As we move into the holiday season, it’s a special time to pause and give thanks. Not that giving thanks should be limited to an annual ritual. Giving thanks is an important component of my daily prayer routine. I am certainly greatly blessed and thank God for my wife, my wife’s health, my health, my children and their health, my granddaughter Jacklynn, my siblings...and many more. However, during this season of thanksgiving and giving, as I look back on the year, I have recognized several other things that I am truly thankful for. One of these is the incredible strength, commitment and fortitude of my nonprofit colleagues in our community serving those in need. They have weathered an incredibly chaotic year, due to the dramatic changes from the Executive Branch of our federal government that have impacted grant funding and many other processes. And recently, they stepped up to fill the breach created when SNAP benefits were paused during the government shutdown. As we enter the holiday season, many of our social service nonprofits need our continued support now more than ever due to starting this season with their resources depleted by their crucial response to the SNAP crisis. As you are giving thanks and giving, please give generously to organizations in our Eastern Jackson County Community, like Community Services League, Coldwater, Lee’s Summit Social Service, Raytown Emergency Assistance Program (REAP), and many more that are enabling families to celebrate the holidays. You can find a more complete list on the homepage of our website www.thcf.org. Click on “Help the SNAP Funding Crisis”. And if you are not personally food insecure, consider adding that to your daily “I am thankful for” prayer list, as I have. It’s very easy to take so much for granted. I am also very grateful for the generosity of donors who have created a fund with the Foundation. Last year, our total grants and scholarships were $9 million, and we are on pace to set another record again this year due to their generosity. It truly is a privilege to support the charitable giving of generous people in our community. Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas. 
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Actor, author and political activist Hill Harper (“The Good Doctor,” “CSI: NY”) will be the featured speaker at the Metropolitan Community College Foundation’s 2026 Chancellor’s Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Luncheon. The event is set for 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at Union Station. The MCC Foundation invites the Greater Kansas City community to experience this annual fundraiser, which brings together community, civic and corporate partners and friends to celebrate the life and legacy of the King family. Sponsorships will make a meaningful investment in students across the Kansas City area. To become a sponsor, visit mcckc.edu/mlkluncheon, email [email protected] or call 816.604.1195. At the January luncheon, presented by Meta, eight Metropolitan Community College students will be announced as recipients of full one-year MCC scholarships. Also, the MCC Foundation’s annual Alvin Brooks Kansas Citian Inspiration Award will be presented to Lisa Ginter, CEO of CommunityAmerica Credit Union. MCC Chancellor Kimberly Beatty will host, and KSHB 41 news anchor Kevin Holmes will return as emcee. Featured speaker Hill Harper grew up in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of two medical doctors: a psychiatrist and an anesthesiologist. He would go on to graduate magna cum laude from Brown University in Rhode Island with a degree in economics and sociology. He later earned a law degree from Harvard Law School. As an actor, Harper has appeared in films such as “Beloved,” “Lackawanna Blues” and “Loving Jezebel.” His TV work has included “Limitless” and “Covert Affairs.” He has appeared in Off-Broadway plays including “ToasT,” set in Attica around the time of the prison’s 1971 riot. His books have included “Letters to a Young Brother,” “Letters to an Incarcerated Brother” and “The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in Its Place.” Barack and Michelle Obama have contributed to Harper’s books. Harper has been recognized with seven NAACP Image Awards for his writing and acting. He has served as national spokesman for several social justice organizations. In eight years, the MCC Foundation’s Chancellor’s Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Luncheon has raised more than $1.2 million for MCC student scholarships. The Metropolitan Community College Foundation was formed in 1976 — making 2026 its 50th anniversary — with the goal of increasing student access to educational opportunities and supporting quality programs. More than half of MCC students require financial aid to realize their dreams of attending college.  St. Mary’s Medical Center earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country using evidence-based measures of patient safety focused exclusively on errors, accidents, injuries and infections.
