MISSOURI MAKING. GROWING. MOVING. 2018-2019 EDITION | VOLUME 12 M I S S OU RI : M A K I NG . G R O W I NG . MO V I NG . 8 BUSINESS CLIMATE OVERVIEWMissouri is changing the way it does business by reducing red tape, improving its workforce and encouraging entrepreneurs. 10 INTERVIEW WITH ROB DIXONThe director of Missouri Department of Economic Development takes a holistic approach to boosting the state’s business climate. 14 MISSOURI MOMENTUMBuilding on the state’s economic momentum over the last year, Missouri earned major investments and thousands of new jobs in three days. 18 TAX REFORM & TAX POLICYMissouri makes bold cuts to its tax rates and business reaps the benefits. 22 STATISTICAL PROFILEThe Show Me State’s economic might as told in figures. 24 INCENTIVESCompetitive incentives programs and low taxes give Missouri an edge over other Midwestern states. 27 ADVANCED MANUFACTURINGFrom automotive to aerospace, the sky’s the limit for Missouri’s manufacturing industry. 30 AUTO CORRIDORThe Kansas City region is well-known as being one of the most important auto corridors in the country and continues to attract global automotive leaders. 32 REMANUFACTURINGThe state’s workforce proves its mettle with its reman industry. 36 STAINLESS STEELAs the top producer of stainless steel equipment in the US, the industry has a shiny future in the state. 38 LOGISTICS & DISTRIBUTIONFrom historic wagon trails and the Mighty Mississippi, Missouri’s logistics strengths are time tested. 42 ENERGYFrom leading-edge batteries to money-saving utilities, the Show Me State’s energy industry has come full circle. 44 FINANCIAL SERVICESMissouri metros have the tech talent to push the financial services sector forward. 46 AGTECHMissouri’s blend of agricultural and technological advantages is growing everything from plants and animals to business.Cape Girardeau photo courtesy of Missouri PartnershipC O NTENT S4 M I S S OU RI : M A K I NG . G R O W I NG . MO V I NG . 48 FOOD SOLUTIONSFarms, vineyards and breweries and more than 400 food producers are feeding the nation from the heartland. 50 HEALTH INNOVATION & BIOSCIENCESaving and improving lives is par for the course for Missouri’s robust health innovation and bioscience sectors. 53 INVESTMENT PROFILE: BioSTL and STL PartnershipIf St. Louis is at the country’s agtech and bioscience heart, then BioSTL is its backbone. 58 INNOVATION COMMUNITIESMore than two dozen innovation communities can be found across the state fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. REGIONAL PROFILESFrom Kansas City to St. Louis to Cape Girardeau, the Show Me State’s regions are powerhouses of activity and opportunity. 61 COLUMBIA 62 CAPE GIRARDEAU 64 HANNIBAL/KIRKSVILLE 66 KANSAS CITY 68 JEFFERSON CITY 69 POPLAR BLUFF 70 JOPLIN 71 SEDALIA/WARRENSBURG 72 ST. JOSEPH 73 ST. LOUIS 74 TANEY COUNTY 75 SPRINGFIELD UNIVERSITY PROFILES 76 Colleges across the state are growing Missouri’s talent pipeline and helping businesses expand. 78 MISSOURI S&T 80 SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY 82 WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY 84 MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY 86 UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY 88 UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – COLUMBIA 89 QUALITY OF LIFEBBQ, outdoor recreation, pro sports and cultural amenities add to the state’s already high quality of life. 94 HIGHER EDUCATIONHigh school students earn science degrees and gain employment in half the time through the Missouri Innovation Campus. 98 WORKFORCEHome to more than 3 million workers, the state’s talent pool runs deep and wide. 101 PHOTO GALLERYSee the Show Me State’s beauty for yourself. 104 INDEX TO ADVERTISERSSt. Louis photo by Dennis Pruitt courtesy of Missouri PartnershipCover design by Negin MomtazNext >