Missouri Governor Jay Nixon Meets with Owners of Parameter Security

To discuss the state of the economy and creation of Missouri jobs through small business expansion

(January 13, 2009) Jefferson City, MO – Owners of Parameter Security, Renee & Dave Chronister, were among the select few Missouri business owners invited to meet with Jay Nixon immediately following his inauguration. 

During his first gubernatorial meeting, Nixon met with business owners in the governor's second floor office. Recognizing the solution to this economic crisis won’t come from Washington but rather from small business owners right here in the state, Governor Nixon listened more than he spoke. 

Each business owner was given an opportunity to express how the state can best help grow their business. Additionally, three distinct recurring topics were discussed as a group: access to capital, employee training and operations expansion within the state of Missouri.

Halfway through the meeting, reporters were allowed to observe. Nixon capped the meeting by reiterating his intent to focus on economic development and did not take questions from the press. However, the Associated Press interviewed Dave Chronister about his thoughts on the meeting and the Governor’s interest in small business development.

Source: Chris Blank / Associated Press

Dave Chronister, co-owner of a St. Peters computer security firm, said that he was asked by Nixon's office to attend. Chronister said the meeting focused on ways the state can help existing Missouri businesses.

"When you have the ear of the governor, you show up," he said.

Chronister's business — co-owned by his wife, Renee Chronister, and called Parameter Security — checks the security of business' computer networks by imitating malevolent hackers.

Chronister said his company's primary concern is finding a highly skilled work force. He said the best thing Nixon could do to ensure that is to keep taxes low and make Missouri a more desirable place to live.

For the complete AP news story, click here.