SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson today announced that his Deputy Chief of Staff, Kelli Jones, will step down from her current role in the Office of the Governor to pursue a new opportunity with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as Deputy Commissioner–Division of Learning Services, effective November 1, 2024. Her last day in the Office of the Governor will be October 31.

"Kelli is one of the most hard-working, talented, energetic, and loyal people I have ever had the honor to meet, let alone work alongside," Governor Parson said. "She's our office's head coach and cheerleader all wrapped up in one. She leads with faith and family at the forefront and inspires our team, and me, each and every day. While our office will be saying goodbye to an accomplished leader, a devoted public servant, and a trusted mentor to many, I take comfort in knowing her passion for youth education and Missouri families will be well utilized at DESE. Kelli is truly one of a kind, and Teresa and I are proud to know her and call her a friend. We wish Kelli the absolute best in all that comes next for her and her family."

"As I embark on this new chapter of life and reminisce on nearly a decade with Governor Parson, navigating crisis after crisis and celebrating win after win, I can't help but smile at the opportunity God has given me with the support of my family," Deputy Chief of Staff Kelli Jones said. "After first joining him in the Lieutenant Governor’s Office, I am beyond blessed to have worked for the honorable leader, loyal boss, and simply good and decent man who is Governor Parson. With Governor Parson’s leadership, we stabilized Missouri and made remarkable progress in workforce development, education, and infrastructure, all of which will continue serving all Missourians for years to come. I am so proud of Governor Parson and his talented team. They all will forever hold a special place in my heart, but as Governor Parson’s term comes to an end, I still have some fire left in me and am excited to join Dr. Karla Eslinger in continuing to make a positive difference for Missouri families at DESE."

Jones first joined Governor Parson's team when he was Lt. Governor. Upon Governor Parson's elevation to Governor, Jones transitioned to the Office of the Missouri Governor alongside him, serving as Communications Director and later as Deputy Chief of Staff. Her tenure under the Parson administration was marked by significant achievements, including fully funding the K-12 foundation formula every year, increasing educators’ salaries, and enhancing pay for veteran teachers. Missouri also saw historic investments in career and technical education, nearly 65,000 new apprentices, and an almost 30 percent boost in higher education funding.

Jones, a Missouri native, will take with her to DESE over two decades of experience in education. Before joining state government, she served as a Communications and English Instructor and was the Communications and Social Sciences Department Chair at State Technical College of Missouri. While leading a team of more than a dozen educators, she developed curriculum and standards, managed assessment plans, and taught communication and dual credit courses.

Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in arts and letters and a master’s degree in communication and management from Missouri State University.

Jones' headshot can be found in the attachment.

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• Kelli Jones .JPG

AUGUST 30, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced 16 appointments to various boards and commissions.

Brian Brooks, of Marshfield, was appointed to the Missouri Propane Safety Commission.

Mr. Brooks currently serves as vice president of Brooks Gas Company and as the National Propane Gas Association's Missouri state director. He further serves as vice chair of the Missouri Propane Education and Research Council. Mr. Brooks holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Kim Brown, of St. Peters, was appointed to the Missouri Pet Spay/Neuter Fund Board.

Ms. Brown currently serves as vice president and chief operations officer for Animal Protective Association of Missouri. She previously served as a member of the United States Army Reserves. Ms. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in human resources and a Master of Arts in nonprofit administration from Lindenwood University.

Paul "Stephen" Buckley, of Four Seasons, was appointed to the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.

Mr. Buckley currently serves as an agent for Ozark Realty in Lake Ozark. He previously served as human resources director for ABB, Inc’s Distribution Transformer Business Area. Mr. Buckley holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Widener University.

Cliff Callis, of Sedalia, was appointed to the Missouri Propane Safety Commission.

Mr. Callis currently serves as CEO of Callis and Associates Inc. He further serves as a member of the Sedalia Pettis County Economic Development Board, vice president of the Bothwell Regional Health Center Foundation Board and past president of the Center for Human Services Board. Mr. Callis holds a Bachelor of Science in business from Missouri Valley College.

