Changes

As with most towns in Southeast Missouri, farming and local trade were vital to Dexter's economy throughout much of its history. Though agriculture remains important in the region, its mechanization in the mid-20th century has caused fewer people to be employed. However, Dexter's central location at the crossing of two major highways has caused it to retain its importance as a commercial center for much of Stoddard County, with [[Wal-Mart]], Town & Country Supermarkets, and other retail chains located in the town.  

As with most towns in Southeast Missouri, farming and local trade were vital to Dexter's economy throughout much of its history. Though agriculture remains important in the region, its mechanization in the mid-20th century has caused fewer people to be employed. However, Dexter's central location at the crossing of two major highways has caused it to retain its importance as a commercial center for much of Stoddard County, with [[Wal-Mart]], Town & Country Supermarkets, and other retail chains located in the town.  

Manufacturing, health care and related services, and retail trade are the most common occupations. Several manufacturing enterprises have been located in Dexter over the years, including the [[International Hat Company]], a [[St. Louis, Missouri|St. Louis]]-based industry with several production centers. Current industries include Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies, LLC, and [[Tyson Foods]].

Manufacturing, health care and related services, and retail trade are the most common occupations. Several manufacturing enterprises have been located in Dexter over the years, including the [[International Hat Company]], a [[St. Louis]]-based industry with several production centers. Current industries include Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies, LLC, and [[Tyson Foods]].

The older downtown area, around Stoddard and Walnut Streets, contains a number of specialty stores and upscale restaurants, with most of the service-related businesses clustered along Business Loop 60 to the west. Notable restaurants in this area include Fiddler's, Hickory Log, Dexter Queen, and Dexter BBQ, now a regional franchise with locations in several Southeast Missouri communities.<ref>http://dexterchamber.com/</ref>

The older downtown area, around Stoddard and Walnut Streets, contains a number of specialty stores and upscale restaurants, with most of the service-related businesses clustered along Business Loop 60 to the west. Notable restaurants in this area include Fiddler's, Hickory Log, Dexter Queen, and Dexter BBQ, now a regional franchise with locations in several Southeast Missouri communities.<ref>http://dexterchamber.com/</ref>