City:West Plains, State:Missouri,
Company Name:Mega Motorsports
Service Manager
Experience in a relevant field is a plus. Friendly customer focused disposition is a requirement. Pay is both competitive and negotiable based on qualifications. Apply online at www.megamotorsports.net.
Mega Motorsports is located in West Plains, Missouri. West Plains is a great place to live and raise a family.
West Plains Ranked Nationally as One of Top 10 Best Small Towns
West Plains, Mo. has been selected as one of America’s 10 Best Small Towns in 2013 by Livability.com, a national website that ranks America’s most livable small and mid-sized cities based on quality of life.
With its selection, West Plains is the only city listed among the lower Midwest region, which includes Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana. West Plains was chosen based on its positive residential and business growth, average commute times, access to festivals, cultural events, and other entertainment, and its reasonable home prices. For its list, Livability.com also factored in West Plains’ quality of schools, restaurants, and neighborhoods, its environmentally friendly planning, and emphasis on family values and historic preservation. The website’s sources included the US Census Bureau, the US Department of Agriculture, the US Department of Labor and town representatives.
In the article, Livability.com referenced West Plains’ ability to attract “nature lovers, entrepreneurs and families searching for an authentic small town” as one of the reasons for its selection. It also mentioned the city’s Ozarks Small Business Incubator and its Governor’s Award recognition, the city’s extensive park system, the historic downtown Courthouse Square, the West Plains Civic Center, the city’s antique stores, the annual Old Time Music/Ozark Heritage Festival, and its proximity to rivers, lakes and streams.
The full article can be accessed by going to: http://www.livability.com/top-10/top-10-best-small-towns-2013/west-plains/mo.
Community Info
Living Here
No matter what you’re looking for – big city conveniences, entertainment and amenities or the appeal of small town values and charms – an A-Plus education for your children or a place to build your business and watch it grow – you’ll find it here, in West Plains.
Entrepreneurs with big ideas will appreciate being at the center of economic growth and activity for the entire region. Retirees with simpler goals have chosen to spend the best years of their lives here. Newcomers enjoy a thriving job market, affordable housing and a decent, safe place to raise their children. And, vacationers seduced by the abundance of outdoor activities return year after year to immerse themselves in the soul-soothing beauty of the Ozarks.
Everyone is welcome here. The people of West Plains are warm, the economy is hot, the climate forgiving and the landscape is nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’ve come for business or pleasure, putting down roots or just passing through, you’ll find what you’re looking for, right here…in West Plains.
Climate
In West Plains the climate is characterized by an abundance of sunshine, low wind velocity and mild temperatures. You will experience spring temperatures that range from 50-70 degrees, summers in the 70’s-90’s, fall temperatures that match the spring, and mild winters that usually don’t dip below 20.
Quality of Life
West Plains neighborhoods are safe and secure. A well-trained police and fire department, County Sheriff department, and Missouri State Highway Patrol all watch over West Plains. Crime rates are among the lowest in the country. Medical facilities are modern and efficient with ground and air ambulance services. The health care community is comprised of more than 70 physicians, four chiropractors, 10 dentists and orthodontists. West Plains is also home to three of the finest, most caring nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the county.
There’s another factor that sets West Plains apart from the rest of the country. The people who live and work here are what make this community such a special place. They’re honest, open, and dependable and take pride in a job well done. West Plains is united in its efforts to bring prosperity to its residents and the business community. Old-fashioned values like integrity, hard work and neighborliness are not forgotten. They’re the norm, not the exception to the rule. So, if you’re searching for a place to call home, a place to do business or the perfect vacation spot, you don’t have to look any farther than West Plains. It’s all right here!
Education
Students of all ages and walks of life will find a wide variety of educational opportunities to choose from on campuses scattered across the city. One of the building blocks that is essential to community development is a quality educational system. West Plains has forged a strong commitment to learning. Nearly 3,000 students attend public school. However, the district boasts an enviable 16.5 student-to-teacher ratio. That’s just one of the reasons why the schools consistently achieve Triple A ratings. Approximately 50 percent of all teachers have their master degrees. Every student has access to current technology with roughly 700 computers in the classrooms. The teachers are dedicated, the dropout rate is low and the completion rate is high. The goal of West Plains High School, a certified A+ school, is to provide a comprehensive program for college-bound students and technical preparations for furthering their education.
A valuable partner with the business community, the South Central Career Center offers a full slate of work-related courses. The cooperation between industry and the school helps maintain the well-educated workforce of the future. Complementing this effort is the Missouri Customized Training Program. MCTP recruits, tests and trains employees to meet the ever-changing needs of business. The custom designed courses are free of charge and MCTP will even pay half the employee’s wages in many circumstances.
