Launched in 2009 by USDA Rural Development in collaboration with the nation’s Regional Rural Development Centers (RRDC) and their land-grant university partners, the purpose of Stronger Economies Together (SET) is to strengthen the capacity of communities in rural America to work together in developing and implementing an economic development blueprint that strategically builds on the current and emerging economic strengths of their region.

SET looked at four counties in Southeast Missouri—Ste. Genevieve, St. Francois, Iron, and Madison—and helped the region put together a plan of action for attracting new business and economic growth to the area. The counties formed the Multi-County Economic Development Committee and is today known as Parkland REDI.

This four-county collaboration has a very diverse economy including healthcare, education, retail, manufacturing, tourism and agricultural opportunities.

Access the map below to explore the opportunities in each Parkland REDI county.