Pride Points
Proudly Helping Missourians
Every year, more than 1 million Missourians turn to University of Missouri Extension to gain practical knowledge, solve problems, adapt to change and make informed decisions. Our primary emphasis in today's economy is on jobs. MU Extension faculty advise small business owners; help displaced workers in finding new jobs; provide education for families to make better financial decisions; prepare young people with skills for the future workforce; help farmers be more profitable; and work with community leaders to help them make wise choices for their economies. MU Extension programs in agriculture, community development, human environmental sciences, business development, youth development and continuing education tap into University research to respond to Missourians' current needs. Here are a few examples of how MU Extension helped to grow Missouri's economy in 2010.
Business development programs help entrepreneurs in 2010
- Acquire $467 million in government contracts
- Increase sales by more than $515 million
- Create 16,143 jobs
Hot Box Cookies is a small business development client of MU Extension.
Employers save health care costs
Worksite wellness programs increase worker productivity, reduce absenteeism, improve morale and increase employee retention. On average, employers save $3.48 for every $1 invested in these programs.
4-H'ers pursue science careers
One of every 10 youths in Missouri participates in 4-H. Their involvement in science, engineering and technology projects is shifting 1,500 Missouri youths annually into science-related jobs.
Many 4-H projects, such as Robotics, encourage hands-on learning in the fields of science, engineering, technology and applied math.
Firefighters aid in disasters
Firefighters aid in disasters Training for 20,391 fire and emergency service responders enables them to protect and save lives. This year, 23 executive fire officers gained training to move into leadership positions.
With help from MU Extension, Old North St. Louis residents can sell and buy healthy, affordable produce that is grown locally from June through October.
Inner-city residents enjoy fresh produce
The newly formed Old North St. Louis community-owned grocery contracts with about 10 small businesses to supply locally roasted coffees, locally produced ice cream, locally grown fresh produce and other products to residents who formerly had little or no access to foods needed to maintain a healthy diet.\
Displaced workers find career options
In 2010, 3,887 job-seekers called the Career Information Hotline (800-392-2949); 411 displaced workers participated in resume writing, interviewing and job search workshops; and 373 Missourians learned about starting a business via the FastTrac new venture course.
ExCEED helps communities strengthen their economies
Over the past three years, this program partnered with Missouri communities to leverage more than $2 million in community endowments and grants; generate more than $12.2 million in new business investments; spur 60 business start-ups (23 youth-owned) and nine business expansions; create 81 new jobs; and retain 37 additional jobs.
New dairies add value to state
New dairies add value to state During the past five years, new pasture-based dairies, modeled on MU Extension's rotational grazing systems, have created $100 million in new investment, added 1,100 new jobs, and generated more than $124 million for Missouri's economy.
Letting dairy cows graze in fields rather than feeding them in centralized facilities makes good economic sense. More and more dairy farmers are using MU Extension's pasture-based dairying practices.