_A emerging theory suggests that clusters of creative talent might be the determining factor between regions whose economies flourish and those that fall behind. We explore how these ideas, brought to the fore by Richard Florida's book "The Rise of the Creative Class," are playing out across the country. We'll also find out how mid-Missouri fares as a creative place.

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_Panelists:
Kelsey Meyer, vice president for Digital Talent Agents. She’s also involved with the League of Innovators, a group that works to connect mid-Missouri entrepreneurs.
Chris Stevens, manager of the City of Columbia’s Office of Cultural Affairs
Steven Pedigo, director of research for Creative Class Group, a consulting firm that advises communities on how to attract creative workers. (Joining the program by phone)
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_Gov. Jay Nixon has been promoting his Missouri Works Plan as a driver of job creation in the state. But will it succeed? We discuss the latest government efforts to create jobs in Missouri and consider the prospects of the various proposals as they move forward through the legislature.

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_Panelists:
Rep. Stephen Webber, Democrat, 23rd District
Rep. Anne Zerr, Republican, 18th District
Daniel Mehan, President/CEO, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry (joining by phone)
_What do you think could be done to create more jobs in the state? Add your comments by clicking here.
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_A new Mamtek artificial sweetener factory in Moberly promised a win-win all around: Jobs for mid-Missouri residents, profits for the company, and a bump in tax revenues well into the future. But with construction halted, the city's credit rating severely damaged, and a state legislative inquiry still under way, many questions remain. We examine what happened, how problems like this might be avoided in the future, and how to attract jobs without putting taxpayers unduly at risk.

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Panelists:
Benjamin Herrold, city editor, The Moberly Monitor Index
Rudi Keller, reporter, Columbia Daily Tribune
Tina Hoffman, marketing and communications director, Iowa Economic Development Authority (joining the program by phone)_
_CORRECTION: During this Intersection discussion, Columbia Daily Tribune reporter Rudi Keller is incorrectly credited with being the first to break the Mamtek story in the spring. The Tribune and other news organizations have been reporting on Mamtek since the deal was announced in mid-2010. Keller's articles about troubles with the Mamtek deal began appearing in September 2011.

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Since the Occupy Wall Street protests began in New York more than a month ago, similar groups have sprung up across the country, including downtown Columbia. How did this movement emerge? How has it been sustained? And why do some grassroots movements flourish while others fizzle out? Hosted by KBIA's Ryan Famuliner.

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Panelists:
Mark Haim, director of Mid-Missouri Peaceworks
David Mitchell, associate professor of law at the University of Missouri
Spencer Vyrostek, Occupy Como activist
Gretchen Arnold, assistant professor of sociology and women's studies at St. Louis University (joining the program by phone)
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Can current economic incentives actually lead to the creation of jobs, or is it going to take something else to get people back to work? We explore the various ways communities in mid-Missouri work to attract and encourage businesses that create jobs.

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Panelists:
Mike Brooks, president, Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI)
Phil Tate, director of job creation, Kirksville Economic Regional Development Inc. (K-REDI)
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Three real-estate insiders share their outlook and insights about how economic forces have shaped our region’s real estate market. They explain what the trends mean for our community -- and for you as a buyer or seller. They also answer questions from callers, including whether now is a good time to sell farmland and rental properties and why it's difficult these days to find a good single-family house for rent.

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Panelists:
Bob Lawler, certified residential appraiser, RH Lawler Appraisals
Tom Schauwecker, Boone County assessor
Betty Tice, president, Columbia Board of Realtors
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Many expect entrepreneurship to become a key driver of the economy of tomorrow. But what opportunities are there today for innovators in mid-Missouri? Several local entrepreneurs are working to help retain and empower big thinkers in mid-Missouri. We'll discuss their efforts and where they see local businesses heading over the next few years. Hosted by KBIA's Ryan Famuliner.

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Panelists:
Brent Beshore, CEO, AdVentures
Mike Brooks, president of Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI)
Brian Null, owner, MO.com (a website dedicated to featuring entrepreneurs locally, nationally, and internationally)
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Despite the success of flights to Memphis, mid-Missouri's main commercial airport still has been cited as a hindrance to the region's economic development. What might be done to increase airport traffic and better connect mid-Missouri to the world?

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Panelists:
Mike Brooks, president, Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI)
Bob McDavid, mayor of Columbia
Andrew Schneider, manager, Columbia Regional Airport
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A month into the job, Columbia's new city manager discusses his recent State of the City report, his priorities for the coming year, and his views on parking garages, tax incentives, development, economic growth, infrastructure, public spending, Columbia Regional Airport, and more.

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Panelist:
Mike Matthes, Columbia city manager
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Two newly-elected Columbia City Council members join us in the studio to share their vision for Columbia... and to take audience questions. The discussion includes their views on topics such as downtown parking, city growth, low-income housing, public safety, city budgeting, and more.

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Panelists:
Fred Schmidt, Columbia First Ward city councilman
Helen Anthony, Columbia Fifth Ward city councilwoman
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