Great Northwest Day 2024
As legislators returned to work in Jefferson City, advocates from across northwest Missouri convened
for the 22nd Annual Great Northwest Day at the Capitol. Representing a diverse array of sectors
including business, education, healthcare, and government, over 200 individuals from the nineteen-
county region came together to enlighten lawmakers on the challenges and opportunities facing
Northwest Missouri. Their agenda centered on key priorities, such as nfrastructure enhancement, workforce
development, education, and community improvement including childcare and housing initiatives.
First, attendees from the Great Northwest were welcomed to the Senate floor for a
commemorative photo session, courtesy of Senator Tony Luetkemeyer. Subsequently, participants
engaged in discussions with legislators and government departments, while also attending community
roundtable sessions 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: representatives of the Leadership Northwest program. Following the reception, the main
event unfolded—a regional expo showcasing each county's unique attributes and opportunities.
Drawing a crowd of over 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 The Honorable Zel Fischer of the
Missouri Supreme Court, a native of Atchison County.
Generous support was received from community and corporate sponsors, including
Touchstone Energy, Evergy, Allstate Consultants, Cameron Regional Medical Center, Hedrick Medical
Center & Memorial Wright Hospital, Mosaic Life Care, Snyder & Associates, Olsson, Missouri American
Water, Missouri Western State University, North Central Missouri College, and Northwest Missouri State
University. For further details on this annual legislative gathering and the priorities for 2024, please visit
www.greatnorthwestday.com.