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Update: Thursday, July 29 at 4:20 p.m.

Buoyed by the success of his manufacturing incentives legislation, Gov. Jay Nixon has sent his steering committee for economic planning into battle.

Nixon spoke Thursday at the group's first meeting, urging members to develop a plan that will allow Missouri to compete for future jobs.

These 40 people represent industry, research, labor, education, and economic development in Missouri. Nixon wants an analysis of the state's strengths and weaknesses and a list of data-supported goals for the economy in the Show-Me state.

"As a state, we can't go down every road.  We can't invest in every emerging industry,” Nixon said. “This committee has a vital task to point Missouri down the right road and draw a map that will lead us to our destination.”

Nixon wants a list of six to eight strategic objectives that will benefit Missouri.

He's asked that a report be on his desk by Dec. 1.

Original Story:

Gov. Jay Nixon is kicking off the work of a new committee charged with developing an economic growth plan for Missouri.

Nixon planned to speak to members of the economic planning committee he created during their first meeting Thursday at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Nixon announced the group in May.

He wants the committee to develop six to 10 broad objectives that focus on industries important to Missouri's economy, with specific steps to foster their growth.