Richard Childs, of Kansas City, was appointed to the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.

Mr. Childs has served as vice president and general manager of Park Lawn Funeral Homes. He is a member of the Missouri Funeral Director and Embalmers Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. Mr. Childs has been a licensed Missouri Funeral Director since 1983.

Timothy "Tim" Flora, of Ellisville, was appointed to the Board of Private Investigators and Private Fire Investigator Examiners.

Mr. Flora currently serves as company president and private investigator for Mid-West Protective Service Inc. and as a reserve police officer for the Moscow Mills Police Department. He further serves as chair of the Metro West Fire Protection District's Board of Directors. Mr. Flora holds a Bachelor of Science in management from Tarkio College and a Master of Arts in legal studies from Webster University.

Susan Hardy, of Springfield, was appointed as the student representative to the Missouri State University Board of Governors.

Ms. Hardy currently serves as an educational program intern at the State Historical Society of Missouri. She previously served as director of academic affairs for the Student Government Association at Missouri State University. Ms. Hardy is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in history at Missouri State University.

Adli Jacobs, of St. Charles, was appointed as the student representative to the Truman State University Board of Governors.

Mr. Jacobs currently serves as a member of Truman State University's student government's External Affairs and Parking Appeals Committees. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in political science and international relations and a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice studies at Truman State University.

Susan "Renee" Pace, of Eldon, was appointed to the America 250 Missouri Commission.

Ms. Pace currently serves as a teacher for the Morgan County R-1 School District in Stover, Missouri and is an honorary state regent of the Missouri State Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Ms. Pace holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from MidAmerica Nazarene University, a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction, and a Specialist Degree in educational leadership and policy analysis, both from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

Tim Peach, of Lewistown, was appointed to the Missouri Propane Safety Commission.

Mr. Peach currently serves as operations supervisor for Pinnacle Propane. Mr. Peach further serves as a member of the Missouri Propane Gas Association’s Board of Directors. He previously served as district manager for Amerigas Propane.

Esther Rosner, of Jefferson City, was appointed to the America 250 Missouri Commission.

Ms. Rosner currently serves as east central district director of the Missouri State Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and honorary regent of the Jane Randolph Jefferson Chapter and as president of the Roscoe Enloe American Legion Auxiliary–Unit 5. She previously served as sales and marketing representative for the East Coast Region for MBS Service Company. Ms. Rosner holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Master of Arts in management and human resource development.

Carson Ross, of Blue Springs, was appointed to the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.

Mr. Ross previously served as a member and past president of the Missouri Municipal League and as mayor of the City of Blue Springs. Mr. Ross is a Vietnam veteran of the United States Army achieving the rank of Sergeant. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Rockhurst University.

Dr. Christopher "Chris" Slinkard, CPA of Diamond, was appointed to the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.

Dr. Slinkard currently serves as assistant professor of accounting for the University of Central Oklahoma. He previously served as a professional in residence at Missouri Southern State University’s College of Business, as director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations' Division of Employment Security, president of USA Tank Storage Systems and Affiliates, and other leadership positions in industry and state government. Dr. Slinkard holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting and a Master of Science in project management from Missouri State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in business administration with emphasis in accounting from Kennesaw State University.

Dr. Joshua Stilley, of Columbia, was appointed to the State Advisory Council on Emergency Medical Services.

Dr. Stilley currently serves as associate professor of emergency medicine at the University of Missouri. He further serves as the state chapter vice president of the National Association of EMS Physicians. Dr. Stilley previously served as a clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at the University of Iowa. Dr. Stilley holds Bachelors of Science in biology and economics from Iowa State University and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

Randy Warner, of Kingsville, was reappointed to the Missouri Propane Safety Commission.

Mr. Warner currently serves as product safety manager at Cavagna North America and as a commissioner on the Missouri Propane Safety Commission. He further serves as owner of Warner C3H8 Consulting LLC., and has spent over 25 years in the propane industry. Mr. Warner holds an Associate of Applied Science in computer aided drafting from ITT Technical School.

