Greitens points to future job growth as unemployment rate falters

Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens tempered the release of disappointing job results by pointing to future job prospects.

Last month, the jobless rate rose to 4 percent from 3.8 percent in July. During August, total employment on a seasonally adjusted level dropped by 3,967 jobs, according to data provided by the state Department of Economic Development.

Greitens indicated 18 businesses recently laid out expansion projects that would create a combined 1,391 new jobs. Among them are PennyMac Financial Services Inc., which expects to create 155 new jobs; Serioplast US, at 70 jobs; and Huvepharma, at 37 jobs, according to a news release.

“It’s time for Missouri to do different in our approach to economic development,” Greitens said in the release. “Our goal has been to get government out of the way so that companies can focus on doing what they do best — creating jobs.

“Missouri’s economy is growing stronger, as are the businesses and families that call it home.”

Last week, Greitens unveiled new economic development initiatives in response to the Governor’s Innovation Task Force report. They include a new jobs training program and a customer service platform for businesses to learn about possible incentives, according to a separate release.

The latest jobs report from the DED indicated total employment was nearly 3 million in August.