Gov. Jay Nixon exhorted Northwest Missouri business leaders Thursday to join him in reviving the state's sagging economy.

Mr. Nixon used a St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce economic summit luncheon to speak on an economic resuscitation effort. The event, held at Missouri Western State University, drew dozens of local and area officials and Chamber members.

"We see this as a real key of our state," Mr. Nixon said of the St. Joseph area.

"We need you to be involved in every part of the process," he told the leaders. "Don't be shy. The effort of moving the economy in this state is not a spectator sport. It's a participant sport."

He referred to St. Joseph's ability to secure the Kansas City Chiefs' summer training camp as an exciting development. He noted the presence of officials in the audience involved in the process earlier this year.

"This is one of the win-wins worth noting," he said. "St. Joseph is creating a new destiny and a brighter, more prosperous future."

Missouri faces a challenging economic future, he added, but can use job creation, industry development and work force education to chart a new course. He acknowledged the state's lingering high unemployment rate as an obstacle.

"These are tough times for every employer and employee," Mr. Nixon said. He reminded the audience of an additional $204 million of budget cuts and almost 700 jobs trimmed to offset declining tax revenues.

"We're continually looking for more ways to do less," he said, citing reductions to office energy consumption and renegotiation of the state's contracts.

Efforts to stimulate the economy have also included eliminating a franchise tax on small businesses and phasing out a retirement tax on military veterans, according to Mr. Nixon.

"This responsible approach ... will help us turn this economy around," he said.

Missouri is in select company as one of seven states to maintain a AAA status with all major bond rating companies. Businesses that remain loyal to their state and host communities should be rewarded, Mr. Nixon said.

"I think you should get something on the scorecard," he told business leaders.

The potential for Missouri's growth remains "incredible," he said, and includes opportunities for St. Joseph's animal health industry.

"Companies like these will need more trained specialists," he said.

Teenagers can be taught about the economy's importance to their lives and "that a career is something you embrace, that gives you more power. All of us have to value education."

The state parks and trails system can be utilized to boost tourism through ticket sales, meals and motel bookings. Missouri park attendance has slipped over the past decade, Mr. Nixon said.

"I'm asking everyone in this state to help in this enterprise," he said, announcing a goal of 20 million park visitors annually. He singled out Lewis and Clark, Wallace and Big Lake parks in Northwest Missouri for the region's contribution to the cause.

Military veterans returning from overseas duty should at least be interviewed for jobs, Mr. Nixon said, due to the skills they learned while in the service.

Mr. Nixon also used the speech to announce the selection of David D. Kerr as the new director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Mr. Kerr is the former Kansas commerce secretary and must still be confirmed by the Missouri Senate.

The Chamber recognized a group of bio-manufacturing students for their educational achievements. Members also honored two businesses - USA 800 and Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. - for upcoming expansions.

Ray Scherer can be reached at rscherer@npgco.com.