Study targets Joplin area industry potential

The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and other area development-oriented organizations enlisted Taimerica to analyze southwest Missouri and recommend industries and improvements for its economy. Results of the study were presented at the chamber Oct. 4.

Taimerica determined four industries best matched the region’s assets: distribution centers with an average yearly wage of about $37,000, administrative offices with an average yearly wage of about $40,000, commercial machinery repair with an average yearly wage of about $40,000 and custom computer programming with an average yearly wage of about $80,000.

“They looked at what makes our area desirable for what (companies) need to do their business,” said Kirstie Smith, communications coordinator for the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.

Smith said low costs for office space and technological capabilities were among the characteristics that make the region a good fit for the identified industries.

Other findings

• The area’s proximity to some of the largest wholesalers for Wal-Mart makes it prime for distribution centers, as does its location near east-west and north-south highways, pending the completion of U.S. 71.

• Administrative offices have the potential to generate higher-wage jobs, as they become data and shared-service centers.

• Maintenance mechanic programs at Crowder College and Missouri Southern State University provide an adequate talent pool to support the commercial machinery repair industry in the region.

• The region boasts an appropriate fiber optic network and a focus on government and military vendors that could encourage the custom computer programming industry to make its way to the region.

Taimerica, which has completed similar studies throughout the United States, also established the factors most important to southwest Missouri’s ability to recruit and maintain employees for jobs in the favorable industries.

Taimerica suggested the region place a higher emphasis on an educated work force, maintain or establish a high quality of life for all families, create more multipurpose event centers, enhance downtown areas, emphasize high quality public and private schools and strive for affordable housing.

Joplin officials are in discussion with Arizona-based Global Entertainment Corp. for development of a convention center larger than Joplin’s existing 40,000-square-foot John Q. Hammons Convention Center. Global Entertainment is in the early stages of a feasibility study.

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