JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Gov. Mike Parson kicked off the week meeting with businesses on the West Coast and rounded it out by unveiling his plan to address violent crime in St. Louis.
Monday and Tuesday saw Missouri’s chief executive in California — the state — to meet with Bay Area technology executives and promote the Show-Me States as “an ideal location for business.”
“We’re seeing a lot of activity with companies investing in Missouri that are based in Silicon Valley, and they’re relocating or expanding here because of all Missouri has to offer,” Parson said in a statement. “Our state’s technology industry continues to grow, and we look forward to exploring ways we can build upon our strengths to bring even more technology companies to the Midwest.”
The Hawthorn Foundation, a Missouri nonprofit organization, funded the trip.
Many thanks to @GovParsonMo for visiting the Google campus. It was a pleasure to welcome you. We are committed to investing in the US and making our communities stronger, and we appreciate your sense of digital leadership and hearing about your vision for Missouri. https://t.co/KNuTuTImP0
— Kent Walker (@Kent_Walker) September 16, 2019
We toured the Facebook campus and we were invited to try out the @oculus virtual reality from Facebook.
Last time I tried VR was with @OTCedu drafting & design tech students as they practiced drafting blueprints with VR. Such diverse uses for this amazing technology! pic.twitter.com/ycPQWb5cGF
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 16, 2019
Great to visit with executives from @Square — which got its start in Missouri with St. Louis natives Jack Dorsey and Jim McKelvey.
Square has been very successful in continuing its growth in St. Louis, and this is largely due to the abundance of available talent. pic.twitter.com/z9xsJ5yGay
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 17, 2019
Parson unveiled his plan to address violent crime in St. Louis. On Thursday, he announced the creation of three task forces, $2 million in funding, and a partnership among other steps of immediate action.
“As governor and a former law enforcement officer for 22 years, protecting the citizens of our state is of utmost importance to my administration. We know we have a serious problem with violent crime that must be addressed,” Parson said. “After meeting with leaders and organizations at all levels over the past months, we have rolled up our sleeves, gotten to work, and identified the immediate actions we at the state level can take to help get violent criminals off our streets.”
This week Parson also:
Met with @CRH_Americas – a North American industry leader in building materials. We discussed the business climate for the CRH facilities in Missouri and heard about its infrastructure needs in transporting product and materials out of our state. Thank you for meeting with us. pic.twitter.com/ZiM8yRKddd
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 18, 2019
Sat down with @UHCCS‘s CEO Heather Cianfrocco and other @UnitedHealthGrp leaders for a general overview of UGH and the role it plays in Missouri’s healthcare. pic.twitter.com/aBsziS0rBO
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 18, 2019
Toured the @LUBlueTigers‘ Nursing School today. Skilled nurses remain in high demand, and we are working hard to skill-up our workforce to meet our needs.
Glad Lincoln University has a great program right here in Jefferson City. pic.twitter.com/xeO2zsPGLe
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 18, 2019
Powerful presentation from @bflfamily in St. Louis. They work from the belief that the family is foundational to human development.
Better Family Life focuses on workforce development, family services & they run two full-time de-escalation centers in local community churches. pic.twitter.com/oMDJoLjcCY
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 19, 2019
Alisha Shurr was a reporter for The Missouri Times and The Missouri Times Magazine. She joined The Missouri Times in January 2018 after working as a copy editor for her hometown newspaper in Southern Oregon. Alisha is a graduate of Kansas State University.
