Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1211133
14 | 2020 MCDONALD COUNTY DIRECTORY Missouri State House Representative Dirk Deaton, who represents McDonald County, is excited about the current business climate in the district he represents. He is even more optimistic about its future. "When it comes to economic growth, we've seen some really goods things in the past ten years here in McDonald County," said Representative Dirk Deaton. "Other parts of our state, and many parts of the country, have seen decline but that certainly hasn't been the case for us. And when you look to the future, I think we see even greater opportunity just around the corner. We have every reason to believe the next ten years are going to be just tremendous as it relates to economic growth and opportunity for businesses currently residing or considering a move to our county." One of the factors Deaton attributes his optimism to is the completion of the interstate connection between Missouri and Arkansas due to be finished by the start of 2022. Interstate 49 currently runs nonstop between Kansas City and Fort Smith, AR interrupted for only a few miles at the Missouri/Arkansas border. Amending this will increase the flow of commerce through the area. Beyond just the growth in the region, Deaton points out the ways in which Missouri has been working to make things more business friendly and competitive with regard to its neighboring states of Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. "We've cut regulations on business and we've cut corporate income taxes which I think is making a big difference," Deaton said. "Particularly in McDonald County, our taxes are very low when it comes to property taxes. And, equally important, we've been able to do that without cutting on services to the community like our good quality schools." And when talking about the schools, it isn't just the K through 12 schools. McDonald County boasts a brand new campus built within the past ten years by Crowder College in Jane, MO. Crowder is a two-year trade school and they can cater specifically to workforce development if a business comes in and requires that. Last but not least, Deaton believes McDonald County has one important asset that any business would find attractive – the people. "I think you'd be hard-pressed to find any people in the state, or even in the country, better than the folks in McDonald County," said Deaton. "Honest, hard-working people that any business would be proud to have as employees, as well as friends and neighbors. Add that to the natural beauty of the area, and McDonald County is a very attractive site worth consideration by any prospective business or corporation." Growing opportunity in a very business friendly county By Randy Rice McDonald County Directory When it comes to economic growth, we've seen some really goods things i n the past ten years here in McDonald County... – Dirk Deaton, Representative www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC Kim Ramsay, CFP®, AAMS® Financial Advisor . 493 E Hwy 76 Suite I Anderson, MO 64831 417-845-8820 MKD-8652A-A t u o b a s i g n i t s e v n I . y e n o m n a h t e r o m At Edward Jones, we stop to ask you the question: "What's important to you?" Without that insight and a real understanding of your goals, investing holds little meaning. Contact your Edward Jones fi nancial advisor for a one-on-one appointment to discuss what's really important: your goals. We're your Shield. We're your Shelter. AUTO • HOME • LIFE ® Danita Keaton 707 N Hwy 71B PO Box 478 Anderson, MO 64831 417-845-6211 DKeaton@ShelterInsurance.com CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE TODAY! • WELDING SUPPLIES • HARDWARE Bolts, Screws and Many other Specialty items. • PROPANE FILLING STATION - Bottles - RV's ALSO FEATURING: • HUGE SELECTION OF HARDWARE: INCLUDING BOLTS, SCREWS AND MANY OTHER SPECIALTY ITEMS. • CONVENIENT PROPANE FILLING STATION FOR BOTTLES AND MOTOR HOMES. • ALL NEW SECTION OF WELDING SUPPLIES: INCLUDING HELMETS, TORCHES, RODS, WIRE AND ABRASIVES.