[company_age]35.0[/company_age][employees]1-10 employees[/employees][funding]grant[/funding][description]The Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (SMCOG) is a non-profit organization that serves as the federally-designated Economic Development District for the ten-county area of Southwest Missouri. Established in 1989, SMCOG is a unique partnership between local governments and Missouri State University, providing a wide range of services and resources to assist cities and counties with development issues. SMCOG's mission is to promote area-wide dissemination of information regarding issues and problems and to provide technical and advisory services for community betterment. SMCOG's comprehensive approach to regional planning and development sets it apart from other organizations in the area. By working collaboratively with local governments, businesses, and residents, SMCOG is able to develop and implement solutions that address the needs of the entire region.[/description][ps]SMCOG offers a variety of services, including:

* **Community Development:** Assisting communities with economic development, housing, and infrastructure projects.
* **Comprehensive Planning:** Developing comprehensive plans for cities and counties.
* **Economic Development:** Providing technical assistance and resources to businesses and entrepreneurs.
* **Environmental Planning:** Assisting communities with environmental planning and protection.
* **Hazard Mitigation:** Helping communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
* **Homeland Security:** Providing resources and training to help communities prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks.
* **Transportation:** Planning and developing transportation infrastructure.[/ps]