Missouri Partnership’s Sal Maniaci Named Top 50 Economic Developer in North America
- May 16, 2025
Missouri Partnership proudly announces that Sal Maniaci, Vice President, Business Recruitment, has been named one of Consultant Connect’s 2025 North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers. This annual recognition highlights individuals whose leadership and commitment to economic development are transforming communities across the continent.
“At Consultant Connect, we believe economic development goes beyond infrastructure and investment — it’s about creating opportunities that transform lives,” said Carla Sones, President of Consultant Connect. “We’re honored to shine a spotlight on these exceptional leaders who are driving meaningful change across North America.”
Maniaci joined Missouri Partnership in 2024 after a decade of experience in urban planning and economic development across the state. His municipal background gives him a deep understanding of how places grow and thrive — an expertise he now applies to his work at Missouri Partnership where he connects Missouri communities with transformative business opportunities.
“Sal is a passionate, people-first economic developer who brings energy, insight, and authenticity to everything he does,” said Deborah Price, Senior Vice President, Business Recruitment & General Counsel of Missouri Partnership. “He understands what companies need and what communities can offer — and he builds bridges that benefit both. This award is a well-earned recognition of his growing influence in our field.”
“I’m incredibly grateful to be recognized among North America’s top economic developers,” said Sal Maniaci, Vice President, Business Recruitment at Missouri Partnership. “This honor reflects the incredible work of our team at Missouri Partnership and the collaboration we’ve built with communities and companies across the world. I’m proud to play a part in Missouri’s success story.”
Consultant Connect is an agency that brings together economic developers and site selection consultants to strengthen relationships and share best practices. View the full list of 2025 awardees here: Consultant Connect 2025 Top 50 Press Release
About Missouri Partnership
Missouri Partnership is a public-private economic development organization focused on attracting new jobs and investment to the state and promoting Missouri’s business strengths. Since 2008, Missouri Partnership has worked with partners statewide to attract companies that have created 35,050 new jobs, $1.8 billion+ in new annual payroll, and $8.3 billion+ in new capital investment. Some recent successful projects that led to major investment in Missouri include Accenture Federal Services LLC, American Foods Group, Casey’s, Chewy, Inc., Google, James Hardie, Meta, Swift Prepared Foods, URBN, USDA, and Veterans United.