A “positive light” shines on Ray County, economically speaking, according to Jeff Pinkerton. Pinkerton is the director of economic research with the Missouri Department of Economic Development-Kansas City Region. He shared his financial forecast for the county on July 27, when the Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce held its latest luncheon at the Branded Event Center in Richmond. One reason the future looks good for Ray County is because it’s near Kansas City, Pinkerton said. Another benefit is that it’s a rural economy. Thus, “lots of opportunities” are available, he said. Other topics covered by Pinkerton included the state economy, the probability of a recession and traits of the post-pandemic economy and workforce, such as the increase in employees working from home and the use of artificial intelligence. Pinkerton was among a handful of speakers from the department’s Kansas City region. Others included Krista Hinrichs, trade manager for Missouri …