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Missouri nonfarm payroll employment increased by 8,100 jobs in March 2024, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 3.3 percent. Private industry employment increased by 7,100 jobs and government employment increased by 1,000 jobs. Over the year, there was an increase of 54,200 jobs from March 2023 to March 2024, and the unemployment rate increased by half of a percentage point, from 2.8 percent in March 2023 to 3.3 percent in March 2024.
UNEMPLOYMENT Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady in March 2024 at 3.3 percent. The March 2024 rate was half of a percentage point higher than the March 2023 rate. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 103,681 in March 2024, up by 718 from the revised February total of 102,963. In addition, the estimated number of employed Missourians also increased in March, growing by 2,639 to reach a total of 3,000,264. The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate decreased in March 2024 by three-tenths of a percentage point to 3.7 percent from the February 2024 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 4 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 3.2 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for March 2024 was 3.9 percent. Missouri's labor force participation rate was 63.1 percent in March 2024, four-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 62.7 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 61 percent in March 2024, seven-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 60.3 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate was 3.3 percent in March 2024, half of a percentage point lower than the national rate of 3.8 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for more than eight years. EMPLOYMENT Missouri's nonfarm payroll employment was 3,022,000 in March 2024, up by 8,100 from the revised February 2024 figure. The February 2024 total was revised upward by 2,500 jobs from the preliminary estimate. Goods-producing industries decreased by 200 jobs over the month, with manufacturing gaining 200 jobs and mining, logging, and construction declining by 400 jobs. Private service-providing industries increased by 7,300 jobs between February 2024 and March 2024. Employment in private service-providing industries increased in leisure and hospitality (6,200 jobs); private education and health services (2,100 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (1,800 jobs); and other services (1,300 jobs). Employment decreased in professional and business services (-3,200 jobs), financial activities (-700 jobs), and information (-200 jobs). Total government employment increased by 1,000 jobs over the month, with increases in federal (400 jobs), local (400 jobs), and state government (200 jobs). Over the year, total payroll employment increased by 54,200 jobs from March 2023 to March 2024. The largest gains were in private education and health services (20,100 jobs); leisure and hospitality (11,700 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (7,300 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (5,600 jobs); financial activities (3,300 jobs); and other services (2,800 jobs). Employment decreased in professional and business services (-6,200 jobs), information (-300 jobs), and manufacturing (-300 jobs). Government employment increased by 10,200 jobs over the year, with increases in state (4,700 jobs), local (3,700 jobs), and federal government (1,800 jobs). Read the full report at https://meric.mo.gov/missouri-monthly-jobs-report.
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by Phil Hanson, President and CEO, Truman Heartland Community Foundation
The residents of Eastern Jackson County in Missouri are known for their generosity. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with many of them. As the President and CEO of Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF), it is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. In a world that can sometimes be cold and impersonal, it is heartwarming to encounter so many exceptional individuals who dedicate their lives to improving their communities for everyone. They do it without expecting anything in return, and it is inspiring when the community foundation gets to be a part of their efforts. Each year, members of the THCF Board of Directors and four Community Advisory Boards nominate individuals, businesses, and organizations whose volunteerism, dedication to community, and philanthropy have made a significant impact on our suburban Eastern Jackson, Cass, and Lafayette County communities. It is a daunting task to narrow down the nominations, and I am thankful for all the members of the THCF Board who were tasked with making the final decisions. With all of that, it is my great pleasure to announce the Truman Heartland Community Foundation 2024 Toast to Our Towns Gala Honorees: Humanitarian of the Year Doug and Helen Hatridge Doug and Helen are retired educators with a strong passion for community service. Helen was a member of the THCF Board and served as Board Chair in 2018. On the other hand, Doug was a member of the Jackson County Plan Commission. They both contributed their time and effort to various organizations, such as the Fort Osage Fire Protection District, Lee's Summit Parks and Recreation Board, and Independence Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, among others. They have each received numerous honors and recognitions, including the Longevity Award for Volunteers of Lee's Summit Parks & Recreation and the prestigious 2022 Legacy Award from Community Services League. Together, Helen and Doug continue to make a positive impact in their community, and their dedication