“Earning an ‘A’ Grade means St. Mary’s Medical Centr made a true commitment to put patient safety first,” Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group said. “We congratulate the leadership, Board, clinicians, staff and volunteers that all had a role to play in this achievement.” The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring. In addition to our Grade A for Patient Safety as rated by The Leapfrog Group, St. Mary’s ranks 3rd in Missouri for Pulmonary Care and is a 5-star Recipient in Pacemaker Procedures, Pulmonary Excellence, Treatment of Pneumonia, Gallbladder Removal, and Treatment of Diabetic Emergencies as awarded by Healthgrades. St. Mary’s is also a Stroke Receiving Center and a STEMI Receiving Center, with the only GEDA (Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation) ER in Eastern Jackson County. Grain Valley Chamber's "Shop the Valley Express" holiday passport program starts November 1st10/30/2025
The Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce launches its "Shop the Valley Express" holiday promotion on November 1st. The shop local promotion invites residents to visit member businesses on a holiday passport for a chance to win a grand prize package worth $500. Shop, dine, or visit one of the businesses listed on the passport, which can be picked up at any participating business beginning November 1st. Request a stamp on your passport from the local business. Once you have collected a minimum of 5 stamps on your passport (one stamp per business), drop it off at the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce office at the Grain Valley Historical Society, 506 N Main, Grain Valley MO 64029 by January 3, 2026. One winner will be drawn on January 4, 2026 to receive a prize package worth $500. Participating Chamber Member Businesses/Organizations: Valley Social Coffeehouse, 120 S. Buckner Tarsney Rd, Grain Valley Grain Valley Historical Society, 506 N Main ST, Grain Valley The Hair Room, 512 N Main ST, Grain Valley Main Street Sweets, 201 N Main ST, Grain Valley Railroad Sock, 626 NW Valley Ridge CT, Grain Valley Stock Event Rental, 816-908-2990, www.stockeventrental.com MOJO Volleyball Academy, 1006 NW East KC Industrial Blvd. Unit G-J Valley Coffee Co., 109 W Front ST, Grain Valley ASI, 1321 SW Eagles Pkwy, Grain Valley, 816-229-4450 The Local Table & Bar, 511 N Main, Grain Valley Valley Mattress Company & More, 1102 NW Casey Blvd. Ste. D, Grain Valley Culver’s Grain Valley, 1180 NW Buckner Tarsney Rd, Grain Valley Valley Sports Cards, 203 S Main ST, Grain Valley Rod’s Sports, 1520 SW Eagles Pkwy, Grain Valley Gen 3 IV Hydration and Wellness, 1210 NE Coronado, Blue Springs Drew’s Diesel, 1101 NW Bush DR, Ste. A, Grain Valley. 816-226-6016 Air and Hose Source, 1108 NW Bush DR, Ste. B, Grain Valley Baking with a Bass, 1428 SW Eagles Pkwy, Grain Valley Follow the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce on Facebook (@TheGrainValleyChamber) and Instagram (@grainvalleychamber) for contest updates and member features. Learn more about the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses at www.growgrainvalley.org. 
Recently, MSN published a story by Ana T. Sola reporting a survey by Empower, a 401k provider, that most Americans now think age 58 should be the appropriate time to retire. I would say that the 1,001 responders undoubtedly included a high percentage of younger workers. From my own experience with clients and others is that most people in their 50’s or older say they plan to retire in their mid-60’s or older. Many admit they did not begin to save early enough in their working lives and are playing catch-up. However, a young couple amazed me with their willingness to start in earnest to prepare well for their future. In their early 20’s, he was already well aware of the power of compounding and the tax benefits of having a Roth IRA. One of the best explanations of a Roth versus a traditional IRA comes in a question: Would you rather be taxed on the acorns of an oak tree early on or on the full giant tree in a few decades? The next item of discussion was the Rule of 72. What? The number of years required for a dollar to double is the number produced by dividing the interest rate into 72. Thus using 9 for an assumed long term interest rate and 8 years for a doubling, any 22 year old will be shocked by seeing a $64 total in their 60’s. For each and every dollar saved in the Roth. I know of some high school students that are funding their Roth accounts from part-time jobs. My next encounter was a young Missourian of 58 years who actually did retire from a materials company last month. How did he do it, I asked? In his 20’s, he began saving 15 percent a year and stuck with it. He worked for the same company while a college student and began to receive its match of 4 percent. It was fantastic how fast the total of 19 percent grew during 39 years. So much for the money; but what are you going to do with an extra 40 hours a week? Those who retire successfully have a great reason—in their minds at least—to continue to live with a mind toward the future. In the last case, he has been wanting to volunteer in disaster relief efforts but work prevented that until now. Here he is in western North Carolina, helping build a new house for an older couple whose home and all their belongings floated down the river 11 months ago. We have an opportunity to try new things, study subjects of special interest at free or reduced rates, or volunteer at an animal shelter or one of dozens of worthy charities always in need of experienced help. Some of us will need to work part-time to remain engaged socially. Others I know are helping their children with providing childcare for their grandchildren. It certainly helps to keep your day job if you love what you do, but unfortunately many do not. That is a big part of my own reason not to retire. Plus it allows us to give more to our favorite charities than we would otherwise would be able. But retirement is not just about the money. Plan ahead to have money, but focus upon retiring to something, not just from something.  