Missouri Partnership Touts State's Improved Ranking

Online, November 9, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Forbes has ranked Missouri eighteenth on its annual "Best States for Business" list, up 11 spots from last year. The annual Forbes rankings are based on business costs, labor supply, regulatory environment, economic climate, growth prospects and quality of life.

"The significant jump in our rankings on the Forbes list illustrates real momentum in the business sector," said David Kerr, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. "And a number of companies seem to agree. In the past six months Jet Midwest, Alpla, IBM, Unisys, Valent Aerostructures, Sabreliner Corp., and Mamtek International have been among those companies announcing their intentions to move to or expand their businesses in Missouri."

Within the Forbes rankings, Missouri scored seventh for its regulatory environment and fifteenth for cost of doing business. The state of Utah ranked first in this fifth annual Forbes study, followed by last year's leader, Virginia.

Another recent release by the Milken Institute named seven Missouri cities among the best-performing in the nation for job creation and economic growth this year. The 2010 Milken Institute Best-Performing Cities Index recognized St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, St. Joseph, Columbia, Joplin and Jefferson City.

In addition to the Forbes and Milken studies, Missouri was listed on the 2010 Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States last month, just one more in a string of accolades for the state. Other Missouri rankings include:
• 3rd for Business Energy Costs (Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council
• 5th Lowest Business Costs (CNBC)
• 7th Best Transportation System (CNBC)
• Several Missouri cities recognized as top cities in the country for job growth (NewGeography's 2010 BestCities rankings)

About The Missouri Partnership:
Since 2007, the nonprofit The Missouri Partnership has worked in concert with state, regional and local economic development groups, as well as private industry, to attract new companies to Missouri by marketing the state's business advantages. Through effective branding, advertising, earned media, trade show attendance, and targeted relationship-building, the Partnership's team of seasoned economic development and marketing professionals seek to promote Missouri as a top destination for new capital investment and job creation. For more information about The Missouri Partnership visit: www.missouripartnership.com.
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