We join Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe this week in reminding Missourians to “Buy Missouri” products.
As a senator, Kehoe sponsored successful legislation establishing this week, Oct. 13-20, as Buy Missouri Week.
Here in Jefferson City, you can find products that are mass produced locally by companies such as Unilever or made in smaller batches, such as the barbecue rubs and sauces made by Lutz’s BBQ.
Just a few miles down the road, many of the vendors at this past weekend’s Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival were selling Missouri-made crafts, plus food ranging from salsa to honey to beef sticks.
This week, Kehoe is visiting Cole, Boone, Marion, Lewis, Adair, Caldwell, Johnson, Pettis, St. Louis and Cape Girardeau counties during the inaugural Buy Missouri Week.
“I look forward to traveling throughout the state to highlight Missouri businesses and Missouri-made products,” Kehoe said in a statement. “Purchasing from Missouri manufacturers supports our state’s economy, but more importantly, it supports our friends and neighbors who work at these companies.
“Given the large variety of products made within our borders, and given the desire of many to support their local economy, I look forward to Buy Missouri Week raising awareness of Missouri-made products and motivating many to Buy Missouri both next week and well into the future.”
Gov. Mike Parson said in a statement: “Missouri produces hundreds of quality products, yet most Missourians do not know they are made within our borders.
“The Buy Missouri program is intended to give much-needed recognition to these products.”
Parson is right. How many people realize that the Wind Willow, the popular dip mix, or Blues Hog, the barbecue sauce used by many competitive cooks on the pro circuit, are made here in the Show-Me State?
The buymissouri.net website lists promotions offered by Missouri companies to celebrate “Buy Missouri” week. So far, only a Warrensburg business is listed. We hope the week continues to gain traction next year, with many of our area businesses joining in to offer their own promotions.
News Tribune