Intersection on KBIA

Intersection conversations take place live right here at 2 p.m. Mondays.
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Each week, we start with an issue that affects people like you in mid-Missouri. Then we line up a group of panelists who can speak intelligently about that topic, and bring them into the studio for a live discussion every Monday at 2 p.m.

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Talent clusters and the economy of the future (Feb. 20)

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 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)

Job creation in Missouri (Feb. 13)

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.

What do you think could be done to create more jobs in the state? Post your comments here.

Celebrity, recruitment and top college athletes (Feb. 6)

The University of Missouri football team landed the nation’s top high school recruit. But before he was officially signed, crowds inside the Mizzou Arena were already chanting his initials. We look at the buzz and behind-the-scenes efforts surrounding Missouri's star football catch.

Proposed higher education funding cuts (Jan. 30)

Colleges and universities in Missouri could lose about an eighth of their state funding if the governor’s proposed budget for 2013 goes through. We discuss how the proposed cuts might affect the cost and quality of higher education across the state and, in particular, at MU.

Columbia Missourian columnist George Kennedy provides a good overview of MU's budget situation.

Links submitted from the audience in our online chat:

Columbia Regional Airport expansion (Jan. 23)

Plans for a new terminal at Columbia Regional Airport are already under way. The question now is how to pay for it. Today we discuss the latest proposal for funding an airport expansion, as well as the connection between the airport and economic growth in mid-Missouri.

UPDATE: The Columbia Missourian followed up our airport conversation with this story: Second airport destination from Columbia to be discussed soon
And the Columbia Daily Tribune has also followed up: City optimistic about getting another air travel destination

For more details about options for an expanded airport terminal, click here to download the full PDF file sumbitted to the City Council from the City's website.

VIEW THE COMPLETE ARCHIVE BY CLICKING HERE.