by Phil Hanson, President & CEO, Truman Heartland Community Foundation On Thursday, November 13th, there will be a lot of positive energy emitted from a luncheon at the Adams Pointe Conference Center in Blue Springs. The source of the positive energy will be the Annual Grants Luncheon of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation, where $516,672 in grants will be awarded to 67 local nonprofits. These 67 grant awards are the product of our Annual Competitive Grants Program. This is one of my favorite events of the year because of the positive energy created when we bring together the staff and volunteer leadership of nonprofits from throughout our community that are making a positive impact every day. Often, new relationships begin as the leaders from these organizations learn more about each other and potentially forge new partnerships. It's also one of my favorite events because of the quiet, underlying power of Legacy Giving. At this event, we have the privilege of honoring the legacy giving of donors who entrusted the Foundation with a gift of a lifetime by creating, through their estate, a competitive grantmaking fund. Of the $516,672 being awarded, $437,506 is from these legacy gifts. At the event, we celebrate organizations making an impact today while we honor those who made the grants to these organizations possible. Our annual competitive grants cycle is truly competitive. This year we had $1.2 million in requests from 150 organizations. We greatly appreciate the efforts of our grants committee led by board member Steve Noll. It takes a dedicated group of volunteers to review all the grant proposals and make tough decisions on which ones to fund, given the demand and our limited resources. A big thanks to Steve and the Board Members and Advisory Board Members for their dedication and service. Not only are the grants filled by endowments, but also by individual donors each year who increase the grant pool. Of the 150 applicants, the 67 organizations receiving grants requested $571,000, leaving a gap of $134,000 to fully fund their requests. I am pleased to say that in addition to our endowments, we had 19 Donor Advised Fund Holders and other contributors who responded to our request to fill this gap, for a total of $79,166. We will also be celebrating their generosity at the grants luncheon. Another great part about this positive event is the involvement of our youth volunteers. Two of our Youth Advisory Council Students, Caleb Scholes from Truman High School and Shannon Montgomery from Lee’s Summit North High School, will be assisting us in announcing grants at the luncheon. They represent the Youth Advisory Council Students from 10 area high schools who assisted the grants committee in their work this summer. They made 18 site visits to potential grantees and provided their evaluation to the committee. The YAC students also made 3 grants totaling $4,416 from their endowed fund, which was created by students and has been built up over the years from their own fundraising efforts. That endowed fund now is more than $130,000. What an achievement to celebrate. As you can see, our Grants Luncheon on November 13th will bring a lot of positive energy and we will be “Improving Our Communities One Grant at a Time.” Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Insperity. Metropolitan Community College Board of Trustees member Jermaine Reed has been elected to a second term on the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Board of Directors. The election took place Oct. 23-24 during the 2025 ACCT Leadership Congress in New Orleans. “I’m deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve a second three-year term as a member of ACCT’s Board of Directors,” Reed said. ACCT is a nonprofit organization that represents the governing boards of community, technical and junior colleges in the U.S. It promotes the interests of community colleges to federal and state officials and offers training and resources for trustees. Reed has served on the MCC Board of Trustees since 2020, representing the College’s Subdistrict 2 and serving as board vice president (2022-24). As an MCC trustee, he has played a role in developing the MCC Reimagined Strategic Plan 2022-2031, served as master of ceremonies at MCC commencements, and much more. In his continued service, Trustee Reed emphasized his priorities both locally and nationally. “Community colleges are the bedrock of workforce development and economic mobility. I am committed to strengthening that foundation and ensuring our institution has a powerful voice at the national level,” Reed said. “Locally, I will continue my advocacy for free community college for all students in the metro area and I am fully committed to ensuring our students and college remain on the cutting edge with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.” From his prominent national position, Reed said, he will continue to advocate for the vital needs of Greater Kansas City. “I plan to use my voice on the ACCT Board to passionately represent the needs and opportunities of the Kansas City community on the national stage. I look forward to fostering collaboration across our country to ensure that every student has the resources they need to succeed, and that our region’s educational goals are heard and acted upon at the highest levels of policy and funding.”  