Nixon to speak at Chamber Banquet

Governor Jay Nixon will be the keynote speaker for the annual Kennett Chamber of Commerce membership banquet. [Click to enlarge]

Kennett Chamber of Commerce President Joe Stillman recently announced that Governor Jeremiah (Jay) Nixon will be the keynote speaker at the annual Chamber Membership Banquet.

Nixon is a native of the small town of DeSoto, Mo., and was raised in a family of public servants, according to his biography.

His mother, the late Betty Wilson Nixon, was a teacher and served as president of the local school board. His father, Jerry Nixon, was elected Mayor of DeSoto and was a police judge for the community.

Growing up in a home with these strong examples, Nixon has said that he learned at a young age that faith and family come first and giving back to the community comes next. That's the simple philosophy that has guided Nixon throughout his career in public service, the biography informs.

In his career, Nixon has practiced as an attorney, served as a Missouri State Senator, served as the Missouri Attorney General, and currently serves as Governor for the state of Missouri.

"We are pleased that Governor Nixon will be here," Stillman said. "We look forward to having the opportunity to showcase our community to him."

Nixon will be joined by Chief of Staff John Watson, who is a Kennett native.

The banquet will be held on Monday, March 30, at the American Legion building in Kennett. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. If a business is celebrating an anniversary in multiples of 5 only, (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, etc.), contact the chamber no later than Friday, March 27, so recognition can be given during the banquet.

Tickets for the event are $30 per person and the chamber will once again accept reserved seating for businesses, industry, and small groups. Tables can be reserved in multiples of six (6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36). Individual seating will also be available for the event.

For reservations or additional information contact the Kennett Chamber of Commerce at (573) 888-5828, or by e-mail at info@kennettmo.com.