JEFFERSON CITY, MO)–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.