Governor Jay Nixon spent time Monday in southeast Missouri encouraging economic progression.  He visited Trinity Marine Products in Caruthersville where launched a barge built for Archer Daniels Midland Company.  TMP is a leading manufacturer of barges and employs over 600 people.  It has been in operation for over 45 years and constructed 700 barges in the last five years.  Nixon tells KZIM-KSIM there is a direct relation to the state’s manufacturing and agricultural businesses. Nixon also visited Parker and Jones Cotton Farm in Senath to recognize co-owner Charles Parker with the Governor’s Award for Agricultural Achievement.  Nixon and director of agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler toured the 4,100 acre field which yields nearly 1,400 pounds of cotton per acre.  Jobs reports in September showed the lowest unemployment rate Missouri has reached since December 2008, currently at 6.9%.