An impressive selection of college courses and degrees are offered on the Missouri State University-West Plains campus. The college also provides a variety of continuing education courses and select occupational programs. The enhanced Technology Center offers degree programs in cutting-edge technology. The MSU- West Plains Grizzly women’s volleyball and men’s basketball athletic programs are thriving. Both sports are affiliated with the National Junior College Athletic Association at the Division One level.
The Chamber’s close partnerships with all educational institutions lead to a seamless connection with business people. Enhancement of programs at all educational levels is a top Chamber priority.
Housing
West Plains offers ample choices in housing. Regardless of your budget and square footage needs, there is something here for everyone. Our neighborhoods provide a safe, clean place to raise a family.
The average cost of a new home ranges between $69,000-$150,000 for three bedrooms, two baths, and a two-car garage.
For renters, there is a vast selection of housing to choose from with rates starting at $250 a month. Rents on most new units fall into the $350-$450 range. During the past five years new construction inside the city limits has averaged 20 million dollars annually.
Economy
Business people with vision come to West Plains seeking the remarkable opportunities for expansion, diversification and progress. In other words, they come here to see their dreams fulfilled.
Community Profile
The economic health of West Plains is as solid as the Ozark Mountains themselves. Banks and other financial institutions are safe and strong with assets in excess of 400 million dollars. Dedicated to growth and prosperity in the business community, those assets continue to increase. South Central Missouri is the largest enterprise zone in the state. That’s good news for new and expanding businesses. They’re on the receiving end of investment credits, employee credits and income tax credits. Real estate tax abatements are available and the state also offers grants, loans and bonds.
Broad ranges of industrial spaces are ready for occupancy or construction. These sites feature paved and lighted streets, utilities, and easy access to highways, railroad sidings and the airport.
Successful businesses from nearly every field call West Plains home. From food processing to engine rebuilding woodworking to laser steel cutting, the wide range of industries protects the local economy if any one of them experience a slowdown. Some of the largest employers include Armstrong–Bruce Hardwood floors, Systems and Electronics Inc. (SEI), Invensys Controls, Caterpillar, Royal Oak Enterprises, Arlee Home Fashions, Motor Technologies Group, Gardner Shoe Company and Amyx Industries.
The largest city within a 100-mile radius, West Plains is the trade center for south-central Missouri. More than 125,00 people shop in the area and retail sales have averaged an 8 percent growth rate annually, pumping 225 million dollars into the local economy.
The major arteries of the city are home to a wide variety of food markets, specialty stores and retail shops. Downtown businesses are expanding and thriving.
Taxes
Residential property is assessed at 19% of true market value. Personal property is assessed at 33.33% of true market value.
Transportation
With one of the most efficient highway systems in the country, commercial trucking keeps products moving all year round. U.S. Highways 60, 63, and 160 crisscross our area as do State Highways 14, 17 and 19. Moving people and goods by air is just as easy from the West Plains Municipal Airport. The Burlington-Northern Railroad provides service for rail freight.
Utilities
Utilities and Co-ops work together to provide ample electricity at exceptionally affordable prices. The area depends on clean-burning, inexpensive natural gas. Known as the land of the big springs, deep wells provide some of the freshest water you’ll ever taste. The city has recently installed an 11 million dollar generating plant to keep up with business and residential growth.
Further Points of Interest
A popular local saying has it that the third time you visit the Ozarks, you bring your furniture. West Plains, nestled in the “Heart of the Ozarks”, is where you’ll find breathtaking scenery to soothe your spirit and plenty of warm, gracious people who make it difficult for you to leave. When it comes to the best the Ozarks has to offer, West Plains has it all…and we’d like to share it with you. But be careful…we do become habit-forming.
The Mark Twain National Forest, named for Missouri’s favorite son, provides much of the scenic beauty in the Ozarks Heritage Region. But it’s not just another pretty place. You’ll discover a wealth of outdoor recreational activities within its borders. With more than 40 campgrounds and picnic sites, 350 miles of floatable streams, 63,000 wilderness acres, and 125 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders, you’ll be hard-pressed to decide what you want to explore first. Whether you hunt, trout fish, raft, kayak, explore springs, or tour the many gristmills; you’re only a stone’s through away from a relaxing West Plains hotel or eatery.
Pick up the pace at one of the finest dirt track facilities in the nation. The West Plains Motor Speedway’s premier event is the “Show Me 100”, where late model drivers from across the country compete to start the Memorial Day weekend race. The season begins mid-March and runs through August with events for crowds as large as 17,000.
Country western stars Porter Wagoner and Jan Howard both called West Plains home, as did baseball greats Bill Virdon and Tedd Gullic. Preacher Roe, legendary left-handed pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers, still makes his home in West Plains. The Harlin Museum has the honor of preserving the accomplishments of these hometown heroes, along with displaying the work of emerging Ozarks artists.
