Mo. named a top state for attracting investments

Missouri has been named a top state for attracting high-value investment projects, according to a news release from Gov. Jay Nixon’s office.

Area Development magazine has selected Missouri among four states to receive its Golden Shovel Award, which recognizes a state’s ability to attract valuable development projects.

In addition, the magazine named Cerner Corp.’s planned $4 billion expansion in Kansas City as the Economic Development Project of the Year.

“This award is proof positive that with a highly skilled workforce and favorable tax climate, Missouri has become a national leader in attracting the high-growth, high-tech industries of the future,” Nixon said in the release.

Last year, over 125 companies announced expansions in Missouri and the state added nearly 44,000 jobs, according to the release.

Area Development cited Missouri’s tax structure as a top reason for its growing jobs numbers. The magazine also noted the Show-Me State’s diverse industry strengths across sectors including automotive, bioscience, information technology, energy, advanced manufacturing, life sciences and transportation logistics.

Last August, health care technology firm Cerner announced its multi-billion plans to expand its Missouri campus, adding 15,000 new jobs.

Gold Shovel awards are given annually to recognize state economic development agencies that spur significant job creation and capital investments. Area Development selects the award winners based on each state’s top 10 largest economic development projects, evaluated on the number of high-value added jobs per capita, amount of investment, number of new facilities, and industry diversity of the 10 submitted projects. The awards are given to the top state in each of four population categories, with Missouri receiving top honors in the 5 million to 8 million population category.