Missouri Partnership’s Board of Directors recently elected Clif Smart as its new vice-chair. Smart has served as the 11th president of Missouri State University since 2011. Under his leadership, Missouri Sate University has increased enrollment and graduation rates, enhanced diversity and developed new degree programs. Smart’s two-year term as vice-chair of Missouri Partnership’s Board of Directors starts Jan. 1.
“We are honored to have Clif as our new vice-chair,” said Subash Alias, Missouri Partnership CEO. “Clif’s understanding of the crucial role higher education plays in attracting new businesses to Missouri is invaluable as we work with companies that are considering expanding into the state.”
About Missouri Partnership
Missouri Partnership is a public-private economic development organization focused on attracting new jobs and investment to the state and promoting Missouri’s business strengths. Since 2007, Missouri Partnership has worked with partners statewide to attract companies that have created more than 22,000 new jobs, more than $1.1 billion in new annual payroll, and more than $2.7 billion in new capital investment. Some recent successful projects that led to major investment in Missouri include Amazon, Casey’s General Store, Empire Comfort Systems, Faurecia, Lincoln Rackhouse, Niagara Bottling, Nucor Steel, QRS Products, Square and USDA.
Missouri Partnership works in partnership with the Hawthorn Foundation, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the State of Missouri and economic development groups across Missouri. Led by an independent Board of Directors and working in collaboration with partners from across the state, Missouri Partnership’s team markets Missouri globally as a strategic business location. Missouri Partnership provides direct support to companies interested in investing in the state and connects them with the best locations and solutions for their business goals.