People come from miles away to attend concerts and family activities at the West Plains Civic Center. With 30,000 square feet of exhibit space, 7,400 square feet of meeting rooms, a 2,900-seat arena and a 450-seat theater, there’s certainly room for everybody. The center boasts a collegiate-sized swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and a professionally designed fitness room. The state-of-the art Civic Center hosts expos and conventions, athletic events, stage shows and performing arts theatre. The Civic Center has developed a solid reputation for staging quality family entertainment and cultural events.
Other recreational opportunities in West Plains include a new Aquatic Park with a collegiate-sized swimming pool, leisure pool, sunbathing area and pavilion. City parks provide areas for picnics, play and exercise as well as tennis courts and batting cages. There’s even a Winter Sports Complex. From golf courses and basketball courts to art exhibits and roller-skating, we truly have the finest recreational facilities for outdoor activities.
Watch Us Grow
Business people with vision come to West Plains seeking the remarkable opportunities for expansion, diversification and progress. In other words, they come here to see their dreams fulfilled.
The economic health of West Plains is as solid as the Ozark Mountains themselves. Banks and other financial institutions are safe and strong with deposits in excess of 600 million dollars. Dedicated to growth and prosperity in the business community, those assets continue to increase. South Central Missouri has enhanced enterprise zones. That’s good news for new and expanding businesses. They’re on the receiving end of investment credits, employee credits and income tax credits. Real estate tax abatements are available and the state also offers grants, loans and bonds.
Broad ranges of industrial spaces are ready for occupancy or construction. These sites feature paved and lighted streets, utilities, and easy access to highways, railroad sidings and the airport.
Successful businesses from nearly every field call West Plains home. From gas control valves, to wood flooring and laser cut steel, the wide range of industries protects the local economy if any one of them experience a slowdown. Some of the largest employers include Armstrong – Bruce Hardwood floors, DRS –SSI, Inc., Invensys Controls, Caterpillar, Arlee Home Fashions, Regal-Beloit, and Air Evac Lifeteam.
The largest city in Missouri within a 100-mile radius, West Plains is the trade center for south-central region of the state. More than 150,000 people shop in the area. Retail sales have averaged a 6 percent growth rate annually, pumping 225 million dollars into local economy.
The major arteries of the city are home to a wide variety of food markets, specialty store and retail shops. Downtown businesses are expanding and thriving.Apr 23 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Rivers & Lakes
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways was created by an act of Congress to protect the 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. The Current River's wild natural beauty is so breathtaking that it was the first river in America to be named a National Scenic River. The 44.6 milelong Jacks Fork River is the Ozark National Scenic Riverways at its best and the Ozarks' premier floating experience. The pristine waters of these two beautiful rivers provide excellent opportunities for canoeing, swimming and fishing. Seven major springs feed the riverways year-round and over 300 caves are recorded.
Eleven Point
The Eleven Point National Scenic River, mile for mile, features more Ozarks' history, scenic beauty and spectacular fishing opportunities than any river in America. From wild rainbow trout, smallmouth bass to stopovers at Turner's Mill and Greer Spring, it is river touring at its best!
North Fork of the White River
The North Fork of the White River is one of the most beautiful free-flowing trophy trout streams in the Ozarks. It is fed by a multitude of natural springs and comes as close to a western trout stream as can be found in this part of the country. Probably the most effective way to fish the river is to float it yourself, fishing the riffles and runs along the way.While the trout on the North Fork can be fickle at times, they can be caught year-round at all water levels!
Norfork Lake
Most of Norfork Lake is in Arkansas with only the northern end extending into Ozark County. The Missouri portion of the lake is about 2,000 acres and is fed by the North Fork River and Bryant Creek, two canoeing gems. Norfork is a 22,000 acre lake which offers excellent bass fishing. Campsites are available at both public use areas as well as at private camps and RV parks.
Ozark Mills and Springs
Rockbridge Mill
The entire town of Rockbridge was destroyed by fire during the Civil War and a new town site was chosen near Morris Spring. One of the first structures built in 1868 was a new gristmill. Historic Rockbridge Mill still stands as a monument to the tenacity of Ozarks' pioneers. Today, the mill is the scenic center of a privately owned fishing resort, trout hatchery, game ranch, restaurant and lodge.
www.rockbridgemo.com
Hodgson Mill & Spring
Built in 1894, Hodgson Mill remained in operation until 1977 and is now officially registered in the National Register of Historic Places.The mill is unique in that it was built into a rock bluff directly over the spring's 29 million gallon outflow. Located on beautiful Bryant Creek, a camping area across the mill branch provides opportunity to stay over and enjoy this scenic wonder.
Dawt Mill
Built in 1897, Dawt is the only water-powered grist mill located on the North Fork River. Dawt is now a resort with canoeing, lodging, camping, food and supplies. On weekends, visitors may view one of the mill grinding demonstrations and purchase fresh ground corn meal. Fresh baked goods can also be purchased at the bakery located in front of the mill. The view from the mill overlooking the trophy trout stream is amazing!
www.dawtmill.com
www.dawtrestaurant.com