Four students from the Grain Valley, Missouri, area have been awarded 2025 scholarships from the combined North American Rail division companies of Knorr-Bremse, recognizing their academic achievements and future potential as they pursue higher education. The students were selected for this year’s U.S.-based cohort of 12 first-time scholarship recipients. The Grain Valley-area recipients are: Molly Friel, a sophomore majoring in music – vocal performance at William Jewell College, Liberty, Missouri Olivia Fries, a first-year student pursuing interior design at Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas Tyler Melton, a first-year student studying electrical engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri Kiersten Parker, a first-year student focused on radiologic technology at Metropolitan Community College, Kansas City, Missouri Each student is the child of an employee at KB Signaling’s Grain Valley headquarters, part of the Munich, Germany-based Knorr-Bremse’s North American Rail group. In addition to KB Signaling, which supplies conventional signaling to the rail industry, the group includes Westminster, Maryland-based Knorr Brake Company (transit rail); and Watertown, New York-based New York Air Brake (freight rail). The scholarship program was established in 2019 by New York Air Brake as a way to support children of employees and reinforce the company’s commitment to education. It expanded to include Knorr Brake Company in 2023 and KB Signaling in 2025. Since its inception, dozens of students have benefited annually from the scholarship, which has become a hallmark initiative of the North American Rail group. This year, 24 students across the U.S. are supported through the program, including the 12 new recipients and 12 students who received a scholarship renewal. “KB Signaling is proud to support this program and celebrate the achievements of outstanding students like Molly, Olivia, Tyler, and Kiersten,” said Matt Shick, vice president of human resources at Knorr-Bremse Rail NA. “This scholarship reflects our belief in the power of education, the strength of our community commitment, and the company’s ongoing investment in helping the children of our team members succeed.”  St. Mary's Medical Center celebrated its Employee Service Anniversaries, to include a delicious meal and desserts crafted by Chef Nicky, fall décor, and recognition from leadership. St. Mary's leadership thanked those honored for their commitment and dedication to the St. Mary’s Medical Center family. 5 years Rozmarie A. Darrel A. Jazmine B. Valerie B. Kendra D. Rhonda H. Jennifer H. Adam L. Mary M. Kryket M. Sean M. Stormy M. Darci T. Tamera V. Dawn W. 10 years Jessica C. Michael D. Tara R. 15 years Tiffany B. Shannon C. Shari J. Michael L. Debra P. Debra S. Helen T. Nancy W. 20 years Dorothy B. Collette C. Adam C. Nona J. Jeffrey J. Michael R. 25 years Michelle H. Jodie W. Angela F.  Photo credit: St. Mary's Medical Center
Grain Valley Chamber hosts program Thursday on Why Good Neighbors Make Healthier Communities10/2/2025
The Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce invites residents, business owners, and community leaders to a special Missouri Good Neighbor Week program on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Grain Valley Historical Society, 506 N. Main ST.
Nationally recognized community development specialist David Burton will present “How to Become an Engaged Neighbor—and Why Your Health and Your Community Demand It.” Burton’s fast-paced, practical talk highlights simple, everyday actions that build trust on your block, strengthen local networks, and even improve personal well-being. “Good neighbors are the building blocks of strong towns,” Cory Unrein, Director of Business Development, Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce said. “This event is about turning that idea into easy next steps for Grain Valley.” There is no cost to attend; registration not required. For more information, visit www.growgrainvalley.org. KC2026 is sharing a new initiative called KC Game Plan to help local business owners prepare for the FIFA World Cup 26™. With an estimated 650,000 visitors* coming to Kansas City next summer, local businesses have an opportunity to engage global consumers. KC2026 developed KC Game Plan in collaboration with small business champions, including representatives from more than 100 nonprofit organizations including area chambers of commerce, entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) and government and tourism industry partners. KC Game Plan is available in English and Spanish and is designed especially for business owners in high-engagement industries such as dining, lodging, retail and entertainment. "In 2026, Kansas City will take the global stage, and a large part of our city's success is our local business community," said Pam Kramer, CEO of KC2026. "This is not a one-size-fits-all opportunity, and making the most of it will take preparation.” KC Game Plan will include valuable information, actionable ideas and practical planning tools like visitor insights, fan traditions and a confidential readiness assessment, allowing businesses to create a customized plan. As a living resource, the plan will be continually updated leading up to the FIFA World Cup 26™ to reflect new information, such as which teams will be playing in Kansas City’s Group Stage matches. “With the World Cup’s