Missouri Partnership — Southwest Missouri Development Alliance

Southwest Missouri is in the geographic heart of North America, providing a truly central distribution point with convenient transportation access to the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The area is home for a variety of regional national firms, ranging from small companies to Fortune 500 operations such as General Mills, La-Z-Boy, and Leggett & Platt.

Southwest Missouri boasts a highly qualified and able work force. The Joplin metro area has a total labor force of 82,000 people. The three-state labor market region has a labor force of more than 196,000 people. Wage rates are typically 12–15 percent lower than the national average. Numerous training facilities, including technical institutes and a state university, ensure a capable work force now and into the future.

According to the ACCRA, Southwest Missouri is also the lowest cost of living metro area in the United States.

Interstate 44 and four-lane U.S. 71 (designated I-49 corridor) are part of an Interstate and Federal highway corridor running from coast to coast and from Winnipeg, Canada, to New Orleans, Louisiana, or, on the Southwest leg, to Monterrey, Mexico. Over 50 trucking companies are located in Southwest Missouri. The region is also amply served by three Class I rail carriers and a short-line. Commercial air service is provided to the Joplin Regional Airport by US Airways and Midwest Express.

Your firm will find a great location in the Southwest Missouri communities of Carl Junction, Carthage, Lamar, Joplin, and Neosho. Contact us today. Southwest Missouri…Central. Connected. Capable.