Missouri governor lauds state's successes during World Cup: 'Missouri can deliver on the global stage'
With Kansas City still coming off its World Cup high, local and state leaders are taking a look at the triumphs of the tournament.
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe shared his highlights, compiling strategy and security successes.
"The World Cup brought the world to Kansas City, providing an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Missouri as an incredible state to visit, live, work and invest," Kehoe said. "Missouri's internationally recognized success was the result of years of planning, the warmth and welcoming spirit of our citizens, and the collaboration of many partners. The entire state made the most of this historic opportunity, proving that Missouri can deliver on the global stage."
Kehoe said the state invested more than $108 million in its safety efforts throughout the World Cup.
Multiple state and local agencies were involved in security measures throughout Kansas City's World Cup hosting stretch.
The Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team treated 277 patients over 20 days at the FIFA Fan Festival and Kansas City Stadium.
More than 80 law enforcement agencies from Missouri and six other states helped the Kansas City Police Department with security and safety.
Over 140 staff members from more than 15 federal, state and volunteer agencies worked and provided support at the State Emergency Operations Center.
Kehoe also noted that police and first responders showed great professionalism in their ability to also manage the Butler, Missouri, plane crash that claimed the lives of 12 people and unprecedented flash flooding, all while ensuring tournament happenings in the metro stayed safe.
"To every local, state, and federal first responder and law enforcement officer, citizen-soldier, and state agency team member who contributed to the safety and success of hosting events of this magnitude — thank you," Kehoe said. "By working together toward a common mission, you showed the world the professionalism and excellence of our public safety and emergency management teams."
Along with security wins, Kehoe said being a host city to four countries, with several others visiting for matches, helped strengthen international relations with countries like Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Argentina.
This "positioned Missouri as an innovative hub with a competitive cost of doing business, a strong skilled workforce and a high quality of life," the governor's office said.
"We didn't just welcome soccer fans to Missouri — we welcomed global business and government leaders," Kehoe said. "When visiting with companies, we made it clear that Missouri's skilled workforce, central location and pro-business climate make our state the ideal place to invest and grow a business."
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