However, both objective studies and subjective observation show that quality of life issues like education are important in attracting and growing businesses. He also lauded The Northland Education & Business Alliance, noting it was the only collaborative organization of its kind that he knew of in Kansas, Missouri or even nationwide.

“This unique organization really gets to the heart of what I’m talking about,” he said. “You are targeting exactly the kind of effort that we need to position ourselves for recovery.”

Star Partner Awards Luncheon Photo Gallery