SGA - Southern Governors' Association > Gov. Nixon Kicks Off Planning Initiative for Transforming Missiouri's Economy

Gov. Nixon Kicks Off Planning Initiative for Transforming Missiouri's Economy


Press Release July 29, 2010 Economic Development COLUMBIA, Mo. - Addressing Missouri's leaders in business, labor, local government and higher education, Gov. Nixon today called upon Steering Committee members of the state's economic strategic planning process to work together to produce a comprehensive planning initiative for the Missouri's economic future. The Governor made his remarks at the first meeting of the 40-member statewide committee, which took place at the Reynolds Alumni Center at the University of Missouri in Columbia. This meeting officially kicked off the process of developing a five-year plan to transform Missouri's economy. "From day one, my top priorities as Governor have been to create jobs and move our economy forward, which is exactly what this strategic economic plan will do," Gov. Nixon said. "That is why we have gathered in Columbia today - to begin the process of assessing Missouri's strengths, assets and opportunities for growth - and to ensure that the Show-Me State is in the best possible position to compete for the jobs and investment of the 21st century." The Governor announced the establishment of the strategic economic plan in May, when he named members of the Executive Advisory Board to lead the process of developing the comprehensive plan. Working with Department of Economic Development Director David Kerr, the board consists of the following top business leaders helping guide the process: Ann Marie Baker, UMB, Springfield; Paul Combs, Baker Implement, Kennett; Bill Downey, Kansas City Power and Light, Kansas City; and David Steward, World Wide Technology, St. Louis. The ultimate outcome of the planning process will be the development of six to eight strategic objectives to transform Missouri's economy for the 21st century. The objectives will pinpoint existing and future industries that will drive growth. Along with each strategic objective, the final plan will include specific tactical steps necessary to accomplish the goal. The strategic objectives and tactics will focus on the next five years. In recent weeks, Director Kerr, with recommendations from business and civic organizations across the state, assembled members of the statewide Steering Committee, which includes industry experts, researchers, labor representatives, economic development officials and higher education representatives from around Missouri. Beginning with today's inaugural meeting, Steering Committee members will be tasked with working closely with Regional Planning Teams to ensure that the plan benefits from local input from every corner of the state. Following today's initial Steering Committee meeting, subsequent meetings of the committee, and Regional Planning Teams in six regions of the state, will take place over the next few months with the target of completing the planning initiative by the end of the year. ### Southern Governors’ Association (SGA), founded in 1934, is the oldest and historically the largest of the regional governors' associations. SGA uses the power of connection, collaboration and communications in a bipartisan manner to solve regional problems, improve quality of life and secure an economically vibrant and prosperous American South.

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