If there is anything negative about the Warrensburg area economy, it might be that for a relatively small area, it's quite complex.

Farming isn't fashionable these days, but Johnson County's solid found-ation of agribusiness provides the Warrensburg area with its first economic staple. According to recent census figures, the county has approximately 1,600 farms with some 400,000 acres--producing nearly $100 million in total sales each year. When combined with other aspects of the local economy, agriculture creates a solid foundation that helps the region weather the nation's worst economic slumps.

The area's other supporters include the unusual combination of education and national defense. Although it's not just a college town, Warrensburg gains a tremendous benefit, economic and otherwise, from Central Missouri State University. With more than 11,500 students and 600 employees, the institution generates a major impact in almost every aspect of the city and county's economy.

A similar influence comes from the Department of Defense. Only three miles from the Warrensburg city limits, Whiteman Air Force Base employs more than 6,300 people and brings an estimated $440 million impact to the region each year.

One of the nation's most multi-service facilities, Whiteman's personnel includes Air Force, Army and even a Naval contingent. The base is also home for numerous civilian personnel, including nearly 100 professionals from the Northrop Grumman company involved in the B2 Spirit Bomber program. Whiteman is the nation's only permanent base for the B2.

Warrensburg excels in more traditional economic pursuits as well. During the 1970s, the community developed a 200-acre industrial park that successfully provided economic development for the next two decades. Warrensburg is currently embarking on efforts to expand this growth.

In other areas, the city's development remains healthy. Major companies include EnerSys Inc., GE Transportation systems, the Stahl Specialty Company and Gilcrest Equipment to name a few. All of this combines well with Warrensburg's role as the Johnson County seat and status as a regional market center. Warrensburg is home to hundreds of small companies in almost every industry. These companies provide a still broader economic base that ensures economic health for the region.

© 2003 by Show-Me Publishing, Inc. with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use in any manner of editorial or
graphic content without permission is prohibited. | DestinationWarrensburg is a supplement to Ingram's Magazine