At the centre of the USA is a state as rich in commercial infrastructure as it is in lifestyle opportunities – welcome to Missouri
Missouri sits at the heart of the USA, bordering eight states, giving businesses a huge strategic advantage by providing access to customers via road, rail, water or air. The Missouri and Mississippi rivers converge in the state, creating a prime asset for both business and recreation. Airports across Missouri provide non-stop access to more than 70 domestic and international destinations.
From Missouri, you’re within a day’s drive to half of the US, thanks to the extensive nationwide highway system. Plus, every United States Class 1 railroad comes here, giving you single-line access to deep water ports in Mexico and access to everywhere in North America. With more than six million people spread across nearly 70,000 square-miles (181,299 sq-km) Missouri’s geography and assets are as diverse as the state is expansive.
Minimal regulations, maximum business success
“In Missouri, you can forget the egos and complications that sometimes come with doing business,” says Mark Sutherland, CMO of Missouri Partnership. “Here, we’re no-nonsense. State government focuses on infrastructure, workforce development, and keeping costs low, all the while staying out of the way, so that you can actually do business. Missouri is a place where high quality of life meets low cost.”
Missouri has a 4% corporate tax rate, the second-lowest rate among states with corporate income tax. The state has held an AAA bond rating for more than half a century. A long-time top-ranked state for business, the environment in Missouri is low-risk, safe and stable.
Missouri is also where those low taxes meet pro-business attitudes to create one of the most economically diverse states in the nation – and one that is connected to the world. Top industries include aerospace, advanced manufacturing, agritech, food processing and healthcare. Missouri’s company roster includes tech startup Square, aerospace and defense leader Boeing, and automotive manufacturers Ford and GM. Missouri is also home to the headquarters for global healthcare technology company Cerner Corporation and Bayer Crop Science’s Global Seeds and Traits.
And the state is no stranger to overseas investment. Missouri was the first choice for FDI into the US in 2019 and is home to more than 600 international companies. St. Louis, Missouri, is where American lager was born, thanks to what has now become Anheuser-Busch InBev. Fishing and hunting specialist Bass Pro Shops started in the state in 1972 with eight square-feet of shelf space – it now boasts 200 destinations and 200 million customers.
All about the great outdoors
Natural beauty abounds in Missouri. Diverse offerings include rivers, lakes, caves and 91 state parks, plus many historic sites. Activities, such as fishing, camping, cycling, golf, hunting, and watersports are the order of the day. The Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri boasts 1,150 miles of shoreline – more than the entire coast of California. So, after a hard day building the future of innovation and global business, Missouri’s workforce can simply open the front door and explore by foot or bike. Or they can go underground to experience one of Missouri’s 6,300 caves. The list goes on. Whatever adventure you seek, Missouri can deliver.
That’s because Missouri is an affordable destination for both vacation and for living, offering an all-access pass to natural beauty throughout the seasons.
In Missouri, you spend less time in traffic and have more time to enjoy life. This is where urban living melds seamlessly with outdoor recreation. If it’s arts and culture you desire, Missouri sets a high bar. Attend a Broadway-style show, visit a museum or see a live music performance in Branson or many other places. Family-friendly activities like zoos, aquariums, parks and other attractions are also plentiful.
Missouri has an extensive microbrewery scene and is home to seven wine-producing regions, boasting dozens of nationally-acclaimed wineries. Missouri is also a sports haven with championship-winning teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues.
Exclusive connections, exceptional talent
In Missouri, you’re only one phone call away from business leaders. The state prides itself on making businesses successful, and we will do more to ensure you have the opportunity, connections and support you need to build and grow. With training programmes like Missouri One Start and Apprenticeship Missouri (one of the largest and most successful apprenticeship programmes in the country), Missouri works hard to keep its talent upskilled so that companies can move forward. Missouri’s talent pipeline is also fed by a strong network of educational institutions across the state – ranging from public four-year, to dozens of independent colleges and specialised/technical colleges, and more than 150 proprietary and private career schools.
So, what are you waiting for? If you want your company to prosper in North America head to Missouri – business success is what it does best.
Further information