Dr. Christopher "Chris" Wilhelm, of Columbia, was appointed to the Board for the Healing Arts.

Dr. Wilhelm currently serves as a physician at the University of Missouri and as a firefighter with the Boone County Fire Protection District. He previously served as chief medical officer for the United States Air Force at both McConnell and Whiteman Air Force Bases. Dr. Wilhelm holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Portland and a Doctor of Medicine from the Uniformed Services University–School of Medicine. 

AUGUST 29, 2024

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson today announced that effective September 1, 2024, his Chief of Staff, Aaron Willard, will step back from his day-to-day duties and assume the role of Senior Advisor to the Office of Governor in a part-time capacity. Mr. Willard has served as Governor Parson's Chief of Staff since the Governor was sworn into office in June 2018.

"Aaron has been loyal and my right hand man since literally day one. I'm never one to say someone is irreplaceable but Aaron's unique leadership qualities and intelligence coupled with his heart for public service comes the closest I've seen," Governor Parson said. "Crisis after crisis and win after win, Aaron was always in the fight, helping me lead our Governor's Office team, our Cabinet, 48,000 state employees, and over 6 million Missourians across our great state. With Aaron by my side, our team has been made better; our state government has been made better; and Missouri has been made better. While this isn't goodbye, I offer a heartfelt thank you for his more than six years of committed, steadfast leadership as my Chief of Staff and wish him the absolute best as he gets to spend more well-deserved time with his family."

"Six years ago, I agreed to help the Governor because I believed it would be one of the most challenging and pivotal times for our state. However, what made it uniquely special was the quality, character, and integrity of the Governor himself and the immensely talented and dedicated team in the Governor’s office and across our Cabinet,” Chief of Staff Aaron Willard said. “I am unbelievably proud of how this administration handled and responded to never before seen crisis and set new standards across every state agency. We also unquestionably provided more opportunities to educate children and train our workforce as well as make transformational investments in the states’ infrastructure across every region. As we prepare to wind down our administration and prepare for the next one, now is an opportunity for me to spend more time with my beautiful wife and daughters as we begin to think about what comes next for our family. This has been one of the most consequential Republican administrations in Missouri history, and I thank Governor and First Lady Parson for allowing me to be part of it in service to all Missourians."

In his converted role, Mr. Willard will continue to advise Governor Parson on matters as they relate to the function of the Governor's Office, the Executive Cabinet, and the pending gubernatorial transition after the November 5 General Elections.

Mr. Willard has served in various capacities within Missouri state government and state politics for the last 20 years. Immediately prior to joining Governor Parson's Administration, Mr. Willard served as the Acting Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

A photo of Mr. Willard can be found in the attachment.

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• Aaron Willard.JPG

AUGUST 23, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced judicial appointments to the 21st and 22nd Judicial Circuits.

The Honorable Lorne J. Baker, of University City, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit.

Judge Baker serves as an associate circuit judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Jospeh L. Walsh III.

The Honorable Heather J. Hays, of St. Louis, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit.

Judge Hays serves as an associate circuit judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Juris Doctor from St. Louis University. She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Rex M. Burlison. 

AUGUST 22, 2024

Jefferson City — Yesterday, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft refused to sign off on the emergency rulemaking process associated with Governor Mike Parson's Executive Order 24-10, prohibiting the sale of unregulated psychoactive cannabis products. After Secretary Ashcroft chose to sit idly by and not protect Missouri children from harmful cannabis infused products, Governor Parson penned a letter (in attachment) to express his deep dissatisfaction and provide a formal rebuke.

"Without question, our office and hundreds of thousands of parents and grandparents across the state view the matter of protecting Missouri children as an emergency in need of immediate action," Governor Parson said. "By refusing to grant emergency rules to ban the sale of unregulated psychoactive cannabis products, especially to children, Secretary Ashcroft is choosing personal vendetta and unregulated, dangerous products over the health and safety of Missouri kids."

