For the sixth time in the last decade, the Sioux City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) ranks first in the nation in its population category for economic development, according to results released today by the Managing Editor of Site Selection magazine. The Sioux City MSA was also recognized as the top community for populations under 200,000 in 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, and 2015. The metro ranked second in both 2009 and 2014 and finished third in 2006. The metro region has ranked in the top three nationally in its population category in a remarkable nine of the last eleven years.
In 2016, the Sioux City metro region boasted 26 qualified projects involving either the location of new or the expansion of existing businesses and industries. To be included, projects must meet one of three criteria: Capital investment of $1 million or more, creation of a minimum of 20 new jobs or the addition of at least 20,000 square feet of new floor space.
In a prepared statement, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Siouxland Initiative (TSI), Skip Perley, who serves as President and CEO of Thompson Electric / TEC Corp., said, “Siouxland’s consistent performance over the last decade is a tribute to the many public and private sector leaders who continue to emphasize economic growth and regional cooperation in the tri-state area. This year’s rankings serve as confirmation that our local economy is strong and remains attractive to outside investors.” Perley added, “The Siouxland region is grateful to the many companies who choose to call this community home and is proud to receive this prestigious recognition from Site Selection magazine.”
The Sioux City MSA ranked first in the nation for the 2016 calendar year based on the number of qualified economic development projects for communities with populations between 50,000 and 200,000 people.
"Siouxland’s perennial high ranking speaks to a confluence of factors including its multi-state geographic location, and its strong population of companies at the intersection of agriculture and food processing,” said Adam Bruns, Managing Editor of Site Selection. “Most of all, you get the sense the companies who keep re-investing in the area don’t just find it business-friendly, they find it friendly, period."
Photo: Adam Bruns, Site Selection Managing Editor, presents Mayor Bob Scott and city staff with an award for their contributions in assisting local companies with expansion projects earning the country's top ranking for economic development.