On the 2024 campaign trail, Gov. Mike Kehoe said he’s the one who can close deals for Missouri.
“I love to be able to sell Missouri,” Kehoe told Missourinet.
The former Jefferson City Ford dealership owner will get to put his salesman experience to use once again. Kehoe is due to lift off today for his first international trade mission as governor.
Kehoe and a state delegation will be going to Paris, France – not Paris, Missouri. They are meeting with government leaders, diplomats, and business executives to promote the state.
“The trade mission will include meetings with businesses that already have a presence in Missouri, as well as promoting Missouri to companies without a location in the state to encourage future investment. Consistent with Governor Kehoe’s economic development priorities, the goal of the trade mission is to build relationships with key international figures and businesses to promote Missouri’s strong capacity for partnership and trade,” a news release said.
Paris is known for a variety of features – a global fashion hub, French cuisine and wine, architecture, its art culture, and of course, its romantic vibe.
Kehoe and company will also attend the Paris Air Show, the largest trade event in the aerospace industry, and visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial to honor Missouri’s fallen World War II veterans.
The governor’s office said Missouri exported $266 million in goods to France in 2024, becoming the state’s 13th largest export destination. Among the Missouri goods in highest French demand include chemicals, navigational/medical control instruments, and electrical equipment and components.
The trade mission runs through Friday. The trip is funded by the Hawthorn Foundation, a Missouri nonprofit organization.
During Kehoe’s absence, Lt. Governor David Wasinger will serve as acting governor, allowing Wasinger certain powers with written permission from Kehoe.
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