The Parkland REDI Region has experienced labor force and employment trends similar to those in other rural and micropolitan counties in Missouri. Both labor force and employment increased throughout the 2000’s with unemployment rates fluctuating between 5.2% and 6.9%. The labor force peaked in 2009 at 52,668 and employment crested in 2008 at 48,701.

The Parkland REDI region also has plans in place to further develop the workforce to meet the needs of new businesses. The region provides well defined job training programs that fit the needs of local employers. All four counties in the Parkland REDI region have been certified as Work Ready Communities, with the local businesses agreeing to use the National Career Readiness Certificate as a consideration when hiring individuals. These certifications indicate a desire of employers for candidates with improved job skills through education and training.