to service will undoubtedly be their legacy. Corporate Citizen of the Year CommunityAmerica Credit Union CommunityAmerica is a financial institution that is dedicated to improving the lives of its customers, employees, and the community. They offer a wide range of financial products and services, and actively participate in various community service and corporate philanthropy projects. They support several local organizations such as Junior Achievement, Operation Breakthrough, and Boys and Girls Clubs, among others. In 2022, CommunityAmerica also launched its first Community Access Center, which continues to provide free access to tools and resources to people of all ages and backgrounds, enabling them to attain financial peace of mind. CommunityAmerica is a local company committed to helping people achieve their financial goals while making a significant impact in their communities. Heartland Service Award Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA) CAPA has been serving children in Eastern Jackson County and neighboring communities for nearly 50 years. The organization offers counseling services to both children and adults who have experienced child abuse, neglect, and other family traumas. Their home-visiting services focus on supporting new and expecting mothers, ensuring they possess the necessary tools and resources to nurture their children in a safe and healthy environment. CAPA also actively engages in prevention education, offering body safety classes for students and social-emotional learning initiatives for students, teachers, administrators, and parents. In addition, CAPA has been instrumental in providing mentorship to more than 200 counseling and social work interns from a dozen local colleges and universities, establishing itself as the most extensive program of its kind in the region. With its commitment to education and mentorship, CAPA has been honored with two Non-Profit of the Year awards, and its trajectory continues upward, expanding in funding, staff, and positive impact on the community. Dr. Paul M. Thomson Professional Advisor of the Year Craig Bolger Craig is a highly accomplished professional advisor with more than 20 years of experience serving families and businesses. He has helped countless clients invest their money wisely and achieve their financial goals. Craig understands his client's charitable goals and helps them see the value of partnering with their local community foundation. His work in philanthropy is highly deserving of recognition for his exceptional dedication and achievements. As a fifth-generation resident of Independence, Craig has deep roots in the community and remains actively involved in various organizations. Craig is an invaluable asset to his community, and his commitment to helping others meet their charitable goals is a testament to his character and professionalism. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year's Toast to Our Towns honorees. I look forward to raising a glass to their dedication, generosity, and commitment at the 29th Annual Toast to Our Towns Gala on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Makes plans to join us and celebrate those working to make our communities better places to live, work, and serve. Sponsorships, tables, and tickets are currently available at www.thcf.org/gala. The Spring Parade of Homes, open April 27 through May 12, offers the opportunity to see one of the largest and most impressive displays of new homes in the country. Sponsored by Mike Bryant Heating & Cooling, the spring parade will feature 339 homes in eight counties built by 105 of the KC area’s finest builders. Types of homes featured on the parade will include townhomes, villas, 74 maintenance-provided entries and single-family homes, with a variety of floor plans featuring the latest design trends. Homes will range in price from $265,000 to $2.65 million and will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Even as housing costs rise, KCHBA member builders are working to build homes at lower price points. There are 14 homes on the parade at or under $400,000. These homes feature modern designs and generous curb appeal while maximizing space and maintaining comfort within a smaller footprint. Admission is free and free parade guides will be available for pickup at the KCHBA (I-435 & Holmes) beginning the Monday prior to the start of the parade and at all parade homes during the event. Consumers can also download the user-friendly mobile app from the Google Play or Apple Store. Using the app, parade-goers can save their favorites and then map a customized route to each home. For more information, please visit KCParadeofHomes.com. Presented twice a year by the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (KCHBA), the Kansas City Parade of Homes is the second largest in the United States. Since 1947, millions of greater Kansas City residents and visitors have enjoyed viewing the latest in-home innovations, styles and decorating, and this year’s spring parade will be no different as it showcases the area’s premier new homes, home builders and communities. The Spring Parade of Homes begins April 27th and includes entry #140 at 808 NW Hickory Ridge Dr, Woodbury subdivision in Grain Valley by David Richards.
April is Financial Literacy Month. Started in 2004, the purpose of this month is to help people gain access to financial education and understanding of financial services and products. Individuals and businesses are still struggling with the effects of the global pandemic, but fortunately, technology can help solve the problems people experience with finances. If you're struggling with financial literacy as well as your finances, I encourage you to check out the following apps.
