Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry celebrates 100th anniversary

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Chamber Of Commerce and Industry staff and state lawmakers gathered at the Capitol to celebrate the association’s 100th anniversary.

Over the past century, the chamber has grown to become the largest business association in the state, representing more than 75,000 employees statewide.

The chamber said earlier this week that in 2021, Missouri missed out on an estimated $1.35 billion annually, including a $280 million annual loss in tax revenue, due to child care issues.

The Chamber President and CEO Daniel Mehan said working to change the loss is a priority for the chamber.

"So we're trying to put programs in place and through the help of the people that we're here today to try to have the state step up and have incentives for employers and others to have childcare programs."

Gov. Mike Parson also issued a proclamation in honor of the anniversary.

The organization was founded on April 6, 1923, and was originally called “The Missouri Association for A Greater Missouri.”