Webster County gets Enhanced Enterprise Zone designation

Webster County has added another weapon to its economic development arsenal.

The county received approval Thursday from the Missouri Department of Economic Development for designation as an Enhanced Enterprise Zone, which makes state and local tax breaks accessible for businesses that create jobs within Webster County.

"The Enhanced Enterprise Zone program has proven to be a vital economic development tool that continues to play a leading role in Missouri's ongoing economic rebound,” DED Director David Kerr said in a news release. “DED is pleased to utilize it to assist Webster County’s economic development efforts.”

Webster County submitted its EEZ application in January, and County Clerk Stan Whitehurst told SBJ earlier this month that a county EEZ board will use the designation to work on marketing and recruiting new businesses to the county.

The Enhanced Enterprise Zone program, created in 2004, allows local governments to request state certification for specified geographic areas that meet certain criteria, including the potential to create sustainable jobs in specific industries and a demonstrated impact on local development.[[In-content Ad]]