Economic Development in Missouri - Moberly Area

Local, state and international dignitaries on Saturday morning took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for Mamtek’s $46 million investment into the local economy. The Chinese-based company is expanding its operations here to produce Sweet0 brand sucralose, which is a healthy substitute sweetener. Shown above are Tom Smith of the site consulting firm of Capital Business Development Associates, former Missouri Governor Bob Holden who is chairman of Midwest U.S.-China Association, Mamtek Chief Operating Officer Reena Gordon, Mamtek International Chairman Bruce Cole and Moberly Mayor Bob Riley.  Other dignitaries participating in the ceremony were Lynne Shea project manager of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Tom Cunningham who serves as legal counsel on this project on behalf of the City of Moberly, Joe Snodgrass of Septagon Construction Co., MAEDC President Corey Mehaffy and MAEDC Board Chairman Jerry Jeffrey.

CNN and Fortune have highlighted Moberly as a new trend in US Chineese investment.The article describes a new surge in China's investment; "China's great outward march of investing into the United States is turning into a mad dash. Chinese investments into the U.S. rose 360% in the first half of this year compared to last year, according to Chinese government figures released Tuesday....The latest beneficiary of China's outward investment push is a small Missouri town called Moberly" The article sings the praises of our local officials, the Moberly Area EDC and Mamtek in making the deal in about 70 days. It is hard work and the unique business assets that Moberly offers that are getting it recognized around the world as the place for economic development in Missouri and the US.

Moberly placed in the prestigious list of top Micropolitans in the nation. The list, published in Site Selection magazine, is based on the amount of development in small cities in 2009. This is an amazing feat for Moberly especially during one of the biggest recessions in recent history. Moberly was the only city in Missouri to be given this distinction, making Moberly the place for economic development in Missouri.

The Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation's tireless efforts in local economic development clinched this distinction for Moberly by helping to land several large projects last year. According to Corey Mehaffy, President of the Moberly Area EDC, “The Moberly area has unique business dynamics and assets that make it a prime location for business development. We have excellent transportation, great government support, hardworking people, and sites that are ready to develop. It's great that we won this distinction because the world needs to know the potential of Moberly. We are truly a top place for business in Missouri and the nation.”