Ashland, Missouri, is located in southern Boone County and is one of the region’s fastest growing communities along the Highway 63 corridor. As the population continues to grow, residents still enjoy the quaint, small-town ambiance along with the excellent Southern Boone County School District, thriving churches and impressive residential developments.
Ashland’s location is a treasure for Boone County. Many residents enjoy the easy commute to Columbia or Jefferson City both less than 15 minutes away on U.S. Highway 63, a four lane divided highway. The regional airport on the northern edge of the city is just minutes from downtown Ashland. It is a prime development site for the mid-Missouri region and is home to the new Cartwright Business and Technology Park. Also located within a ten minute drive of city limits is access to the Katy Trail State Park system that stretches across the state and runs along the Missouri River bluffs.
The City of Ashland website, www.ashlandmo.us, has additional details about city government, city services, city staff and Southern Boone Schools. The greater Ashland area is also represented by two active entrepreneurial groups. The Southern Boone Chamber of Commerce (www.southernboonechamber.com), provides business support to business entities. The Southern Boone Economic Development Council (www.investinsouthernboone.org), provides resources and support to new business attraction, site selection, infrastructure and existing business development opportunities. Each of their websites provides additional information on the community, chamber membership and events.
Hallsville, Missouri, was the second fastest growing city in Boone County, tripling in size in the last 15 years according to the 2010 Census. Just 10 miles north of I-70, it offers the ambiance of a quaint community with an excellent school district.
Hallsville has an Industrial Park, and a 120-acre zoned industrial site that is shovel ready. With many service businesses, a charming restaurant and a bed and breakfast, Hallsville makes a great day trip to visit its unique gift shops. With a grocery store, hair salons, and other resources, the active Chamber of Commerce keeps the business community revitalized.
Hallsville is put on the world map for hosting the NRA/Midway USA Bianchi Cup Shooting Match at the Green Valley Rifle & Pistol Club, and the VORTAC known by pilots around the country.
Hallsville has one of the lowest property tax, sales tax, and user fee rates in the area, which keeps the cost of living down for an affordable quality of life. Its subdivisions are growing, with lots for custom and spec homes available.
Find more information visit the City’s Facebook page at City of Hallsville, Missouri.
Centralia, Missouri, is the second largest community in Boone County and is located approximately 25 Centralia, Missouri, is the second largest community in Boone County and is located approximately 25 miles northeast of Columbia. Centralia was founded in 1857 as a station on a new railroad approximately half-way or central to the railroad from St. Louis to Ottumwa, Iowa. Today, Centralia is served by the Norfolk Southern and Kansas City Southern national rail lines and by the COLT Railroad.
Centralia is the home of Hubbell Power Systems, the largest manufacturer in Boone County and an internationally recognized leader in manufacturing and distribution facility of equipment for electrical distribution systems. The city is a steadily growing residential community with 4,000 citizens and a growing retail trade center. A high value is placed on education through support of a modern school system and a nationally-recognized local public library.
Centralia has established an Enhanced Enterprise Zone (EEZ) that offers aggressive tax benefits for new or expanding industrial employers. The City has active partnerships with REDI, the Regional Planning Commission and the Centralia Area Chamber of Commerce to promote economic growth. The City of Centralia owns the electric, water and sewer utilities which allows better coordination of services for commercial and industrial prospects.
The City of Centralia website, www.centraliamo.org, has information about city services and government, with links to other community and regional organizations. The Chamber website, www.centraliamochamber.com, has information on area businesses, Civil War history, area festivals and events including the annual Anchor Fest the first weekend after Memorial Day which is dedicated to the invention of the helical utility pole anchor by A.B. Chance in 1912.
