| Business Development Outlook, a publication of the World Economic Development Alliance, a company in Dallas that offers free preliminary service to companies looking to expand or relocate, recently named Joplin as one of their 25 Choice Cities. Joplin ranked 23rd on the list from out of an extensive field of US metro areas. Charleston, WVA topped the list.
Cost of living, crime rates, access to transportation and quality of life were factors considered in the selection. According to Outlook:
Joplin, Missouri, is one city that shines in the many areas it takes to make for a pleasant all-around place to live. Future job growth in Joplin is predicted to be 13 percent, according to Sperling’s Best Places. These statistics precipitate an influx of quality workers ready to settle down in a place where they can work hard and raise families. Housing is typically more affordable than the national average, and the crime rate is also low. Joplin met the criteria for an overall thriving city that is hard to beat.
"This recognition isn't just for the city of Joplin, but also for the two-county metropolitan area that has seen tremendous growth in the past several years. This reaffirms that our area communities collectively have great business opportunities and offer a wonderful quality of living." said Rob O'Brian, president of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.
Outlook's 2008 Choice City Award Winners in order of choice are: Charleston, WVA; Santa Fe, NM; Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC; Austin-San Marcos, TX; Abilene, TX; Albuquerque, NM; Gainesville, FL; Tucson, AZ; Sacramento, CA; San Antonio, TX; Fresno, CA; Tulsa, OK; Oklahoma City, OK; Augusta-Aiken, GA/SC; Omaha, NE; Sherman-Deniston, TX; Flagstaff, AZ/UT; Syracuse, NY; Florence, SC; San Angelo, TX; Odessa-Midland, TX; Danville, VA; Joplin, MO; Waterbury, CT; and McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX. Go Back |
