As fall shifts to winter, it’s the time of year where your fireplace may be plenty warm and you’re reflecting on the blessings you’ve received. As a local business for more than 50 years, we have much to be thankful for, and we’re thankful to work with the wonderful Joplin community
Here are 6 reasons we are thankful to be a Joplin business:
1) We are thankful for continual population growth, which constantly brings new faces to Joplin.
From 2000 to 2010, Joplin saw a 10 percent population growth, as well as an increase in household income (2.3 percent) and median home price (2.8 percent), and has seen continued growth since. Even after the 2011 Joplin tornado, a major natural disaster, Joplin's population saw increases that continue today. Growth in Joplin can partially be attributed to the vibrant educational community. Thousands of students call Joplin home year after year at institutions like Missouri Southern State University, Ozark Christian College, Franklin Technology Center and Vatterott College. As a business owner, the opportunity to showcase products and services to a greater number of potential customers is a win.
2) We are thankful for low business costs in Joplin and local leadership that is pro-business.
Recently, Joplin was recognized on Forbes’ list of The Best Small Places for Business and Careers and according to research has the lowest cost of living in Missouri. The ranking takes into account the cost of labor, office space, taxes and energy costs, as well as education levels in the community. In addition to low business costs, housing in Joplin comes in at more than 10 percent below the national average. With a projected annual job growth of 0.9 percent and an unemployment rate of 3.7 percent, Joplin is poised for small business success.
3) We are thankful for our location.
You’ve heard the expression “location, location, location” when it comes to real estate and business, and in Joplin, location works in our favor. Located seven miles from the border of Kansas, 10 miles from the Oklahoma border and 50 miles from Arkansas, Joplin is a bustling hub of activity and easily attracts thousands of visitors, especially since the city sits at the junction of Interstate 44 and U.S. 71 near the iconic Route 66. Joplin truly is the medical, cultural and commercial hub of the Four-State Region.
4) We are thankful for our rich history.
You can’t look forward without recognizing the past. Joplin has a rich mining history, which dates back to the 1800’s, where miners were harvesting lead and zinc. Whether you like to run, bike, walk or explore, Joplin residents should be thankful that our forefathers created the Joplin parks system to preserve recreation opportunities for all. The arts in Joplin also boast a rich history. Did you know that the Joplin Little Theatre is the longest continuously running community theater west of the Mississippi?
5) We are thankful for our loyal community.
While Joplin may boast a few big city amenities, it’s still a tight-knit community full of hard-working and kind people who are quick to offer a handshake and a hello. As a business owner, if you can show potential customers value in your product or service, you’ll more than likely have a customer for life.
6) We are thankful for our local business owners.
A community can only be as successful as the individuals and groups that make up its fabric. From blue collar laborers and a thriving hospitality scene to tech companies and healthcare, Joplin boasts a diverse mix of businesses. In Joplin, we are thankful for our local business community who constantly strives to make the community an incredible place to call home.
From our family here at Zimmer Radio Inc. to your family at home, we wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. We are truly blessed to call this community home.
