Centrally located in the heartland of the U.S., Lebanon and Laclede County reflect the hard working character and spirit that has built America. Our roots are in the land, and our work ethic reflects the heritage of those that toiled to settle this community.

We are very proud of our community and it shows in many different ways…a pride in exceptional workmanship in our industries to civic facilities that exceed those in communities much larger. We are certain that when you come to know our residents, our resources and the natural beauty of the area, you will understand why this is such a special place.

Lebanon and Laclede County embody a friendly and progressive community. Our increasingly diverse economy ranks among the top statewide in manufacturing employment.

The service sector is growing rapidly, centered on healthcare. St. John’s Hospital – Lebanon opened in 1999 and has gone through two expansions, with a third being planned. The new expansion will include an oncology center. The St. John’s System has won numerous national awards. 

Industrial and manufacturing employment is diverse. Five thousand crafts persons proudly produce a wide variety of products including automated equipment, advanced machine tooling, compliant scroll compressors, fabricated metal, aluminum boats, trailers, biodegradable plates and

bowls, furniture, and the finest white oak barrels

for the spirits industry.

The entrepreneurial climate is exceptional in our community. Over 50% of the manufacturing operations were started by local entrepreneurs. This reflects the foundation on which a strong, vibrate community developed and continues to

grow.

Civic Pride

Our civic pride is exhibited in a beautiful civic center, a new library and education facilities. The Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center encompasses 120,000 square feet that includes an exhibition hall with a capacity of 4,000 people, a 675-seat theater with state-of-the art sound and lighting systems, an Olympic-size indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium, several multi-purpose courts, a family fitness center, and three large meeting rooms with central kitchen facilities.

The Lebanon - Laclede County Library was constructed entirely with private donations from the community. The 41,000 square foot facility includes over 100,000 books, videos and audio tapes, three meeting

rooms, a diner and a Route 66 Museum.

“I’m overwhelmed by what this community has done. The outpouring of support and the fact there is no tax dollars in it is amazing…It is the very best of people caring about their community.”

Rep. Catherine Hanaway

Missouri House of Representatives Past Speaker

The Nelson Education Center was a visionary project from community leaders to place three institutions of higher education in a single facility to serve the residents of Lebanon and Laclede County. The Center includes Missouri State University, Drury University, and Ozark Technical College. There are now plans to expand the Center to include other institutions including the University of Missouri – Rolla, one of the leading engineering schools in the nation.

Pro Business Climate & Great Location

A T.I.G.E.R. (Together Increasing Growth through Expansion and Retention) Program for existing “primary” employers provides innovative and flexible incentives for business relocation and expansion

All “primary” employers that have located have expanded at least once, some multiple times

Pro-Business Climate

Central Geographic Location and Access to Markets

If you are looking for a quality community in which to do business, Lebanon and Laclede County are the place for you. We offer several attributes valued by business in today’s competitive world…

Low Cost, Excellent Workforce

Lebanon and Laclede County are within 25 miles of the mean center of the U.S. population according to the 2000 Census

Situated on one of the heaviest traveled Interstates for commercial traffic

Within three hours of two international airports, 45 minutes of a commercial airport,

and served by a corporate airport in the community

Overall cost of living index is 87.0 compared to the U.S. (100)

Electric rates are 79% of the national average

Natural gas/propane prices are 83% of the national average

Housing costs are 79% of the national average

Total cost of shelter is 80% of the national average

Competitive wages, below the national average

Missouri is ranked in the top 10 states relative to lower operating costs according to the Pacific Research Institute

Low Cost of Living and Doing Business

Superior Work Ethic and Productive Workforce

Central Geographic Location and Access to Markets

Great Education System & Telecommunications

• Hardworking. Dedicated.Proud.
• Laborshed that encompasses 210,000 and a workforce of 98,500
• R-III School System “Accredited with Distinction”
• ACT scores consistently above state average
• Lebanon Technology and Career Center
• Missouri State University, Drury University, and
• Ozark Technical College satellite campuses
• Lebanon completely “wired” with fiber, including redundancy
• High speed telecommunications available from two sources
• One gigabit per section each way and multiples thereof available to all “primary” employers

Excellent Education System and Technical Training

Advanced Telecommunications Infrastructure

Superior Work Ethic and Productive Workforce

And, YES, we also have an excellent

quality of life!