In Missouri, there has been a 600 percent increase in the number of children 5 and under experiencing cannabis poisoning that resulted in Emergency Room visits or hospitalizations since 2018. These products could come from the southern border or adversarial countries like China, and there is no way of knowing what is in them. Additionally, America’s Poison Control Center has documented that 41 percent of the non-regulated intoxicating cannabinoids - Delta 8 exposures are occurring in children 12 and younger. Unregulated psychoactive cannabinoids are associated with several significant health risks including risks of poisoning (especially for children), unexpected intoxication, exposure to chemical contaminants, and more.

• There are no safety studies for human consumption and health effects are largely unknown, especially for children.
• Many products include combinations of non-regulated psychoactive cannabinoids, with unknown interactions.
• There are no regulated potency limits or testing, and large doses are often contained in a single package.
• There are no regulations imposing age restrictions.
• Many products are mislabeled, with unknown or undisclosed psychoactive potency.
• Some products packaging intentionally mimics commercial food products that appeal to children and has a lack of childproofing.
• There are no testing requirements for contaminants such as heavy metals or solvents and other byproducts from processing.

Approximately 11 percent of 12th-grade students, or roughly 1 of every 10, across the United States reported past-year use of Delta-8, just one of the available unregulated psychoactive cannabis compounds, according to an analysis of data sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.

These intoxicating compounds are currently untested in humans, unregulated, and sold to the public without restriction. Due to lack of regulatory oversight, these products are marketed aggressively and assertively in eye-catching ways to attract public consumption, particularly that of young consumers. Often times, products resemble that of brand name foods and candies, like LIFE SAVERS. Photo examples can be found here.

The Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control's (ATC) emergency rules associated with Executive Order 24-10 were set to go in effect on September 1, 2024. Governor Parson is directing ATC to refile the emergency rules for reconsideration, but until such time that Secretary Ashcroft reverses course, ATC must use the regular rulemaking process, which may delay the effective date of the Order by six to eight months.

Governor Parson's letter to Secretary Ashcroft can be found in the attachment.

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• 2024.08.22 Letter to SOS.pdf

AUGUST 19, 2024

Jefferson City — Last week, Governor Mike Parson completed the final trade mission of his administration. Over the past six years, Governor Parson has led ten trade delegations to 18 countries, resulting in more than 1,500 new jobs and over $3 billion in business investment for the State of Missouri. An additional seven projects totaling over $650 million in investment and more than 600 new jobs are in the works with hopes of being finalized in the coming months. 

During each trade mission and meeting with business leaders, Governor Parson advanced Missouri's standing by highlighting its central location, low taxes, thriving economy, a well-trained and dedicated workforce, and the state's strong and improving infrastructure. Governor Parson always made it a point to include Missouri business leaders, bipartisan elected officials, and cabinet leaders as members of his delegations to provide their direct knowledge and experience in all Missouri has to offer to prospective investors.

“From the very beginning, our administration's top priorities have been infrastructure and workforce development. Together, these initiatives grow our state’s economy and create opportunities for Missourians to live their American Dream," Governor Parson said. “Whether it was here at home or in Germany, Israel, Australia, or anywhere in between, we never stopped advocating for our state on behalf of Missourians, and we are extremely proud that our trade delegations have helped bring over $3 billion in business investment and more than 1,500 new job opportunities to hardworking Missourians, their families, and our communities."

"It has been an honor to join Governor Parson during Trade Missions that showcase Missouri as a prime business destination,” Director of the Department of Economic Development Michelle Hataway said. “Through these impactful trips, we have promoted our state to leading international companies that either already have a presence in Missouri or are considering future investment. Our efforts have resulted in stronger relationships, greater capacity for trade, and new opportunities for Missourians to prosper.”

"I’ve had the pleasure of joining Governor Parson on several trade missions to promote Missouri agriculture abroad,” Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn said. “Missouri is an opportune location to build agriculture businesses and the MDA team is proud to foster industry relationships both domestically and internationally. With agriculture being Missouri’s top economic driver, participating in trade missions truly showcases the importance of international trade to Missouri’s economic success.”

