Capitol hosts Great Northwest Day
SUBMITTED BY GREAT NORTHWEST DAY
The first Great Northwest Day at the Capitol Citizen of the Year Award was presented to the Leadership Northwest Missouri classes of 2001, 2002 and 2003. Those classes were credited with founding Great Northwest Day at the Capitol. Pictured are, from left to right, Crystal Narr, Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce; Matt Barry, field representative, Office of Congressman Sam Graves; Byron Roach, NW Electric Power Cooperative; Kendra Pickering, executive director of Leadership Northwest Missouri; Joe Hegeman, United Fiber; Megan Taul, Grundy Electric Cooperative; Pat Walter, United Electric Cooperative; and Natalie Hawn, St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — As legislators return to work in Jefferson City, engaging with bills in committees and on the House and Senate floors, advocates from across northwest Missouri convened on Feb. 6 and 7 for the 22nd annual Great Northwest Day at the Capitol.
Representing sectors including business, education, health care and government, more than 200 individuals from a 19-county region came together to enlighten lawmakers on the challenges and opportunities facing northwest Missouri, according to a news release from the group.
This year’s agenda centered on key priorities including infrastructure enhancement, workforce development, education and community improvement, including child care and housing initiatives.
The day commenced with attendees being welcomed to the Senate floor for a commemorative photo session, courtesy of Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer. Subsequently, participants engaged in discussions with legislators and government departments, while also attending community roundtable sessions focusing on regional priorities during the afternoon.
Evening festivities began with a special reception sponsored by Touchstone Energy, featuring addresses from area legislators and the presentation of the inaugural Great Northwest Day Citizen of the Year Award.
The award was presented to the Leadership Northwest Missouri classes of 2001, 2002 and 2003, which founded Great Northwest Day at the Capitol.
“Leadership Northwest Missouri is a leadership development program to encourage and support the emergence of leaders in the region,” said Kendra Pickering, executive director of the leadership program, in a statement. “The classes of 2001, 2002 and 2003 were involved with the creation of Great Northwest Day at the Capitol. This group of dedicated leaders saw a need for collaboration and communication throughout the region.
“On behalf of Leadership Northwest Missouri Board, alumni and myself, we are honored to receive the Citizen of the Year Award. The recognition is immensely appreciated.”
Following the reception, the main event unfolded — a regional expo showcasing each county’s unique attributes and opportunities. Drawing a crowd of more than 400, including numerous state senators, representatives and representatives from state offices and departments, the expo served as a platform to spotlight the essence of northwest Missouri.
The event concluded with a regional breakfast featuring remarks from Zel Fischer, a judge on the Missouri Supreme Court who is a native of Atchison County.
Planning for this significant event commenced in August of 2023, with volunteers from across the region dedicating their efforts.
For further details on this annual legislative gathering and the priorities for 2024, visit greatnorthwestday.com.
SUBMITTED BY GREAT NORTHWEST DAY
The delegation attending Great Northwest Day at the Capitol on Feb. 6 and 7, pictured in the Senate chamber, represented 19 counties from across northwest Missouri.
