We conclud our coverage of the recent National Security Crossroads event. In this episode we hear insight into the current and future trends of the regional and national defense economy. Panelists include Eric Wollerman, President of Honeywell Federal Manufacturing and Technologies, Randell Gelzer Jr., Senior Director of State & Local Government Operations for the Central/Southwest Region for the Boeing Company, and Randy Moore, with AEsir Technologies. The moderator for this discussion is Sal Nodjomian with the Matrix Design Group.

In part four of our five-part series on the recent National Security Crossroads event, we cover Military Installations and Defense Communities. Military installations are the cornerstone of a defense ecosystem, and the communities that support those installations are just as important. How do you ensure that both achieve their highest economic potential? Well, that is what this episode will cover and the panelist you’ll hear from on this topic include Colonel Gerald Nunziato, who is the Fort Riley garrison commander, Dorsey Newcomb, Executive Director at the Fort Leonard Wood Institute and the Sustainable Ozarks Partnership, and Dr. Jerrod Wheeler, Superintendent of Knob Noster Public Schools. This panel is moderated by Brad Johnson with the Matrix Design Group.

In part three of our five-part series on the recent National Security Crossroads event, we cover economic and workforce development as core goals to any defense ecosystem. These concepts help bridge gaps between federal and private industry sectors, as well as introduce skilled works to high-paying jobs. The panelists you’ll hear from include Alan Cobb, President and CEO of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Jill McCarthy with the Kansas City Area Development Council, David Skrzypiec, Vice President of Business Attraction at Greater St. Louis Inc., and Kent Glasscock, with the Flint Hills Regional Council. The moderator for this discussion is Charlie Perham, with the Matrix Design Group.

In part two of our five-part series on the recent National Security Crossroads event, we cover how academia plays a critical role in the defense ecosystem. The defense industry depends on connections and partnerships with high-performing academic institutions to produce their desired workforce. It’s these partnerships that lay the groundwork for additional business attraction and economic growth. To discuss this further are Dr. Anthony Caruso with the University of Missouri – Kansas City, Mike Denning with the University of Kansas, Courtney Swoboda with the University of Central Missouri, Pierre Harter with Wichita State University. This panel is moderated by Sal Nodjomian with the Matrix Design Group.

In this five-part series, we begin covering the National Security Crossroads (NSC) workshop, that took place in early March, 2025. This workshop is the culmination of work to recognize the crossroads region of Missouri and Kansas as a cornerstone of our national defense ecosystem. In this episode, you'll be hearing the General Session of the workshop, which covered the National Security Crossroads project findings. This discussion features co-administers of the project, Harry Roberts, The Missouri Military Advocate, Perry Wiggins, Executive Director of the Governor’s Military Council for the State of Kansas, and is moderated by the contract project manager, Michael Gund, with the Matrix Design Group.

We sit down with Doug Hermes, Statewide Planning Coordinator for the Missouri Association of Councils of Government (MACOG). Doug describes MACOG's work, his role, and how both are contributing to economic development statewide in addition to Missouri's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

We sit down with Marcie Lawson, President and CEO of Sikeston Chamber, Economic Development, and Tourism. Marcie shares the latest on her team's efforts to promote a prosperous southeast region in addition to how DED's partnership with the Chamber is helping Missourians prosper.

We sit down with Kristie Davis, Director of Missouri One Start, and Rachel Anderson, Executive Director of efactory, to discuss the Talent and Innovation working teams for Missouri's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Kristie and Rachel shed light on the roles of their working teams and how they're contributing to the development of CEDS.

We sit down with Lori Becklenberg, Director of Regional Engagement, and Kim Froemsdorf, Director of Federal Initiatives, to discuss the Business Development and Community Infrastructure working teams for Missouri's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Lori and Kim shed light on the roles of their working teams and how they're contributing to the development of CEDS.

We sit down with Jeff Pinkerton, Director of Economic Research, and Stefan Herron, Strategy and Policy Analyst for the Division of Strategy and Performance, to discuss Missouri's industry clusters. Jeff and Stefan define industry clusters, explain their importance to our economy, and how they relate to Missouri's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

We sit down with Paul Eisenstein, Senior Director of Operations, and Danielle Briot, Deputy Director for the Division of Strategy and Performance, to discuss Missouri's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Paul and Danielle introduce CEDS, discuss its purpose, and explain how it will strengthen Missouri's economy.

We sit down with Kristie Davis and Shelle Jacobs, Director and Deputy Director of the Missouri One Start Division, to discuss the Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act (IARA) and the Credential Training Program. Both programs aim to strengthen Missouri's workforce by helping businesses recruit, train and upskill their workforce.

Director Stephen Foutes and Public Relations Specialist Katie Blake, with the Division of Tourism, discuss summer tourism hotspots around the state of Missouri.

Shawna Searcy, Deputy Director of the Regional Engagement Division, discusses the latest developments in the Kansas City region. Shawna provides an overview of the area's economic strengths, explains how DED's programs have supported recent business expansions, and more.

Shari Schenewerk, North Regional Manager for the Regional Engagement Division discusses the latest developments in our state's north region. Shari provides an overview of the area's economic strengths, explains how DED's programs have supported recent business expansions, and more.

We look back at the first quarter of 2024 to highlight the incredible collaboration that's driving economic growth statewide. Whether for business expansion or community development, teamwork is a critical part of the process. Thankfully, our incredible partners are helping make it happen!

Mitch Rademan, Central Regional Manager for the Regional Engagement Division, discusses the latest developments in our state's central region. Mitch provides an overview of the area's economic strengths, ideal transportation infrastructure, dedicated workforce, and more.

BJ Tanksley, Director of the Office of Broadband Development, and Amelia Aubuchon, GIS Coordinator, discuss Missouri's Broadband Map Challenge Process. This process, opening March 25, 2024 will determine which areas of the state will be supported by more than $1.7 billion in BEAD funding for broadband expansion.

Brittany Stiffler-Crabtree, Executive Director of the Missouri Community Service Commission (MCSC), discusses the annual Show Me Service Awards. As Brittany explains, the Show Me Service Awards recognize outstanding Missouri volunteers who are making a difference in their communities through the power of service.

Julia Campbell, IDEA Fund Manager for the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC), provides an overview of the program. The IDEA Fund supports innovation and job creation through investments in Missouri technology startups.