27 - Joplin's Road to Recovery as a Work Ready Community - Ten Years After Devastating Tornado Disaster

One of the nation's deadliest tornados struck Joplin, Missouri ten years ago this week. On episode 27 of Ready for Work, we take a closer look at Joplin's recovery through the lens of the workforce ecosystem and the nation's first ACT-certified Work Ready Community.

A recurring theme is the priceless value of partnership connectivity and innovation. The workforce ecosystem was fortunate to have integrated partnerships with education and economic development that helped respond directly to the needs and urgency required. 

Check out interviews with a few of those partners, such as Dave Rockers from Franklin Technology Center, Julie Gibson, a former state workforce development director, and Rob O’Brian, the developer at the helm of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce during the recovery effort. This edition showcases clips from participants and leaders in Joplin's Disaster Recovery Jobs Program. 

Guests and Featured Resources

Rob O’Brian, O’Brian and Associates, former President of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce
Dave Rockers, Director, Franklin Technology Center
Julie Gibson, GPS Impact, former director of Missouri Workforce Development

Citizens Advisory Recovery Team
Southwest Missouri Workforce Board
ACT Press Release on Joplin Tornado 10th Anniversary
Disaster Recovery Jobs Program Statewide Video Journal
Disaster Recovery and Resiliency Series – Ready for Work Podcast
Resiliency Toolkit and Disaster Recovery Resources from ACT
ACT Work Ready Communities