JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri’s chief executive embarked on his second overseas trade mission this week after shuffling staff between his official office and campaign.
On Thursday, Gov. Mike Parson departed for Australia — Missouri’s ninth largest international market with more than $308 million in exports in 2018. He is slated to make stops in Melbourne and Sydney to meet with infrastructure leaders, worldwide business executives, and government officials. Parson will return to Missouri on Aug. 10.
One of the primary goals of the trade mission will be to examine the feasibility of using an infrastructure asset recycling program in Missouri to raise revenue and strengthen the state’s infrastructure, according to a news release.
“Since day one, we’ve been focused on building Missouri’s future by improving infrastructure and workforce development,” Parson said. “One of the ways we can do this is by looking at practices that are being successfully implemented in places like Australia, a leader in the infrastructure asset recycling industry, and bringing those best practices back to Missouri.”
But before departing on his second international trade mission, he hired Steele Shippy, his communications director, as his re-election campaign manager. Parson has yet to announce if he is running for governor but a decision is expected in the coming months.
Kelli Jones was promoted from deputy communications director and press secretary to communications director.
Parson also called for special elections to fill four vacancies in the Missouri House. The elections to fill the seats previously occupied by Democratic Reps. Brandon Ellington, DaRon McGee, Cora Faith Walker, and Bruce Franks Jr. will take place on Nov. 5.
He also appointed seven people to a health insurance task force and nominated nine individuals to various boards and commissions.
.@FirstLadyTeresa and I are proud that @JAGMissouri received the prestigious “5 of 5” award. We saw a 98.15% graduation rate for JAG students in 2018. This great program works to boost HS graduation rates & assists students entering the job market/higher education. pic.twitter.com/jw8GlOEbaG
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) July 29, 2019
Lots of young smiles at @MDC_online’s Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center in Blue Springs. Important to teach our young Missourians about the wonders of the great outdoors. pic.twitter.com/8axtXJ2Red
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) July 30, 2019
Thank you @GovParsonMO for your recent visit, inspiring words & investment in state team members. MO HealthNet was excited to welcome you & we are proud to embrace your vision to transform state government so we can better serve Missourians.#WeServeMO pic.twitter.com/Y19NHkABs5
— MO Social Services (@DSS_Missouri) July 30, 2019
Great to be back in Springfield for the @SGFChamber’s 2nd Annual State of the State.
This is truly an exciting time. Not only is Springfield seeing success, but the entire state is seeing success. The economy is strong, jobs are growing, & businesses are investing in Missouri. pic.twitter.com/pnhxbYp0Fx
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) July 31, 2019
Great to meet @QuintonLucasKC, the new mayor of Kansas City. I look forward to working with Quinton and helping move the Kansas City region and the state forward. pic.twitter.com/fmY5Scnk4w
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) August 1, 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.