Lt. Gov. Mike Parson stopped in Cape Girardeau Oct. 25 as part of a statewide tour to promote a new program to “Buy Missouri.”
“There are 130,000 businesses we know about in the state,” Parson said as he visited the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturers Council. “The purpose [of this program] is to make us, as consumers, aware of Missouri products. We want to make it easy to recognize products that are made in Missouri so consumers can choose them as they shop in their local stores.”
Products made in Missouri range from Burgers’ Smoke-house barbecue sauce to Diamond pet foods, from Quaker windows to Craftsman tools. Gilster Mary Lee produces 80 breakfast cereals. The local P&G plant manufactures Pampers diapers.
It’s hoped that stores will identify Missouri products by affixing a label on them that could be similar to the logo on the banner behind Parson in the photo (or some other design), or by placing a sign on store shelves next to Missouri products.
Parson said when you shop in Vermont, that state is very “in-your-face” in promoting its products. Everywhere there are signs “buy Vermont” on such products as berries, candy, soap, etc.
“It’s an outreach for you, as a customer, to start thinking about Missouri products,” said Ray McCarty, president of Associated Industries of Missouri. “We applaud the lieutenant governor,” he added. “Promoting Missou-ri’s businesses — there could-n’t be a better mission than that.”
“For us, it’s a win-win situation for Missouri,” Parson said.
The first step in this program is to make consumers aware that some products on the store shelves are made in Missouri.
A second phase will involve the manufacturing side. “Ray and his group will be very involved in it,” parson said.
A third phase will involve traveling around the state showcasing Missouri products.
Buying Missouri products benefits local companies that manufacture the products and Missouri employees that work in those companies, Parson said.
Parson was asked if there is a list compiled of Missouri products. “We’re developing it,” he said. “I don’t know what all is in your area,” he explained. “We’re reaching out to your Chamber.”
