The Tri-State Development Regional Report

news & updates

AUGUST 2024 | Issue 21

Upcoming Events

October 2-3, 2024

Catfish Bend Convention & Event Center

Burlington, Iowa

Click here to register

Please consider sponsoring the 2024 Tri-State Development Summit. Your partnership helps fund the activities, meetings, tools, programs, and work of Tri-State Development all year long.

Sponsorship levels can be viewed by clicking here.

Thank you for your consideration and support.

Join us for

impactful networking opportunities
informative economic discussions
engaging break out sessions
new ideas and strategies

For more information about the 2024 Summit, including hotel information, visit our website at: culver.edu/tsd

THE WEALTH OF HEALTH

How Wellness Fuels Economic Prosperity

We often think of health as an individual concern and measure the health of a community in terms of access and affordability. But the health of a region’s population is increasingly recognized as a critical driver of economic development. Physical and mental well-being in a region isn’t just a byproduct of prosperity—it’s the essential foundation that supports it.

A healthy population is the foundation of a strong, resilient workforce. When people are in good health, they’re more productive, miss fewer days, and can sustain longer, more fulfilling careers. This directly boosts the efficiency and competitiveness of our local industries, fueling ongoing economic growth. Plus, regions that prioritize healthcare not only keep their communities thriving but also attract businesses and professionals looking for a place where they and their families can truly flourish. By investing in public health—whether it’s through accessible healthcare services, wellness programs, or preventive care—we’re not just improving lives; we’re making our region a magnet for new businesses and skilled workers alike.

Just as important as physical health is the mental well-being of the community population. Mental health challenges, if unaddressed, can erode workforce productivity, increase healthcare costs, and reduce overall economic output. Regions that prioritize mental health through comprehensive support systems, access to mental healthcare, and the promotion of mental wellness create a more resilient workforce.

Mental well-being also fosters innovation and creativity—key drivers in today’s knowledge-based economy. Employees who feel supported in their mental health are more likely to contribute innovative ideas, engage more fully in their work, and drive the kind of entrepreneurial spirit that fuels economic development.

For regions like ours, which aim for long-term economic prosperity, investing in the health of their population isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart strategy. By prioritizing the well-being of our community members, we can cultivate a more dynamic, resilient, and competitive economy that uplifts everyone.

At the end of the day, the health of a region is a clear indicator of its economic potential. That’s why it’s essential for policymakers, business leaders, and community stakeholders to come together and make health a top priority. By doing this, we can open up exciting new opportunities for growth and create vibrant communities ready to tackle the challenges of the future.

WHAT INSIGHTS CAN WE GAIN FROM THE DATA?

The number of outpatient visits per capita in our region outpaces the national average by 40%. This suggests a strong demand for healthcare services in your region and could imply that our regional population is more proactive in seeking healthcare services. It could also indicate a higher prevalence of chronic conditions or a greater need for regular medical monitoring among our regional population.

Elevated opioid dispensing rates are often associated with higher levels of opioid misuse or dependency, which can lead to decreased workforce productivity and participation. Individuals struggling with opioid addiction may experience difficulties maintaining employment, leading to higher absenteeism, lower productivity, and even permanent withdrawal from the labor force. This can strain local businesses, reduce overall economic output, and make it more challenging to attract and retain skilled workers.

Businesses in communities with higher obesity rates may face increased costs related to health insurance, disability claims, and workers' compensation. These added expenses can reduce profitability and deter business expansion or new investments in the area.

At nearly double the national average, the number of self-reported mentally unhealthy days per month is alarming. This could be attributable to various factors such as economic stress, social isolation, lack of access to mental health care, or other underlying issues. Individuals experiencing more mentally unhealthy days may have lower job performance, higher absenteeism, and increased difficulty in maintaining consistent employment. Mental health is closely tied to the overall quality of life in a community. High levels of mentally unhealthy days can affect community cohesion, leading to increased social isolation, higher rates of substance abuse, and other social issues. This can create a less supportive and engaged community environment

By analyzing the data and investing in health and wellness initiatives, we are not only enhancing the quality of life for our residents but also laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient economy. Our region’s economic future depends on the well-being of its people, making health and wellness an essential component of our economic development strategy.