immediate economic impact on Kansas and Missouri, it’s critical that local businesses prepare,” said Jill Hathaway, regional director of the Missouri Small Business Development Center. “The Readiness Assessment is a confidential resource to help business owners understand their strengths and opportunities heading into 2026.” KC Game Plan leverages the region’s robust network of partners, resources and training opportunities to equip small businesses with strategies for success in 2026. In addition to visitor and tourism activity, there will be limited contracting opportunities. Businesses interested in potential opportunities to support Host City events and regional activations should complete the KC2026 Business Interest Form. On the Business Opportunities section of its website, KC2026 posts any new RFI/RFP opportunities each Wednesday at 10 a.m. “KC Game Plan is a valuable resource that will empower our businesses with the insights, tools and ecosystem support to make informed decisions and prepare to welcome next summer’s World Cup visitors," said Tracy Whelpley, director of Regional Impact for KC2026. For more information about the KC Game Plan and to take the readiness assessment, visit kansascityfwc26.com/kc-game-plan/.  KC2026 developed KC Game Plan in collaboration with small business champions, including representatives from more than 100 nonprofit organizations including area chambers of commerce, entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) and government and tourism industry partners. KC Game Plan is available in English and Spanish and is designed especially for business owners in high-engagement industries such as dining, lodging, retail and entertainment.  by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society As I continue struggling to find a topic for the weekly “looking back” article, the file for 2000 provided me with no real inspiration. Instead, I found pages of newspaper stories like the police blotter, the potholes, the water and sewer problems, roads closed for repair, and a survey asking citizens if Grain Valley should grow! Any of these topics could have been in the news this year. History tells us that some things never change. In addition to repairs on the sewer lift system, approving in-home daycare, and drug arrests at the Cozy Inn, a small hotel that once existed behind the old Pilot Truck Stop, there were also several highlights for Grain Valley.
 On August 1, 2000, Grain Valley officials celebrated groundbreaking of the $ 4.5 million city hall, community center and swimming pool project.  by Phil Hanson, President and CEO, Truman Heartland Community Foundation The Truman Heartland Community Foundation is pleased to support the group of Independence community leaders leading the initiative to redevelop the Englewood Theater, which has been closed for 18 years. Our Board of Directors agreed to the Foundation serving as a fiscal sponsor for this project in September 2024, while the newly formed Friends of Englewood Theater obtained its 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS. Brent Schondelmeyer is leading the charge on this project. Brent and his wife, Lee Williams, were recognized at our 2020 Toast to Our Towns Gala as Humanitarians of the Year and have continued their community service through this project and numerous other initiatives. Great progress has been made. The property is now under contract, and they will soon close on a loan to purchase the theater for $600,000. A feasibility study paid for by the City of Independence estimates that the renovation costs will be $3.5 million, bringing the total cost to $4.1 million. The process for obtaining historic tax credits is well underway, which could provide $1.4 million of the renovation costs. The Friends of Englewood Theater are making plans to launch a capital campaign to raise the $2.7 million in community support needed to make this dream a reality. This campaign will require a lot of effort, but I have no doubt that it will be successful. The community is very excited about this project, and I anticipate that a significant number of the Foundation's Fundholders will be interested in making a grant from their donor-advised fund to support this project. Brent Schondelmeyer and the Board have been extremely transparent with the community regarding this project. Their website, www.englewoodtheater.org, provides all the information about the project, their plans, and the history of the theater, which was the home of the Kansas City Opry for over a decade. You can sign up on the website to receive their newsletter and stay updated. The reopening of the Englewood Theater will be another boost for this community, adding to the energy and excitement brought by the Englewood Arts Center. The Friends of Englewood Theater is a separate nonprofit organization from Englewood Arts; however, the two organizations work closely together to support each other's missions. The Truman Heartland Community Foundation is pleased to be playing a supporting role assisting the Friends of Englewood Theater in making the dream of reopening this historic theater a reality. I hope you also will consider supporting the Friends of Englewood Theater.  Good News: Chamber kicks off civic engagement efforts with Missouri Good Neighbor Week events9/18/2025
The Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce, as part of a larger civic engagement initiative, is taking part in Missouri’s Good Neighbor Week from September 28th – October 2nd. Residents are invited to participate in several Good Neighbor Week efforts and attend an upcoming program on Thursday, October 2nd.
