Regional Communities Recoginized by National Development Magazine
December 29, 2008
Expansion Solutions magazine recognized two communities in the quad-state region recently with Awards of Excellence as Top Five picks for development potential in targeted industry sectors. A Top Five destination award for the Food Processing category went to Springdale, AR while Joplin, MO netted a Top Five pick in the Warehousing/Distribution sector.
The magazine cited Springdale’s diversified economy, business-friendly environment, and numerous growth distinctions affiliated with Northwest Arkansas. The economic base include 15 food processing companies including Tyson’s research and development assets.
“Tyson Foods, Inc. - the worldwide leader in protein production - has made Springdale its corporate home due in large part to the ready availability of resources,” as noted in the award. “Tyson Foods Discovery Center is an industry leading research and development complex, located in Springdale. The Discovery Center employs two-thirds of the world’s Certified Culinary Scientists.”
The Joplin area’s highway and rail transportation assets are among top features that netted a Top Five pick in the Warehousing/Distribution category. The award cited Joplin’s ability to connect to every region in the nation through Interstates 40 and 44 along with U.S. Highway 71. Two Class 1 rail systems and a local railroad along with close proximity to retail distribution giant Wal-Mart, Inc. also earned Joplin one of the top spots.
“The Joplin area already has several back office operations that have prepared a large pool of full and part-time workers in this industry,” according to award organizers. “Companies such as La-Z-Boy, General Mills and Owens-Corning transport their finished products from the area. In addition, there are numerous large freight companies located in the area that provide logistics services.”
The annual competition highlights Joplin and Springdale among a class of several worthy competitors. In the Warehouse/Distribution sector, other Top Five picks include Memphis (TN), Grand Island (NE), High Point (NC), and Vero Beach (FL). Other award winners in the Food Processing category included Bridgeton (NJ), Martinsville (VA), Stockton (CA), and Sioux City (IA). More information on each award is available in a special section of Expansion Solutions magazine available online.
Expansion Solutions is published bi-monthly with features on targeted industries along with breaking news and emerging trends in each sector. Since June of 2002, the magazine has sought to reach site selection consultants and corporate real estate brokers with insights on progressive communities and development benefits offered through investments in these areas.
Year-End Thoughts on Regional Transformation
December 28, 2008
The Joplin Tri-States Business Journal invited Jasen Jones, Executive Director of the Southwest Missouri WIB, to share insights for their year-end edition on economic trends December 29th. The article includes sector projections, an overview of regional economic transformation in ‘08, and highlights anticipated for 2009.
Like many parts of the county, the Four-States area experienced increased downsizing in 2008. Going in to ‘08, the Southwest Missouri Workforce Investment Board (WIB) would typically respond to one layoff every other month or so through the Missouri Career Center. That rate now averages every 7-10 days.
Consider the swing of a pendulum. While the economy is on the wrong side of the pendulum now, there are several indications that the economy will swing to the positive soon. The region is also fortunate that the ripples of economic shocks are softer once they reach diversified rural regions like Joplin. Gains of jobs from large scale projects such as Umicore, NCO, and Downstream helped offset losses in other categories.
Market data resources at the WIB predict that local sectors will at least hold their own or show modest growth moving into 2009. Projections indicate that manufacturing and agriculture will hover at 1% growth. Transportation, information, and healthcare sectors have 3% growth expectations. Construction and hospitality come in at 4%. Top performers for 2009 with 6% growth are in financial activities and business services, which is logical since these categories include customer care call centers.
Strong local indicators include optimism and innovation of the region’s leadership. 2008 marked an unprecedented cross-state effort in economic development, education, and industry to collaborate regionally. It’s a borderless approach to identify innovation assets and channel momentum to create a region that’s globally competitive and economically vibrant.
Stakeholders from several Chambers of Commerce and the four local WIBs pulled together to launch regional transformation in Southwest Missouri, Southeast Kansas, Northwest Arkansas, and Northeast Oklahoma. Sub-committees are assessing strengths and plotting strategies in areas like asset leveraging, regional marketing, tourism, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Stakeholders are working toward a master transformation plan slated for mid- 2009 with the top priorities.
Immediate efforts are underway to engage elected officials at state and national levels to keep the region at a top of mind awareness in all the shifts of new administrations and political movements. The first outreach tool is a legislative summit planned with the onset of the New Year.
Behind the scenes, the recipe for regional transformation is called WIRED, which stands for Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development. The local WIRED project gained national attention in 2008 as one of the first in the nation to involve the jurisdictions of four different states. Representatives of the WIBs and Chambers are called upon frequently to share best practices in conference presentations and articles among numerous state and national circles of influence. More information about the initiative and ways to get involved may be found online at qsrt.org.
The economy was the top election issue in ‘08 and new resources may be on the way. The strongest regions will be those that don’t become totally dependent or wait on Uncle Sam. The proactive, practical, and innovative nature of the Joplin/Four-States region should be a win-win for 2009 and beyond.
Bids Sought for TDL Sector Feasibility Analysis
December 19, 2008
As part of the Quad-States Regional Transformation initiative, the WIB of SW MO is seeking qualified bids for the project of a feasibility analysis for development activities in the TDL/Multi-Modal industry sector for the Lamar/Barton County area. Proposals and applications are due no later than Noon on January 14, 2009. Questions may be directed (email only please) to Jasen Jones.
- Download the TDL Request for Proposal (PDF)
- Download the TDL Proposal Application Form (MS-Word)
Disclaimer: Request for proposal does not commit the Workforce Investment Board of Southwest Missouri to award a contract or to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a proposal. The Board reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals received as a result of this request; modify any potion or other terms of this RFP; negotiate with all qualified proposing organizations; cancel in part or in its entirety this RFP if it is in the best interest of the Board; or solicit additional proposals as necessary.
