SEMO Legislative Advocacy Day in Jefferson City

The Farmington Regional Chamber Executive Director/CEO, Candy Hente, along with Missy Marberry, Senior Quality Consultant from Parkland Health Center and Dr. Joe Gilgour, President of Mineral Area College, proudly represented St. Francois County at the second annual Southeast Missouri Legislative Advocacy Day at the Capitol on February 26-27.

Spearheaded by the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, the advocacy day drew a delegation of approximately 70 participants from across the region—including Perryville, Sikeston, Sedalia, New Madrid, and Cape Girardeau. The delegation represents 3,000 business organizations, with a combined workforce of 160,000 employees across various sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. The group of chambers has worked together for the past two years to develop a cohesive legislative agenda that represents the needs and priorities of the southeast region. The advocacy efforts focus on nine key areas; health and wellness, public safety, agriculture, workforce development, education, rural development, transportation, economic development, and family care.

The event began on a high note when the delegation was recognized from the Senate floor by Senator Jason Bean. Farmington representatives then met with key local legislators, including State Representatives Dale Wright, Becky Laubinger, and Senator Henderson, to discuss pressing issues such as childcare shortages affecting the workforce, the need for a new industrial park, and Medicaid eligibility.

The evening featured the “Taste of the South” event hosted by Senator Jason Bean, where delegates mingled with Governor Mike Kehoe, Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger, and local favorites like Thee Abby Kitchen with their famous cinnamon rolls, Oberlie Meats, Hoeckele’s Donuts, and more. “We were excited to see local favorites at the events,” remarked Mrs. Hente.

On the second day, Candy was recognized from the floor of the House of Representatives by newly elected Representative Becky Laubinger. She also met with Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek and learned about an upcoming retirement plan set to launch this fall. The chamber will be coordinating with the State Treasurer to give a local presentation on the program when more details are announced.

Reflecting on the process as a whole, Mrs. Hente shared, “We are fortunate to have local legislators who are actively involved and acutely aware of the needs of our community, however, we believe the needs of the southeast region as a whole have not been well conveyed to the state. The southeast region is one of the most impoverished in our state, and we are hopeful these efforts will help improve that.” She added, “We felt this was a great start towards an annual advocacy day. We understand business owners are busy running their businesses and we are happy to represent our community to convey their needs.”