Sources:Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (County and state level data), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): PLACES (Sub-county data (zip codes, tracts)): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): National Center for Health Statistics, U.S. Small-Area Life Expectancy Estimates Project (USALEEP): Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Mapping Medicare Disparities: CMS Chronic Conditions Data Warehouse (CCW): Diabetes Atlas: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): EJScreen: Environmental Justice Screening (via National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment (NATA, before 2017) and Air Toxics Screening Assessment (after 2017)): Health Resources & Services Administration: Area Health Resources Files (AHA Survey Database via Area Health Resources File): Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH): Illinois State Cancer Registry (Calculated by Metopio): National Cancer Institute (NCI): State Cancer Profiles (Everywhere except IL): The University of Wisconsin Population Institute (2020 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps), Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (Pre-2017 data) (via County Health Rankings): U.S. Census Bureau: American Community Survey (ACS) (Table S1810)

INTERESTING READING

Congress could ease rules for small cities seeking transportation money, experts say

August 12, 2024

By: Daniel C. Vock, Senior Reporter

Route 50

Collaborative Strategies for Rural Health and Economic Prosperity

June 6, 2024

The Aspen Institute

Community Strategies Group

October 2-3, 2024

Catfish Bend Convention & Event Center

Burlington, Iowa

Click here to register

Here's What You Can Expect

1:00pm

Workshop: Economic Development Essentials for Tri-State Community Leaders

Facilitators

Allie Bennett, Manager of Economic Development and Member Services at Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative

Shari Schenewerk, Regional Manager North, Regional Engagement Division, State of Missouri Department of Economic Development

Back by popular demand! This introduction to economic development workshop will provide an overview of economic and community development programs, insights, and tools that will provide you with the knowledge needed to help identify and assist with economic development priorities in your town or county.

3:00pm

Tour: Silgan Manufacturing

This state-of-the-art manufacturing plant tour is limited to 12 participants, so please RSVP early. Don't miss out on this opportunity for a guided tour through one of the region's state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. You'll see innovation in action as you witness the latest automation developments in advanced manufacturing. The future is here! You won’t want to miss this chance to see for yourself.

4:00pm

Downtown Revitalization Stroll

Join us for a stroll through the bustling and busy Burlington downtown as we engage with members of Burlington Partnership who share insight into the town’s approach to effective and sustainable downtown transformation. Uncover the vision, the challenges, and the innovative solutions that have shaped the downtown revitalization, and learn about the exciting plans for this vibrant river town’s future.

5:30pm

Networking at The Night Cap

Join fellow Summit attendees for an engaging networking event at Burlington’s hottest downtown listening lounge and bar, The Night Cap. This unique venue is located in the heart of downtown Burlington, tucked into the beautifully restored Capitol Theater, a 1937 Art Deco jewel that re-opened in 2012 after sitting silent for 33 years. We will hear how the Capitol Theater was brought back to life, learn about the restoration project, and how the Theater is now serving as the hub for downtown entertainment, drawing in diverse crowds from near and far for live events.

RSVP for the events that you will attend when you register online.

Breakfast and lunch are provided with registration!

8:00am - 3:00pm

Tri-State Development Summit

The Summit will feature breakout sessions, panel presentations, and engaging talks on some of the most compelling subjects in economic development impacting our region. You won't want to miss it!

Check out this line-up of presentations!

Scheduled Breakout Sessions

Childcare Solutions That Can Work!
Artificial Intelligence: Rural's Unfair Advantage
Ports As Business Clusters
Attract Top Talent: Workforce Recruiting Strategies for Rural Communities
The Power of Authentic Engagement in Community Planning
Building Welcoming Communities: Embracing Diversity in Small Midwestern Towns

Confirmed Lightning Talks

If They Don't Think You're Crazy, You Aren't Thinking Big Enough!
The Turban-Ator: Fighting Stereotypes and Single Stories
Prepping for a Site Visit: People, Get Ready!
A Case for Higher Ed in the Tri-State Region

Informative Panel Discussions and Conversations

Workforce Housing in the Tri-State Region
Broadband Unplugged: Everything Providers Wish You Knew
Transportation Investments in the Tri-States
Incentivizing Growth: A Candid Conversation with Debi Durham, Director, Iowa EDA

We are still adding sessions and talks and will update the website as more presentations are confirmed. Check back soon!

Please join us in showing gratitude to our sponsors

who have generously provided support for the

2024 Tri-State Development Summit

Please consider becoming a sponsorship partner. Your investments supports not only the Summit but community-focused activities, resources, and tools all year long.

2024 Presenting sponsor:

and supported by:

IMPACT PARTNERS

$1,000

Blessing Health System

Great River Health

Hannibal Regional

Klingner & Associates

Northeast Power

Schmiedeskamp Robertson Neu & Mitchell LLP

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

$500

Lewis County Industrial Dev. Agency

Moberly Area Community College

Porchlight Services

Quincy Medical Group

SUSTAINING PARTNERS

$250

Great River Economic Development Foundation

Michelmann Steel Construction Company

Pike County Economic Development Corporation

Pike-Scott Farm Bureau

CATCH UP ON THE NEWSLETTERS THAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

Tri-State Development at Culver-Stockton College supports the region by cultivating collaborative relationships, promoting interdisciplinary problem-solving, fostering the expansion of academic-organization-industry initiatives, and developing an environment for collective impact to address the current and emerging economic, and social challenges in the region.

Tri-State Development Summit at Culver-Stockton College | culver.edu/tsd

Leslie Sieck, Executive Director lsieck@culver.edu]

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