Siouxland Magazine - Volume 3 Issue 4

Tri-State Governors’ Conference
By Barbara Sloniker
The Siouxland Chamber of Commerce will host
the 17th Tri-State Governors’ Conference at the
South Sioux City Marriott Riverfront in South
Sioux City, Nebraska, on July 12, 2021. This event,
which began in 1988, brings together the Governors of
Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota to discuss regional
issues affecting all three states. The location of the event
rotates among the three states.
At the first Conference, the Governors executed the
Economic Development Cooperation Agreement of
1988. Through this agreement, the three states committed
to a recognition of the area as a single economic entity,
that its prosperity is a goal common to each state as well
as residents, and that local and state/local partnerships
must be fostered in support of the common goal. The
goal of establishing a positive, cooperative spirit where
geographic boundaries give way to a like-minded desire
to maximize the quality of life for all Siouxland residents
still exists today.
There have been various regional issues discussed at the
conferences during the past 30 years, including housing,
workforce, Missouri River Management, transportation
infrastructure, education, public safety, Tri-State Drug
Task Force, placemaking, broadband, college and career
readiness, and regional economic development. While
our region has enjoyed great success the last decade, and
all three states have received high national rankings in many
categories, there is still more to do. With unemployment
remaining at unprecedented lows, the workforce will once
again be the top issue.
This year we welcome Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts as
the host, participating in his 4th conference. We also welcome
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds to her 3rd conference and
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to her 2nd conference.
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn about
each Governor’s experience of leading their respective
states through a global pandemic.
Though Siouxland is a much different region than that
existing in 1988, the need for interstate cooperation remains
critical to realizing our community’s full potential. Tri-state
cooperation has served us well in our response to economic
challenges locally and globally the past decade, including
the threat posed by the historic Missouri River flooding
during the summer of 2011 and the COVID-19 pandemic
over the past year. It will most certainly guide our recovery
for the common benefit of all the residents of Siouxland.
Together, We Are Stronger.
Mark your calendar and plan to attend the 17th Tri-State
Governors’ Conference on July 12, 2021.
Barbara Sloniker, Executive Vice President, Siouxland
Chamber of Commerce.
Siouxland Magazine | Grow/27