September 15, 2009
Gov. Nixon, local executives share strategies for creating new jobs during stop on Show-Me Business Tour
Gov. Nixon discusses growth opportunities, challenges with Springfield business leaders
Gov. Jay Nixon meets with Springfield business leaders during a roundtable discussion at the new headquarters of BKD, a national accounting firm. Gov. Nixon led this roundtable discussion as part of his Show-Me Business Tour on Sept. 15. The Governor is traveling the state to hear directly from Missouri business owners and executives about opportunities to create jobs and move the state’s economy forward. Additional stops on the Show-Me Business Tour will be scheduled in the weeks to come.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Gov. Jay Nixon today brought his Show-Me Business Tour to southwest Missouri, where he met with representatives of several local employers to discuss strategies to create jobs and move the state's economy forward.
Gov. Nixon led the roundtable discussion with the business leaders at new Springfield headquarters of BKD, LLP, one of the nation's largest accounting firms. During the conversation, local executives and Gov. Nixon discussed opportunities and challenges for business growth, the strength of Missouri's workforce, and opportunities for the state to support the expansion of existing Missouri businesses. Joining Gov. Nixon for this meeting was Katie Steele Danner, interim director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
"Turning this economy around starts with helping existing Missouri businesses grow and create new jobs," Gov. Nixon said. "These conversations with Missouri business leaders will help us forge a bold plan to overcome our current economic challenges and capitalize on the opportunities ahead. We have the people and the tools to get our economy moving forward. Together, we'll ensure that the Show-Me State is ready to compete - and win - in the 21st-century economy."
Participating in the roundtable discussion with Gov. Nixon today were:
- Jim Anderson, president, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
- Don Flatau, general manager, John Deere Reman - Springfield
- Rich Hughlett, president, Rick's Automotive
- Andy Lear, Partner, BKD, LLP
- Joe Reynolds, CFO, Digital Monitoring Products
- Neal Spencer, partner and CEO, BKD, LLP
- Jack Stack, president, Springfield Remanufacturing Corporation
- John Wanamaker, partner in charge, BKD, LLP
The roundtable followed a tour of BKD's new LEED-certified headquarters, during which the Governor learned about the national firm's services and business practices.
"To turn this economy around, it's vital that our businesses have the opportunity to communicate openly with state and local leaders about their goals, their challenges and their needs," said Jim Anderson, president of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. "We appreciate Gov. Nixon for taking the time to ask good questions and hear directly from Springfield-area business leaders about these issues. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Gov. Nixon in the months to come to create new jobs here in southwest Missouri and get our economy moving forward."
Additional stops on Gov. Nixon's Show-Me Business Tour will be scheduled across the state in the weeks to come.