The communities of mid-Missouri offer an attractive lifestyle featuring plenty of small-town friendliness with numerous big city amenities.

"Those of us living in mid-Missouri are able to take advantage of many shared amenities between the communities of Columbia, Jefferson City and the Lake of the Ozarks," says David H. Meyer, vice president, economic development and workforce issues of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce. "We have a lot to offer right here in mid-Missouri and we're only a couple of hours from the larger metropolitan areas of Kansas City and St. Louis."

As central Missouri's anchor communities - Columbia, Jefferson City and their surrounding unincorporated areas - continue experiencing steady growth, their national reputation for offering residents a high quality of life remains strong.

Money magazine consistently ranks Columbia among the top Best Places to Live in the Nation in its annual survey of the 300 largest U.S. metropolitan areas. Money bases its rankings on Columbia's strong economy, schools, housing opportunities and health care community. In 1999, Columbia was voted runner-up as the "Best Small City in America."

In 1999, The Editors & Publisher Market Guide ranked Columbia as the third best metropolitan area in the United States based on the city's cost-of-living index, crime index and education levels.

As mid-Missouri's reputation as an excellent place to raise a family, start a business or spend retirement years continues to grow, economic developers are busy making plans for the area's future.

The Lake of the Ozarks is one of America's premier destinations for boating and golf recreations. Four Seasons executive David Pisano enjoys Jack Nicklaus Signature Porto Cima Golf Course.

"Although one of our goals is to have an excellent growth rate, we have to be more cognizant than ever before of the issues surrounding growth, zoning and development," Meyer says. "As our communities grow, we have to make sure we don't create urban sprawl. We want to expand upon our excellent lifestyle by maintaining and enhancing our quality of life. We need to create sustainable neighborhoods as we grow."

With Columbia's economy supported by the education, health care and insurance industries and Jefferson City's prosperity secured with its role as the home to state government, mid-Missouri faces a thriving future.

"One of our main goals is to keep our focus on our schools and the quality of students they are turning out," Meyer says. "Just like everywhere else, it's an ongoing challenge to meet the needs of our students and teachers. We're making it a top priority."

With explosive residential growth occurring just outside places like Jefferson City, expanding the city limits of some mid-Missouri communities is a strong possibility in the future.

"Growth in the county and areas surrounding Jefferson City has been phenomenal in recent years," Meyer says. "Annexation is something we'll have to look at in the future to help ensure we'll continue to be a strong and prosperous community."

By striking a balance between small-town living and urban business opportunities, the communities of mid-Missouri offer their residents the best of both worlds and a highly attractive quality of life.