Business News

Professionals from private businesses and economic development organizations gathered this week for an event at the private residence of the United Kingdom (UK) Consul General for the Midwestern U.S. The event highlighted and celebrated the strong and vibrant Missouri/UK connections that exist today.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon along with UK Consul General Steven Bridges hosted the event and spoke about the strong bond that ties the two economies together.

“Missouri is very important for us, and tonight is all about promoting that importance,” said Bridges. “I love being in Missouri, we have a very strong relationship with the people and businesses there, and that relationship is one that I can genuinely say is growing and growing strong.”

Speaking to the almost 100 attendees, which included a delegation of business owners from the Midlands Engine in the UK, Gov. Nixon highlighted Missouri’s growing economy.

Governor Jay Nixon along with Consul General Steven Bridges speak with guests about the Missouri/UK connection

“We feel very strongly in the Show-Me-State that we are living in an international economy,” said Gov. Nixon. “We are a welcoming state, and it is our job is to assist companies like yours in investing in, and trading with, Missouri.”

Gov. Nixon also reminded the audience that he was in his last few months in the Governor’s mansion as his second term comes to an end, but that there would be continuity going forward for companies looking to invest in Missouri.

“I’m going to be out as Governor in 140 days,” Gov. Nixon said. “But you’re not starting from zero. You’re starting from 70 mph and we’re going to keep speeding up, and one of the reasons is the Missouri Partnership.”

Missouri’s strategic location, globally connected infrastructure, stable fiscal atmosphere, economic diversity, competitive business and labor costs, highly-skilled and hard working talent, and quality of life make the state a great place for companies who are looking to enter the U.S. market to grow and thrive.