Gov. Nixon to Lead Bipartisan Delegation to the U.K., Ireland and Switzerland

Press Release

Gov. Jay Nixon will lead a bipartisan delegation of Missouri officials to the United Kingdom, Ireland and Switzerland from July 8 to July 16 to boost exports and attract new foreign investment to Missouri. In addition to strengthening existing business relationships and meeting with companies that together employ approximately 37,000 Missourians, a primary goal of the trade mission will be to showcase Missouri's advantages to global companies and recruit new businesses to Missouri.

"This is an important opportunity to showcase Missouri's strengths and economic stability on a global stage," Gov. Nixon said. "From Hartmann Packaging in Rolla to CertainTeed in Jonesburg to Bull Moose Industries in St. Louis and Gerald, a growing number of European companies are investing and creating jobs in the Show-Me State. Competing in the global economy demands a proactive approach, and I'm looking forward to strengthening our relationships with even more global businesses next week."

In Ireland, the Governor will meet with the American Chamber of Commerce in Dublin and with economic development prospects in key sectors, including advanced manufacturing and food products. While in Ireland, Gov. Nixon will meet with the leadership of AB Mauri, the bakery ingredients producer that recently located its North American headquarters in the Cortex Innovation District in St. Louis. The Governor will also meet with U.S. Ambassador to Ireland and St. Louis native Kevin O'Malley, who will host a reception in the Missouri delegation's honor that will be attended by Irish officials and business leaders.

On Tuesday, July 12, the delegation will travel to the U.K. where the Governor will participate in the Farnborough International Airshow and meet with global leadership of several significant Missouri employers and with companies that are considering locating in Missouri. While at the air show, the Governor will meet with the leadership of The Boeing Company, GKN Aerospace and speak to a business recruitment event hosted by the Missouri Partnership. Boeing, Missouri's largest manufacturer, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and the air show will feature a number of Missouri-made aircraft, including the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

Gov. Nixon's schedule in the U.K. also includes a meeting with the leadership of theCaparo Group, the U.K.-based parent company of manufacturer Bull Moose Industries, which recently expanded its divisional headquarters in downtown St. Louis and continues to make investments at its manufacturing facility in Gerald.

On Thursday, July 14, the delegation will travel to Zurich, Switzerland, where Gov. Nixon will speak to a roundtable of leading Swiss companies hosted by SwissMem, the Swiss association of mechanical and electrical engineering industries, and meet with senior executives at Nestle S.A. While in Zurich, the Governor will address a number of Swiss CEOs and business leaders at a reception that will also be attended by U.S. Ambassador Susan LeVine. Gov. Nixon is also scheduled to meet with the leadership of Schindler, a leading manufacturer of elevators and escalators with a location in St. Louis, and tour its vocational training facility.

The delegation will include First Lady Georganne Nixon, Missouri House Speaker Todd Richardson, State Sen. Dave Schatz, State Sen. Jason Holsman, and State Rep. Kip Kendrick.

Travel costs for the Governor and First Lady will be covered by the Hawthorn Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting economic growth in Missouri; state taxpayer funds will not be used.

Gov. Nixon has made increasing exports and promoting Missouri as an ideal location for investment by foreign companies a top economic development priority for his administration. Gov. Nixon's trade missions have resulted in trade agreements to sell billions of dollars in Missouri goods to consumers overseas. Last year, Missouri exported more than $13.6 billion in products around the globe, compared to just $9.52 billion in 2009 -- an increase of 43 percent.

In addition, Missouri has benefited from millions of dollars in foreign investment by European companies such as CertainTeed (France), SKF (Sweden), Hartmann Packaging (Denmark), Piva Group (Italy), Bull Moose Industries (United Kingdom), and Logoplaste (Portugal).

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