Missouri Good Neighbor Week encourages and celebrates the importance of connecting with our neighbors. Good neighbors do more than just share a fence line—they create a sense of belonging, support one another during tough times, and celebrate life’s joys together. Whether it’s a friendly wave, lending a tool, or organizing a block party, small acts of neighborly kindness can transform our communities into safer, happier places. To that end, the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce is encouraging Grain Valley residents and business owners to submit nominations to two statewide projects: Submit nominations for Missouri's "Most Engaged Neighbor”. Every nominee will receive a letter that lets them know of their nomination and a memento (keychain) for Missouri Good Neighbor Week. Top award winners will be announced in the fall as part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28 - Oct. 4). Submit your nominations today at 2025 Missouri Good Neighbor Week - Engaged Neighbor Nomination Survey Report your acts of neighboring for a chance to win a prize. Reach out to a neighbor or perform an act of kindness and then share about it! Visit: 2025 Missouri Good Neighbor Week - Acts of Neighboring Survey The Grain Valley Chamber is also hosting two events during Missouri’s Good Neighbor Week: The Chamber is hosting a program beginning at 6:30pm on October 2nd at the Grain Valley Historical Society featuring David Burton with the University of Missouri Extension. Burton is the creator of Missouri Good Neighbor Week and will share how good neighboring makes a difference in your life, your neighborhood, and your community. To register for this free event, visit Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce - How to Become an Engaged Neighbor and Why Your Health and Your Community Demand It. Additionally, the Grain Valley Chamber is participating in the final First Fridays event on October 3rd by setting up the Longest Table on Main Street. Attendees are welcome to simply grab a bite to eat or a drink from a local restaurant or food truck, and then take a seat at the table to catch up with old friends, meet new friends, and build community. Missouri nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 5,900 jobs in August 2025, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged from July’s rate of 4.1 percent. Private industry employment decreased by 2,900 jobs and government employment decreased by 3,000 jobs. Over the year, there was an increase of 33,900 jobs from August 2024 to August 2025, and the unemployment rate increased by four-tenths of a percentage point, from 3.7 percent in August 2024 to 4.1 percent in August 2025. EMPLOYMENT Missouri's nonfarm payroll employment was 3,021,800 in August 2025, down by 5,900 from the revised July 2025 figure. The July 2025 total was revised downward by 1,700 jobs from the preliminary estimate. Goods-producing industries increased by 800 jobs over the month, with mining, logging, and construction gaining 1,300 jobs and manufacturing declining by 500 jobs. Private service-providing industries declined by 3,700 jobs between July 2025 and August 2025. Employment in private service-providing industries decreased in private education and health services (-4,100 jobs); professional and business services (-2,700 jobs); and trade, transportation, and utilities (-500 jobs). Employment increased in leisure and hospitality (2,100 jobs); information (1,200 jobs); other services (200 jobs); and financial activities (100 jobs). Total government employment decreased by 3,000 jobs over the month, with decreases in local (-2,700 jobs), federal (-200 jobs), and state government (-100 jobs). Over the year, total payroll employment increased by 33,900 jobs from August 2024 to August 2025. The largest gains were in private education and health services (19,600 jobs); leisure and hospitality (11,200 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (4,900 jobs); and other services (1,200 jobs). Employment decreased in professional and business services (-7,300 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (-2,700 jobs); information (-2,500 jobs); manufacturing (-900 jobs); and financial activities (-300 jobs). Government employment increased by 10,700 jobs over the year, with increases in local (9,600 jobs) and state (3,200 jobs) government and a decrease in federal government (-2,100 jobs). UNEMPLOYMENT Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained steady in August 2025 at 4.1 percent. The August 2025 rate was four-tenths of a percentage point higher than the August 2024 rate of 3.7 percent. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 131,536 in August 2025, up by 1,757 from the revised July total of 129,779. The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate decreased in August 2025, declining by two-tenths of a percentage point to 4.5 percent from the July 2025 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 4.7 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 3.9 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for August 2025 was 4.5 percent. Missouri's labor force participation rate was 63.6 percent in August 2025, 1.3 percentage points higher than the national rate of 62.3 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 61 percent in August 2025, 1.4 percentage points higher than the national rate of 59.6 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in August 2025, two-tenths of a percentage point lower than the national rate of 4.3 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for more than 10 years.  |
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