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What Is Great Northwest Day at the Capitol?

Mardi Gras Event 2007

Great Northwest Day at the Capitol began as a way to promote AWARENESS... through unifying and working together, the communities of Northwest Missouri found it was a better way to present issues to legislators. It is a regional effort to influence legislation that will benefit all of Northwest Missouri and the state as a whole. A graduating class of Leadership Northwest Missouri originated the event in 2003. Leadership Northwest Missouri is a leadership development program of "Healthy Communities."

Goals and Objectives

  • Vehicle for northwest Missouri to meet face-to-face with our Legislators
  • Set priorities as a region
  • React to legislation impacting northwest Missouri
  • Emphasize northwest Missouri as a region while highlighting northwest Missouri participating communities
  • Create collaboration and communication throughout the northwest region

Our logo gives you a visual picture of where we are located and how much of the state we represent! But, for more details, you may view the regional map on this web site.

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What Do Legislators Have to Say About Our Event? 

Legislators are impressed by the united front of the communities involved. Comments include:

It brings together the community leaders of the region in a friendly environment that allows for very constructive and positive conversations. Very nice event. (Dan Niec, MoDOT, North Central District)

Personal communication has the greatest effect. (Tom Shively, Representative - District 8)

It is always good to share communication between different parts of the state. Learning about our neighbors is the best way to work together for the betterment of our state. (Mike Spreng, Representative - District 76)

It provided an opportunity for those legislators NOT from the Northwest region to be welcomed in a warm way and to receive an abundance of education from the very able presenters and groups representing the region. (Timothy W. Jones, Representative - District 89)

2008 Legislator Comments...

  • I enjoyed the opportunity to hear from my fellow Missourians about what great things are going on and just how important we keep that area of the Great State of Missouri thriving. I enjoyed listening and learning. Northwest Missouri appears like this wonderful place to live and raise a family. Kind of like back home where I live and raise my family. Thank you all so very much for your wonderful hospitality. I enjoyed the chance to visit with such wonderful people. State Representative Timothy G. Meadows, 101st District
  • I got to visit with the individual towns that were involved. This is one of the most well prepared events that I have had a chance to attend. State Representative Paul Quinn, 9th District

More Legislative Comments...

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2009 Event Plans

The 2009 Event will be held on February 3 and 4, 2009.
Monday, February 2nd - Pre-Event Dinner with Legislators (Issues Committee)
Tuesday, February 3rd - Main Event - Mardi Gras Theme
Wednesday, February 4th - Breakfast

The Co-Chairs for 2009 are Ann Schlueter (Rock Port) and Becky Cleveland (Brookfield).

2009 Tentative Itinerary... 

Tuesday, February 3rd

  • 8:00 am Steering Committee delivers Desktop Reminders
  • 9:45 am Community Delegation meets, State Capitol Third Floor, Southside of Rotunda, Near Staircase
  • 10:00 am Introduction of Delegation in the Senate
  • 10:45 am Introduction of Delegation in the House
  • 11:30 am Legislative Luncheon, Capitol Plaza Ballroom
  • 2:00 pm Community Visits with Legislators or Optional Tours
  • 3:30 pm Community Booth Set-up, Capitol Plaza Ballroom
  • 5-8:00 pm Great Northwest Celebration, Capitol Plaza Ballroom
    (Note: This is an adult event - No one under 21 will be allowed.)
      --Mardi Gras style, food, music, fun and entertainment
      --Community Booths
      --Music by Blue Orleans
      --Dinner Buffet

Wednesday, February 4th

  • 7:30-8:30 am Regional Breakfast/Legislative Briefing at 8:00 am, Capitol Plaza

All regional Delegates are invited to breakfast.

Participating Corporate Sponsors of the GNW Day Event:
Aquila, Citizens Bank & Trust, Heartland Health, MoKan,
Premium Standard Farms, Snyder & Associates, Touchstone Energy

Your Touchstone Energy Partner

Heartland Health
Aquila Citizens Bank & Trust
Mo-Kan... An Economic and Community Development Organization Snyder & Associates Premium Standard Farms

Become a Sponsor!

Visit our Archives page to see the great success of our prior events!

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Heartland Foundation... Leadership Northwest Missouri... Healthy Communities for the Midwestern Four Corners

For more information, contact:
Deb Powers, Director of Healthy Communities
Heartland Foundation
518 S. 6th Street, St. Joseph, MO 64501
Phone: 816-271-7185
Toll-Free: 1-800-447-1083
Fax: 816-271-7269

Email GNW

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