"Supporting the Governor’s Trade Missions is a key component of Hawthorn Foundation’s strategic framework," Executive Director of the Hawthorn Foundation Becky Willard said. "On behalf of our more than 150 investors from across Missouri, it has been our pleasure to support Governor Parson on ten international missions as he works to strengthen business relationships and promote our state as an ideal location for new growth."

Samples of Success

After Governor Parson's Trade Mission to Germany, in January 2024, Frogfish Corp., a German security company specializing in surveillance cameras and other safety products, announced plans to open an office in St. Louis. This will be the company's first location in North America. Missouri's central location and the partnership and support given by the state of Missouri made St. Louis a top choice for the company.

After Governor Parson's Trade Mission to France, in April 2022, Leonardo DRS, a leading provider of defense products and technologies, announced that it would expand its manufacturing campus in West Plains. The expansion was secured after a public-private partnership was established to construct a new overpass to address concerns affecting logistics and efficiency.

A complete list of Governor Parson's Trade Missions are shown below:

• France, Germany, and Switzerland – June/July 2019
• Australia – August 2019
• California – September 2019
• United Kingdom and Ireland – March 2022
• Germany and the Netherlands – July 2022
• Israel, United Arab Emirates, and Greece – November 2022
• Germany and Sweden – March 2023
• Japan – October 2023
• Italy – May 2024
• United Kingdom and Belgium – July 2024
• Panama – August 2024

Governor Parson also led a trade delegation to San Francisco, California, in 2019 to meet with Bay Area technology executives. Two companies Governor Parson engaged with and actively recruited to Missouri were Meta and Google, each now having announced major investments in the Kansas City area.

All trade missions were funded by the Hawthorn Foundation, a Missouri nonprofit organization.

About the Hawthorn Foundation

The Hawthorn Foundation exists to develop Missouri’s economy, promote the state internationally, foster connections, and build a better future. Founded in 1981 as an initiative of Governor Kit Bond, the Hawthorn Foundation supports efforts to attract new employers to Missouri while supporting the growth of existing businesses. The Hawthorn Foundation also tells Missouri’s story to global markets through international trade missions and investment opportunities. With more than 150 members, the Hawthorn Foundation brings together leaders of all backgrounds to move Missouri forward.

To learn more about the Hawthorn Foundation, visit hawthornfoundation.org.

AUGUST 16, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced a judicial appointment to the 26th Judicial Circuit.

Andrew J. Hardwick, of Versailles, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 26th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Hardwick owns the Law Office of Andrew J. Hardwick. He holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from Fontbonne University, a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia, and a Master of Science in biochemistry and biotechnology from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. He will fill the vacancy created by appointment of the Honorable Matthew P. Hamer to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District. Mr. Hardwick won his primary election for this position and is unopposed in the general election. 

AUGUST 14, 2024

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson, in partnership with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), announced they are hosting a celebration event with Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library team on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 11 a.m. in Kansas City, Missouri.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dolly to the Show-Me State and join her to celebrate the Imagination Library program," Governor and First Lady Parson said. "Ensuring Missouri's children have a quality education is near and dear to us, and we know the earlier we can get children excited about reading and learning the better equipped they are to find success and achieve their American Dream down the road. We appreciate Dolly, her team, and DESE for helping bring these quality educational resources to Missouri children and continue to encourage all eligible Missouri parents to utilize this program.”

"As the former Senator who carried the Imagination Library of Missouri legislation, to now being in the role of Commissioner, this is a full-circle moment,” said Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger. “Since the program launched in November 2023, we have enrolled more than 137,000 Missouri children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. We hope Dolly’s visit to Missouri will help us promote the program even further, reaching the families of the remaining 262,000 Missouri children who are eligible.”

The statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was made possible through legislation spearheaded by then State Senator Karla Eslinger and signed into law by Governor Parson in 2022 (Section 178.694, RSMo). Governor Parson and state legislators also fully funded the program by approving $11 million in DESE’s Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025 budgets for the distribution of books.

