There are Several Location Advantages of Moving to West Central Missouri

When you move to West Central Missouri, you no longer have to choose between exporting out of Lake Superior or the Gulf of Mexico – both ports are equally close and allow you to achieve your business goals. Similarly, you don't have to be an East Coast and West Coast business. By moving your organization to the Central Time Zone, your team can easily take calls across the country, without working late or clocking in early.

Regardless of whether you are opening a manufacturing facility that requires dedicated important export infrastructure, or are simply launching a new software business, the strategic location of West Central Missouri will make it easy for you to work with clients and vendors across the United States.

Three interstate systems make a triangle around the counties supported by OVEC. Choose from a variety of shovel-ready sites built near one of these highways. There are multiple existing warehouses and strategic locations that will allow you to transfer your products, and import materials with ease. Here are the three main interstates you can tap into:

• Interstate 49: this route starts in Missouri and continues through Louisiana. It is an important highway if you are bringing goods to the Gulf of Mexico ports. 
• Interstate 70: this highway begins in Maryland and ends in Utah. Use I-70 to gain access to Atlantic ports while shipping goods across the country. 
• Interstate 44: this road begins in Eastern Missouri and ends in Texas.

Various other highways in West Central Missouri allow you to connect to these three interstate routes. Route 65 runs vertically through Missouri, Route 50 runs horizontally, and Route 54 passes diagonally.   

If you rely on railroad lines to operate your business, the state of Missouri is ready to accommodate you. Missouri has the 10th largest number of railroad miles in the United States, boasting 4,800 miles of track. Twenty freight railroad companies operate in the state, and 21 million truckloads of material are moved through Missouri each year.

West Central Missouri is less than two hours from Kansas City and less than five hours from St Louis. These are the second and third-largest rail transportation centers in the nation.

You will easily be able to find rail service in the counties that OVEC services. This existing infrastructure will allow you to ship your products across the country and abroad. 

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) has three runways and can accommodate up to 139 aircraft operations per hour. More than 11 million passengers traveled through MCI in 2023. This airport is a significant Southwest and United Airlines hub, but Delta and American Airlines also have significant presences in this airport. Ten passenger airlines operate out of MCI, as well as eight freight airlines.

Depending on where you establish your operations within the OVEC’s service area, MCI is one to two hours away. Most residents can reach MCI within an hour and a half. 

While MCI is a significant presence in the region, you can land even closer to home when you choose one of three regional airports within Osage Valley. The Clinton Regional Airport is home to two runways, one which is 5,000 feet long, and another, which is 4,001 feet long. This airport is owned by the City of Clinton and supports the needs of individuals, the armed forces, and the local business community.

The Lawrence Smith Memorial Airport in Harrisonville, is located at the intersection of I-49 and Highway 7. It has a 4,000 foot runway, ample hanger space, and a 24/7 self service Avgas fuel facility. It has been supporting the residents of Harrisonville since 1984.

The Butler Memorial Airport Is located on Orange St. and also boasts a 4,000 foot runway. This regional airport does not have a tower.