Press Release

CONSUL GENERAL DIANO MEETS MISSOURI STATE AND BOONVILLE LOCAL OFFICIALS IN MISSOURI, 4 APRIL 2025

04 April 2025, Boonville, Missouri - The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, led by Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, met with Missouri State Representative Tim Taylor, Cooper County Presiding Commissioner George Monk, and Boonville Mayor Pro Tem Andrew Cowherd on 04 April 2025 at the City Hall in Boonville, Missouri. Joining the Consul General were Consul Ma. Theresa Alders and Mr. Richard Osea. The meeting was facilitated by Ms. Aniceta Alvizo, National Trustee of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA).

Consulate Officials pose with State and local Officials (L-R: Mr. Richard Osea, Commissioner George Monk, Ms. Anecita Alvizo, Consul Ma. Theresa Alders, Consul General Melanie Rita Diano, Boonville Mayor Pro Tem Andrew Cowherd, Ms. Teresa Studley, State Representative Tim Taylor) (ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF RICHARD OSEA)

The three officials provided an overview of Boonville, with a population of about 9,000 and a relatively young median age (at 39 years). It is part of Cooper County and is the county seat. It is primarily an agricultural county producing soy beans and corn.

The group intently listens to Ms. Aniceta Alvizo

The Consul General introduced the work of the PH Consulate General in Chicago and expressed hope for stronger relations between Philippines and Missouri. She also invited the three officials to join the 2025 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour.END

Consul General Melanie Rita Diano (right) poses with Missouri State Representative Tim Taylor (left)

Consul General Melanie Rita Diano (right) poses with Cooper County Presiding commissioner George Monk (left)

Consul General Melanie Rita Diano (right) poses with Boonville, MO Mayor Pro Tem Andrew Cowherd (left)