Dolly Parton visits states for a celebration event once all children ages 0-5 are eligible for the statewide Imagination Library program. Missouri is the 14th state to commit to a statewide program, but no other state has been fully funded, with all Missouri children under age five eligible on the first day of the statewide program.

DESE will send invitations to the in-person event this week to Imagination Library of Missouri partners, early childhood education stakeholders, and other special guests. DESE has partnered with Kansas City PBS to livestream the event statewide so all of Missouri can share in the celebration. Families, parent groups, classrooms, and school and community partners can watch the livestream at kansascitypbs.org/dolly.

All Missouri children under five years old are eligible to register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. There is no deadline to register. The Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by providing age-appropriate books each month to children free of charge. To receive books, a parent or guardian must register their child on the Imagination Library national website. Books will be mailed directly to the homes of registered children every month, until their fifth birthday.

DESE sent a media advisory on July 30, instructing members of the media interested in attending the event to register here. This link will remain open through 4:00 p.m. August 15. More details will be shared later with registered media representatives. 

Learn more about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Missouri here.

About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has gifted over 200 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. This is achieved through funding shared by The Dollywood Foundation and Local Community or State Partners. The Imagination Library mails more than 2.6 million high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes each month. Each child enrolled in the program receives one book per month from birth to age five - at no cost to families. Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More.

The program’s impact has been widely researched, and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information, please visit ImaginationLibrary.com.

AUGUST 9, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced judicial appointments to the 11th and 24th Judicial Circuits.

The Honorable Erin S. Burlison, of Weldon Spring, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit.

Judge Burlison serves as an associate circuit judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Juris Doctor from St. Louis University. She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable John P. Banas. Judge Burlison won her primary election for this position and is unopposed in the general election.

The Honorable Brice R. Sechrest, of Farmington, will be appointed as Circuit Judge for the 24th Judicial Circuit.

Judge Sechrest serves as an associate circuit judge for St. Francois County in the 24th Judicial Circuit. He holds Bachelors of Science in political science and mathematics from Southeast Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University–Carbondale. He will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable Jerel L. Poor II. Judge Sechrest won his primary election for this position and is unopposed in the general election. 

AUGUST 7, 2024

Jefferson City — From August 10-13, Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson will travel to the Republic of Panama for an international Trade Mission. Panama is a key trade partner for Missouri, with $37 million in exports in 2023.

Consistent with Governor Parson’s infrastructure and economic development priorities, the goal of the Trade Mission is to build relationships with key international figures to promote Missouri’s strong capacity for trade. Governor Parson will meet with government officials and diplomats in addition to visiting Missouri National Guard service members who are participating in a multinational exercise focused on ensuring free transit of commerce through the Panama Canal.

“This Trade Mission serves as another opportunity to strengthen relationships with key international partners,” Governor Parson said. “Our state has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with Panama that includes the support of the brave men and women of the Missouri National Guard. We’re excited to again promote our state abroad while deepening ties that support mutual economic prosperity.”

Governor Parson’s visit comes as Missouri celebrates 28 years of its partnership with Panama. The Missouri National Guard has participated in a State Partnership Program (SPP) with Panama since 1996. The SPP supports the United States' security cooperation objectives by developing relationships with partner countries and carrying out activities to build capacity. The program also improves interoperability while increasing the readiness of U.S. and partner forces to meet emerging challenges.

The total of $37 million in goods exported to Panama in 2023 also show the importance of international trade to Missouri’s economic success. Among the goods exported, nonmetallic minerals, dairy products, grain and oilseed milling products, and HVAC and refrigeration equipment were among those in highest demand.

Panama Highlights

Governor Parson will meet with Panama Minister of Commerce and Industry Julio A. Moltó A., Panama Minister of Agricultural Development Roberto José Linares Tribaldos, and U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Panama Mari Carmen Aponte. Governor Parson will also participate in a tour of the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal.

The Trade Mission is funded by the Hawthorn Foundation, a Missouri nonprofit organization. For updates on the trip, follow @GovMikeParson on Facebook and @GovParsonMO on Twitter.