WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) announced four finalists in its "America's Smartland: Let the Midwest Surprise You!" video contest. The video contest is part of Iowa Governor Terry Branstad's promotion of a positive Midwestern narrative during his tenure as MGA Chair. In addition to highlighting the strengths and unique qualities of the region, these finalists were chosen through a public voting period.
Finalists include :
"Flyover States" by Steve Muntz (Iowa)
"The Midwest" by Chris Wentzle (Ohio)
"The Midwest: America's Smartland" by Aaron Johnson (Minnesota)
"What is the Midwest" by Jerrod Roberts (Illinois)
To view these videos, click here.
"Congratulations to all of our region's talented filmmakers on the excellent videos they submitted that showcase why the Midwest is a great place to live, start a business, work, raise a family and get an education. These video finalists provide a wonderful narrative spanning the wide scope of the Midwest's collective strengths and the excellent character and skills of Midwesterners," said Branstad.
Jesse Heier, Executive Director of the MGA, said, "These videos are awesome! Thank you to all of those who submitted entries and voted for their favorites. I encourage any business, person or group that wants to promote the strengths of our region to post and share these videos."
The MGA's video contest, which was launched in May 2012, features submissions by Midwesterners that tell the Midwest's unique story. The goal of the video contest is to draw attention to the collective strengths of the Midwestern region and all it has to offer. 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, cultural recreational and sporting activities; incredible opportunities in agriculture and the biosciences; and four distinct seasons and breathtaking natural wonders.
The winning entry will be announced in February.
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The MGA is a nonprofit, bipartisan organization that brings together the governors of Midwestern states to work cooperatively on issues of importance to the region. 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.).
