West central Missouri counties include Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis and Saline. Commonly characterized as a Kansas City Agurb area, the region retains a strong sense of community and continually strives to improve upon quality of place. the region has long sustained a remarkably strong manufacturing work force culture, with little influence from organized labor. The community values education very highly, with State Fair Community College, Missouri Valley College and the University of Central Missouri supporting educational attainment throughout the region.