Jefferson City—The state capital is rated by Forbes magazine as having the 10th-lowest cost of doing business among U.S. metros (Forbes, “Best Small Places” 2008).

Boonville—Located on the banks of the Missouri River, Boonville is home to the Isle of Capri, the only riverboat casino between St. Louis and Kansas City.

Columbia—With the University of Missouri, Columbia College and Stephens College, Columbia has a total of 42,300 students.

Fulton—Along with Westminster and William Woods universities, Fulton is famous for the Winston Churchill Memorial and Library and the Ameren nuclear plant.

Mexico—The “Mainstreet of the Midwest” hosts the Advanced Technology Center and growing companies such as Brookstone, Cerro Copper Casting, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Spartan Light Metals.

Lake of the Ozarks—With 1,150 miles of shoreline on 54,000 acres, the lake area has 15 premier golf courses, great fishing, and numerous quality resorts.

Moberly—The “Magic City” is home to Moberly Area Community College, which serves 5,000 students, Orscheln Products, DURA Automotive, a Wal-Mart distribution center, and 760 acres of developed parks and lakes.