Celebrating 50 Years of Bringing Midwestern Governors Together

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) announced today that it will be holding a meeting in Des Moines on September 26, 2012 to celebrate its 50th anniversary of bringing governors together to work on public policy issues of significance to the region. The meeting, America's Smartland - Deploying the Midwest's Entrepreneurial Spirit, will celebrate the collective strengths of the region and will address how the Midwest can better showcase itself to other regions and countries.

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, current MGA Chair, will host the meeting as part of his agenda that focuses on promoting a positive Midwestern narrative. The Midwest is the crossroads for much of the nation's economic activity with a strong work ethic and climate for business and job growth that reflect a diverse mix of industries. Midwestern states are proud of their high-quality schools and colleges with tremendous research capabilities; a stand-out standard of living, which includes vibrant cities and towns, affordable housing, and cultural, recreational and sporting activities; incredible opportunities in agriculture and the biosciences; a robust freight industry and infrastructure; and four distinct seasons with breathtaking natural wonders.

"I am excited to welcome Midwesterners to Des Moines to take part in this 50th anniversary meeting of the MGA. The Midwest has a rich history and we can continue to build on our past strengths to ensure a promising future. I look forward to the discussions on the region's efforts to attract talent, leverage our competitive advantages, and nurture the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit," said Governor Branstad.

Jesse Heier, MGA executive director, said, "The Midwest has so many positive attributes to highlight, including the vast network of community colleges, our agricultural heritage, cutting-edge technologies in manufacturing and energy production, and is a great place to raise a family. In addition, our entrepreneurial spirit is one of our best kept secrets, which we intend to share at this meeting."

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the MGA is also sponsoring a video contest to reshape how others perceive the Midwest. This effort complements Governor Branstad's initiative and will help the world learn about the tremendous strengths of the region through the eyes of Midwesterners.

The meeting, which is open to the press and public, will be taking place at The World Food Prize's Hall of Laureates. For more information on the meeting and the video contest, visit www.midwesterngovernors.org/AmericasSmartland.htm.

The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) is a nonprofit, bipartisan organization that brings together the governors of the region to work cooperatively on agriculture, economic development and energy issues of importance to the Midwest. The current members of the MGA are Gov. Pat Quinn (Ill.),Gov. Mitch Daniels (Ind.), Gov. Terry Branstad (Iowa), Gov. Sam Brownback (Kansas), Gov. Rick Snyder (Mich.), Gov. Mark Dayton (Minn.), Gov. Jay Nixon (Mo.), Gov. John Kasich (Ohio) and Gov. Scott Walker (Wis.).