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Show Me Recovery Brings New Opportunities, Investment to Missouri

  • September 28, 2020

Earlier this year, Missouri rolled out the “Show Me Strong Recovery” plan. It outlined the state’s strategy to safely reopen economic and social activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, Missouri has seen a whirlwind of new investment and opportunity.

The first major victory on Missouri’s road to recovery was in June, when Accenture Federal Services (AFS) selected St. Louis for its new Advanced Technology Center. AFS provides U.S. federal government agencies with advanced digital, cloud, automation, artificial intelligence and cyber solutions. Missouri’s innovative talent gave St. Louis an edge over competing states.

“The region’s skilled talent, vibrant technology ecosystem and strong commitment to collaboration between government, civic, business, academic and community partners made St. Louis the ideal location for our new Advanced Technology Center,” said AFS CEO John Goodman. “By expanding our operations in this area, we will provide our people and new hires a great place to live and do work that matters.”

Missouri’s economic recovery continued in July when Chewy, Inc., a pet supply company, announced the opening of a new 800,000 sq. ft. e-commerce fulfillment center in Belton. Chewy’s new facility will be one of the largest fulfillment centers in its network.

“We are thrilled to open our first fulfillment center in Missouri and continue to grow our team,” said Diane Pelkey, Vice President of Communications and PR at Chewy. “We’re so excited to be a part of this community and look forward to having a presence in the region.”

One day after Chewy’s announcement, Missouri’s booming economy was in the spotlight again as R&S Machining Inc., an aerospace manufacturer, announced plans to invest $13.5 million to grow its presence in the Show-Me State. The investment will grow two of the company’s facilities in Missouri’s St. Louis region.

Then in August, as Missouri’s economic resurgence continued, another Missouri company made the decision to invest and grow its opportunities in the state. Veterans United Home Loans (VU), the nation’s leading full-service VA mortgage lender, announced plans to invest in its Columbia, Missouri, headquarters, and to open new locations in Jefferson City and Saint Louis.

“Veterans United grew from a startup founded in Columbia into Boone County’s largest private employer,” said Columbia Mayor Brian Treece. “VU is a testament to what can be accomplished with a great idea, great talent, and an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive.”

Then in late August, Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A., announced plans to expand and invest in Missouri, adding an additional shift and three assembly lines at its facility in Maryville.

“As our capacity need grows, so does the need for additional workforce,” said Anita Coulter, Vice President of Operations. “Northwest Missouri has provided the kind of workforce necessary to produce a quality product that has our customers requesting more.”

And the investment has continued in September, after Mortgage Research Center, L.L.C., the parent company of Veterans United, launched Paddio, a full-service mortgage lender, in Springfield, Missouri.

“We are excited about this new opportunity to assist more borrowers on their homebuying journey while sticking to the formula of what has made Veterans United a success in offering the best possible customer experience,” said Ryan Kluttz, Director of Production for Paddio. “We look forward to becoming part of the Springfield community and welcoming more employees into our family.”

All of this investment adds up to one thing: the Show-Me State is showing the world its strength as our economy continues to grow, businesses continue to invest, and new opportunities continue to arise for Missouri’s world-class workforce.

Missouri is Show-Me Strong. Let us show you why Missouri is the best place for your business investment.

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