A New Partnership

Four area groups team up to bring more money to Southwest Missouri. The city of Joplin, the Jasper County Commissioners, Missouri Southern State University and the Joplin Chamber of Commerce are joining forces to boost the area economy. They hired the consulting firm of Fierce and Isakowitz to find ways to bring federal money into the county. The firm has been paid 48 thousand dollars a year for their services. "Revenues for the entities on a local basis have been pretty flat. In some cases with the university with the state budget cuts have been declining. So you look around and say who else can assist us and its at the federal level,"said Rob O`Brian, Joplin Chamber of Commerce. "It`s kind of what we`re all about here in Southwest Missouri. It`s everybody helping each other. What`s good for Jasper County will be good for the city of Joplin and surrounding communities and the college. What`s good for the college jobs and be good for industry. So i think its a win win," said Richard Russell, Joplin Mayor. Members from all four groups plan to travel to Washington D.C. to meet with elected officials, staff members and federal agencies. Reported By: Brad Douglas