YNAB (You Need A Budget). This budgeting app works great because it helps you create a budget for yourself or your family. It works by streamlining your financial information from different sources into a single, easy to read interface interface that helps you focus on making decisions, not gathering data. By showing you how much money you have available you can set budget goals and you can spend without worrying we’re compromising your long-term goals. HoneyDue. If you are looking for a free app that works for couples, check out Honeydue. This app empowers couples to gain visibility into their finances and collaborate effectively on money matters. It offers the ability to link, loans, investments, and bank accounts for real-time tracking. Couples can oversee expenses as individual or shared. You also get bill reminders for upcoming due dates. Credit Karma. Credit Karma is a helpful app that provides you with valuable financial information. It allows you to see your credit score from the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This app will also help you with approval odds with credit cards as well as free ID monitoring to help protect you from Identity theft. Stash. This investing app is for beginners. It offers automated investing with a Smart Portfolio, self-directed investing in stocks and ETFs, and a Stock-Back® Debit Card that earns stock rewards. Get personalized advice, market insights, and security features. Empower Personal Dashboard. This app consolidates your financial life, allowing you to link all your accounts for a holistic view. You can track your net worth, manage budgets, plan for retirement, monitor investments, and benefit from robust security features. Fiduciary services are also available for substantial holdings. PocketGuard is an all-in-one budgeting app that simplifies personal finance. Connect your accounts, categorize expenses, and get a snapshot of your finances. It helps manage debt and set SMART goals. Hopefully, this has introduced you to apps that will help you improve your financial literacy and maintain smart money management habits. If you have any questions, please reach out. I'm always available. Looking for More Useful Tips Tips? My Tuesday Tech Tips Blog is released every Tuesday. If you like video tips, I LIVE STREAM new episodes of 'Computer and Tech Tips for Non-Tech People' every Wednesday at 1:00 pm CST on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. You can view previous episodes on my YouTube channel. Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@burtonkelso.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. On March 27, 2024 at White Oaks Crossing, local dignitaries including Mayor Webb, city aldermen, members of the Chamber of Commerce and financial institution representatives gathered for the groundbreaking of Phase II, offering brand new, high value, custom single family homes in a country like setting with many community amenities such as a large pool with hot tub and beautiful sundeck, full fitness center, hiking trails, stocked shing pond, ping pong and billiards rooms.
White Oaks Crossing encompasses 365 acres planned for 883 lots, with 18 acres of commercial space and 183 existing homes. The growing community will soon have many more. Originally planned in 1998 as a manufactured home community, it was recognized on the national level in 2001as the “Best New Land Lease Community in the U.S.” by the Manufactured Housing Institute. In 2006, residents were given the opportunity to own their own lots and housing. In 2020, it became a full edged single family home neighborhood, which it is today. Keith Welch, representing White Oaks Crossing, thanked the dignitaries for attending and said the company looks forward to new successes and growth in Oak Grove providing high quality housing for future residents. For more information on home models go to whiteoakscrossing.com Healthgrades Names St. Mary’s Medical Center a 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award Recipient4/4/2024 St. Mary’s Medical Center, a member of Prime Healthcare, announced that it has been recognized by Healthgrades as a 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ recipient. This distinction places St. Mary’s Medical Center among the top 5% of all short-term acute care hospitals as evaluated by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting patients and providers.
