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Pettis County economic development office reports job growth, major capital investment in 2024
Summary
The county's economic development office reported more than 1,000 new jobs created or retained and $424 million in capital investment in the past eight years, and highlighted several large local expansions in 2024 including Prismian Group.
Jessica Crace, director of Pettis County Economic Development, presented the office's 2024 annual report to the Sedalia City Council on Jan. 13, highlighting recent project announcements, retained jobs and capital investment.
Crace said the office has supported the creation of roughly 1,043 new jobs and retention of about 1,763 existing positions in the last eight years and reported approximately $424 million in capital investment during that period. She emphasized the value of retaining local employers while also recruiting new businesses that bring outside revenue into the community.
2024 highlights included Prismian Group's announced $45.5 million expansion (115,000 square feet of new construction, 50 new jobs and 215 retained jobs) and smaller downtown and industrial investments such as City Electric Supply's regional facility and Impact Signs's headquarters expansion. Crace also described business-retention and expansion efforts—16 business retention meetings and 18 requests for proposals for prospective companies—and said the office led 11 site visits in 2024.
Why it matters: the report provides context for local economic momentum, including recent capital projects and workforce numbers that affect tax revenue and planning. Crace said the office is working on pending announcements (one pending expansion in 90-120 days and one pending new business within 30 days) and highlighted the return to a downtown office and staff additions.
Economic development funding: when asked about city funding, Crace said the office is seeking to sustain current funding levels rather than immediately increase them.
Background: the presentation also noted community partnerships, milestone recognitions for long-standing companies, and new local hires and construction projects that contributed to the reported totals.
Next steps: staff and council indicated continued partnership; the council did not take formal action on the report during the meeting.
