Unemployment Statistics

Economic Development Site Selection Consultant Presents Program on Industry Trends to CORE Representatives

While location, location, location is key in the real estate world, preparation is one of the most important factors in economic development. 

“Being prepared creates a competitive advantage for communities that want to attract new business,” said Mark Sweeney, site selection consultant with McCallum Sweeney Consultants based in Greenville, SC.  “Community leaders and economic development professionals must clearly understand the business of economic development and be able to share detailed, well-thought out strategies regarding product sites, tax incentives, organization design, funding, and sales and marketing."

Sweeney toured Jefferson City and spoke to the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, at a dinner and presentation at Doubletree Hotel on Tuesday, February 24.  Sweeney visited mid-Missouri to tour the region and speak to groups involved in the Missouri CORE (Connecting Our Regional Economy) about industry trends and what companies look at when deciding where to build a new plant or facility.    During his visit, he also spent time in Moberly, Fulton and Columbia.  In each location, Sweeney talked with economic development officials and Missouri CORE members about opportunities, threats, and industry trends.  (More)

Chamber Business Climate Survey Offers Insight on Local Economy

It’s no secret that the national economy is struggling.  Across the nation, many large and small businesses are being impacted in one way or another.  However, with all of the negative information conveyed daily through the national media, a recent survey of 800 business leaders in the Jefferson City was refreshingly positive about our local economy.  The survey was conducted by the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce, which received 214 responses from the primary business contacts of chamber members.

“The intent of the survey was to provide us with an ‘economic temperature’ of our membership, so we can determine how the Chamber can assist our members,” said Mark Mehmert, Community Development Manager at the Chamber.  “The results show which sectors of local business expect to see revenues go down and which expect to increase.”  For example, Mehmert said the technology sector in Jefferson City is particularly strong with no technology companies in the area predicting a decline in 2009 revenues.  In fact, about 67% of technology companies anticipate growth during 2009. (More)

To view the survey results - (Click Here)

Command Web Announces Plant Expansion, 50 New Jobs

Command Web-Missouri, a national leader in paperback book manufacturing, announced last week it will expand its local operation and add 50 new jobs in Jefferson City by the end of 2010.

  According to Chris Huckleberry, general manager of Command Web’s Jefferson City facility, the $20 million investment will include the addition of 45,000 square feet to the plant which will house new digital technology machinery, a state-of-the-art offset printing press, and a high-speed book binding line.  Construction will begin this spring with the goal of being operational by the end of this year. 

“The decision to expand was the result of a lengthy study of our existing business, the confidence we have in our employees, the relationships we enjoy with our customers, and the cooperation and consideration received from the community,” said Huckleberry.  “The current business environment and national economy present challenges, but we are confident we are positioning the Jefferson City plant for the future – one we see as very bright.” (More)

What Does 100 Manufacturing Jobs Mean for Jefferson City?

Every spring the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce makes a presentation to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission about our communities local priorities.

Plan now to join the Chamber for the MoDOT Reception on Tuesday, May 5th.

The presentation to the commission is scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, May 6th.