“Through our 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Awards, we seek to recognize hospitals that excel in providing top-quality care for their patients while preventing serious injuries during hospital stays,” said Brad Bowman, MD, Chief Medical Officer, and head of Data Science, Healthgrades. “We are proud to name St. Mary’s Medical Center as a 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ recipient and look forward to their continued efforts to make patient safety a top priority.” St. Mary’s Medical Center has now been recipient of the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award™ in seven consecutive years (2018-24) and top 5% in the nation for patient safety in four consecutive years (2021-24). “St. Mary’s Medical Center is invested in clinical quality and offering top-quality patient care,” said Kelly Pearce, CEO, St. Mary’s Medical Center. “This distinction is the result of the contributions of all our staff, providers and leaders and we are honored to be recognized.” If all hospitals, as a group, performed similarly to the 2023 Patient Safety Award recipients, on average, 95,880 patient safety events could have been avoided. * During the 2019-2021 study period, 164,592 potentially preventable patient safety events occurred among Medicare patients in U.S. hospitals. * Healthgrades found that just four patient safety indicators accounted for 74% of all patient safety events: hip fracture due to an in-hospital fall, collapsed lung resulting from a procedure/surgery, pressure or bed sores acquired in the hospital, and catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired in-hospital. Healthgrades’ analysis also revealed that patients treated in hospitals receiving the Healthgrades 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award were, on average:
Consumers can visit healthgrades.com for more information on how Healthgrades measures hospital quality and access the complete methodology here. *Statistics are calculated from Healthgrades Patient Safety Ratings and Excellence Award methodology which is based primarily on AHRQ technical specifications (Version 2022.0.1) for MedPAR data years 2019 through 2021 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only. In honor of World Autism Awareness Day on Tuesday, April 2nd, local Greater Kansas City Metro Area McDonald's restaurants will hold a fundraiser where a portion of digital proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
10% of all proceeds from digital orders on April 2nd from local Greater Kansas City Metro McDonald's restaurants will benefit Autism Speaks. Over 130 participating McDonald's restaurants in the Greater Kansas City Metro Area including: Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee, Lee's Summit, Lawrence, St. Joe, Independence and Blue Springs. by Phil Hanson, President & CEO, Truman Heartland Community Foundation
Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s “school of philanthropy.” YAC was designed to empower local high school students to become tomorrow's leaders by impacting their communities today. Through YAC, students gain a greater understanding of some of the pressing issues affecting their communities, learn about and participate in the foundation’s grant-making process, and give back through volunteering and community service projects. YAC fosters collaboration and cooperation and teaches these future community leaders how to work effectively with a diverse range of students from schools throughout the area. The students' most recent service project was their annual food drive. YAC students were up early on a brisk Saturday morning. It may have been chilly, but the spirit of generosity quickly warmed them as they collected nonperishable food and household items from patrons shopping at one of the four participating Hy-Vee stores in the area. Their efforts were met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the community, who generously donated thousands of items. From toilet paper and toothpaste to spaghetti and cereals, shoppers were generous with their kind words and smiles, too. The items collected were distributed to individuals and families in need through Raytown Emergency Assistance Program (REAP), Community Services League, and Lee’s Summit Social Services. This food drive is always a feel-good event, as both the YAC students and their adult volunteers get the opportunity to see first-hand the positive impact they can have on the lives of their neighbors. Another exciting activity for these student leaders is the Youth Advisory Council’s Annual Fundraiser, Strike in the Night - Cosmic Caring Changing the Universe. This highly anticipated bowling event will take place on the evening of Saturday, April 27. It's sure to be a night full of trivia, games, food, and, of course, cosmic bowling. The proceeds from this family-friendly event will go to the YAC endowment fund, which will provide additional funds to be distributed during the foundation’s grant process later this year. The event promises to be a fun-filled evening for all. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for those who want to get involved. Youth philanthropy is a vital part of any community, yet it is often overlooked in favor of more competitive high school activities. If you know of a student who has a big heart, likes giving back, and wants to meet students from other schools in a cooperative setting, YAC may be the perfect fit! Colleges and employers like to see extracurricular activities on student resumes and applications. YAC is the ideal way to show personal drive and community commitment. Have your student reach out to the YAC Team Leader at their school, visit our website at www.thcf.org/students, or reach out to Diana Castillo, Director of Grants and Donor Services, who leads the program at (816) 912-4184 or castillo@thcf.org for more information. We are always looking to recruit interested high school students in the area! YAC offers a unique platform for young people to make a positive impact. Led by Truman Heartland, this community-focused program nurtures the next generation of philanthropic leaders. It's inspiring to see our YAC students actively participating in their community. I truly believe that due to their experiences with YAC and the mission of THCF, these exceptional students will remain dedicated to improving the places where they live, work, and serve throughout adulthood. Missouri nonfarm payroll employment increased by 7,800 jobs in February 2024, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged from January's 3.3 percent. Private industry employment increased by 6,500 jobs and government employment increased by 1,300 jobs. Over the year, there was an increase of 46,000 jobs from February 2023 to February 2024, and the unemployment rate increased by half of a percentage point, from 2.8 percent in February 2023 to 3.3 percent in February 2024.
