Top Ten Small Markets of the Decade

Each year in our SB&D 100, Southern Business & Development ranks states and markets in the South based on projects landed of 200 jobs or more and/ or $30 million in investment or more. Each state and market receives points based on the size of the project. The following are the top 10 small markets in the South in the last decade based on points earned in the annual SB&D 100 as well as a few selected and notable projects announced in each market over the last 10 years. 

1.  LaGrange, Ga. 150 Points

Notable Projects: Kia Motors, Hyundai Powertech, Glovis, Sejong Industrial, Hyundai Mobis, Sewon Precision, American Home Sheild.

2.  Decatur, Ala. 105 Points

Notable Projects: ULA Boeing, Nucor Steel, Toray Carbon Fibers, 3M, BP.  

3.  Martinsville, Va. 105 Points

Notable Projects: RTI International Metals, StarTek, Nautica, Monogram Foods.

4.  Victoria, Tex. 80 Points

Notable Projects: Formosa Plastics, Lone Star Ethanol, Exelon, NuCoastal, Gulf Coast LNG.

5.  Columbus, Miss. 75 Points

Notable Projects: Severstal, Eurocopter, PACCAR, Cogentrix, Caledonia.

6.  Aiken, S.C. 65 Points

Notable Projects: Kimberly Clark, Westinghouse, SCE&G, Global Containment. 

7.  Tupelo, Miss. 55 Points

Notable Projects: Toyota, Toyota Boshoku, Ashley Furniture, Lane Home Furnishings, Tecumseh.

8.  Anniston, Ala. 45 Points

Notable Projects: NCG Industries, Kronospan, BAE Systems.

9.  Bartlesville, Okla. 40 Points

Notable Projects: Conoco Phillips, Walmart, Consumer Debt Settlement.

10. Cape Girardeau, Mo. 40 Points

Notable Projects: Proctor & Gamble, Biokyowa, NARS.

10. Jonesboro, Ark. 40 Points

Notable Projects: Nordex, Nice-Pak, Nestle, StarTex