Region & Community

Audrain County

Mexico—The “Mainstreet of the Midwest” hosts the Advanced Technology Center and growing companies such as Brookstone, Cerro Copper Casting, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Spartan Light Metals. Finally, the Missouri Plant Science Center is another asset in Mexico that hosts research, product testing, and even manufacturing while connecting academic and industry partners together.

  • Extraordinary education system
  • Quality Health Care
    • Audrain Medical Center
  • Outstanding Parks System
  • Growing Business Community
  • Distribution and Manufacturing
    • Brookstone’s National Distribution and Fulfillment Center
    • Dawn Food Products
    • Spartan Light Metals
  • Progress Mexico
    • Community-based economic development plan

Boone County

Columbia— 2012 Forbes ranks Columbia 9th in “The Best Small Places for Business and Careers”

  • High quality of life for individuals of all ages
  • Low cost of living, excellent educational system, outstanding health care facilities
  • Abundant entertainment and employment opportunities
  • Columbia is referred to as “College Town U.S.A.” as it is the home to:
    • University of Missouri (the flagship campus of the University of Missouri System)
    • Two private colleges, Stephens College and Columbia College
    • Moberly Area Community College has a campus presence in Columbia
    • William Woods University
    • Central Methodist University
    • Bryan College
  • 2012, Newgeography ranks Columbia number 12 in the Best Cities for Jobs in 2012

Callaway County

Fulton—Along with Westminster and William Woods universities, Fulton is famous for the Winston Churchill Memorial and Library and the Ameren nuclear plant.

  • Strong Business Climate
    • One of the lowest aggregate property taxes rates
    • Stable and diverse economy
  • Central location offers easy access to resources and efficient points of distribution
    • Recognized Higher Education
    • Westminster College
    • William Woods University
  • Emerging Technology Corridor
    • Strategic location in the heart of Missouri
    • University of Missouri is the catalyst of technology transfer to the private sector

Cole County

Jefferson City—The state capital is rated by Forbes magazine as having the 10th-lowest cost of doing business among U.S. metros (Forbes, “Best Small Places” 2008).

  • Combination of high income, low cost of living, and quality education
  • Cost of Living Index is 96.8, well below the national average
  • Housing costs routinely below the national average
  • Attracts a highly skilled and educated workforce
    • Government
    • Healthcare
    • Manufacturing
    • Finance
    • Hospitality
    • Education
    • The capitol contains a rich history and various attractions

Cooper County

Boonville — With more than 400 buildings (most in 14 separate historical districts) listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Cooper County has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area also features a climate just right for doing business.

  • Affordable place to live and the small town atmosphere and easy access to major cities in the state make it a great place to call home.
    • The average sale price for homes in Boonville is $96, 911 (2008).
  • Educational opportunities
    • State Fair Community College
    • Boonslick Technical Education Center
  • Exceptional Health Care at Cooper County Memorial Hospital
  • Boonville is surrounded by lush farmlands in Cooper and nearby Howard County, producing soy beans, corn and raising cattle.