UNEMPLOYMENT Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged in February 2024 at 3.3 percent from the revised January 2024 rate. The February 2024 rate was half of a percentage point higher than the February 2023 rate. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 103,023 in February 2024, up by 1,445 from the revised January total of 101,578. The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate increased in February 2024 by two-tenths of a percentage point to 4 percent from the January 2024 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 3.8 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 3.3 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for February 2024 was 4.2 percent. Missouri's labor force participation rate was 63.1 percent in February 2024, six-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 62.5 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 61 percent in February 2024, nine-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 60.1 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate was 3.3 percent in February 2024, six-tenths of a percentage point lower than the national rate of 3.9 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for more than eight years. EMPLOYMENT Missouri's nonfarm payroll employment was 3,011,400 in February 2024, up by 7,800 from the revised January 2024 figure. The January 2024 total was revised upward by 3,800 jobs from the preliminary estimate. Goods-producing industries increased by 5,600 jobs over the month, with mining, logging, and construction gaining 3,800 jobs and manufacturing gaining 1,800 jobs. Private service-providing industries increased by 900 jobs between January 2024 and February 2024. Employment in private service-providing industries increased in professional and business services (5,300 jobs) and private education and health services (2,400 jobs). Employment decreased in leisure and hospitality (-4,700 jobs); financial activities (-1,100 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (-600 jobs); information (-300 jobs); and other services (-100 jobs). Total government employment increased by 1,300 jobs over the month, with increases in state (1,100 jobs) and federal government (300 jobs) and a decrease in local government (-100 jobs). Over the year, total payroll employment increased by 46,000 jobs from February 2023 to February 2024. The largest gains were in private education and health services (18,200 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (6,300 jobs); leisure and hospitality (5,700 jobs); financial activities (3,900 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (3,500 jobs); and other services (1,100 jobs). Employment decreased in professional and business services (-1,500 jobs) and manufacturing (-600 jobs). Government employment increased by 9,400 jobs over the year, with increases in state (4,500 jobs), local (3,400 jobs), and federal government (1,500 jobs). by Burton Kelso, The Tech Expert
If you're like me, you're probably always on the lookout for low-cost options when it comes to your streaming services. Traditional streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ are seeing skyrocketing price increases which are putting a strain on your budget. If you are looking to lower your streaming expenses you need to look at some of the free streaming services that are emerging as a popular option to replace subscription streaming services. Now there is a trade-off, instead of a monthly bill, you’ll have to endure advertisements. That’s how these free services make their money. If you're looking to find a good free streaming service for your family, check out these options. As of this writing, there is no one-size-fits-all replacement for live TV streaming services other than a digital antenna, but the right free service could help you stay entertained while keeping your wallet happy. There are a couple of dozen free streaming services on the web. Here are a few services I recommend: Pluto TV. Pluto TV is owned by Viacom and runs over 100 free channels. It runs on Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku and PlayStation. Apps are available for Apple and Android devices. Sony Crackle. Crackle is owned by Sony, so it has a lot of Sony original content, plus programs and movies from other companies. You can watch some of your favorite TV shows, original programming and movies. It can be connected to a large variety of platforms such as TVs, mobile devices, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, and online. Tubi. A long favorite of mine, Tubi streams more than 12,000 titles. You can Stream anywhere and the service includes content from a plethora of other sources for kids of all ages and content that’s not streamed anywhere else. Freevee (formerly IMDb TV). Freevee is owned by Amazon and contains a lot of content -backed by Amazon. It offers on-demand movies and TV shows, live-streaming channels, and a small collection of original content. Roku Channel. The Roku Channel is an app for watching movies and TV shows that is attached to popular Roku streaming devices. Roku streaming devices and televisions come preloaded with applications that include the Roku Channel, but you also can get access to the content through smartphones, tablets, and computers. Hopefully, this article will help point you in the right direction as far as streaming services. There are more free streaming services out there. If you have time, check out some of the other services out there to see if it will be worth your time. Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@burtonkelso.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. Need computer repair service near you? My company Integral offers the highest quality computer repair service nationwide. If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team. Our team of friendly tech experts organization can help you with any IT needs you might have. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. |
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