NEMR's CEO, Michele Gillespie, is pictured with lawmakers and others representing Sullivan County during Great Northwest Days at the Capitol. The event brings residents from the 19-county region of Northwest Missouri, including multiple communities and representatives from business, education, healthcare, and government, to Jefferson City to educate legislators on Northwest Missouri counties and to discuss issues that are critical to the region. Gillespie talked with Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe, State Representatives Danny Busick and Greg Sharpe, and Missouri Senators Cindy O'Laughlin and Rusty Black. One key issue this year was infrastructure — a topic essential to the health and wealth of the region. Lawmakers were encouraged to invest in the rural region's roads, bridges, water and wastewater projects as well as broadband to connect the region to the state and the world. Other topics included education, workforce development, and community improvement. Learn more about Great Northwest Days at www.greatnorthwestday.com.