In many ways, Missouri State Fair Marketing employees Melba Merrick and Cierra Monsees both understand the meaning of “Come Home,” the 2017 Missouri State Fair theme.
Merrick can relate as she is nearing the completion of her employment in the office, but has plans to return often to the workplace she has called home for 20 years.
Monsees, who is in her first year as a full-time staff member, also has a sense of coming home as she interned at the State Fair last year and now looks forward each day to the challenges her new work home presents.
Merrick, like Monsees, didn’t start out as a full-time employee in the marketing department.
“I started as a Green Thumb Worker in October of 1997,” Merrick explained. “Green Thumb is an organization that trains older adults in the marketplace, which then helps them to get hired and that’s how I got my job here.
“I started working part-time for the fair a year later,” she added. “I became a full-time employee in 2007.”
A graduate of Smith-Cotton High School in 1956, Merrick said she wanted to stay at home and raise her children before seeking full-time employment outside the home.
The owner of The World of life Bookstore in Sedalia, Merrick took some marketing classes at State Fair Community College. When the opening occurred at the state fair she thought it would be a perfect fit.
“I always enjoyed coming to the fair with my family when my children were growing up,” Merrick said. “So when the job opportunity presented itself I thought it would be a perfect fit.
“I always enjoyed seeing all the people come to the fair, they always had a good time,” she continued.
The enjoyment of eating all the fudge she can during the fair as an added bonus, she said with a smile.
That is somewhat difficult to do considering the number of responsibilities she has as an office support assistant for the marketing department.
In charge of routine correspondence, the supply inventory, maintenance of records, group sale coordination, mailings and helping to coordinate the director’s tent, VIP tent and other special events, Merrick was also in charge of scheduling the flyovers from Whiteman for the opening day parade until those were cut due to military budget restrictions.
“I have had the privilege of working alongside Melba for 10 years now,” Marketing Director Kari Mergen said. “She’s one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met and her dedication to the fair is without question.”
Mergen added that it will be hard to find someone with her skill set — she’s a wiz with Microsoft Excel, but she is also eager to do the non-technology jobs like packing boxes, inventory and general office upkeep.
Merrick does have plans to return, spending time at the fair enjoying some of her favorite past-times including going through the horse and livestock barns and exhibits and the enjoyment of spending time with her family.
While Merrick enjoys her retirement, Monsees has plans to enjoy her new career.
“Growing up in the Sedalia area, I have always loved the state fair and I enjoyed my internship last summer so much,” Monsees said. “When I found out that a position in the marketing department was open, I was instantly relieved because not only did I get to come home to my family, I also got to come home to the Missouri State Fair.
A 2012 graduate of Smithton, Monsees attended SFCC for two years before transferring to Missouri State University in Springfield where she received her degree with a major in public relations and a minor in technical writing.
“In April of 2017 I started working at the State Fair,” Monsees explained. “I worked Fridays and Mondays, then drove back to Springfield for my school week.
“I graduated May 19 and began working full-time May 22,” she added. “There is never a boring day because something new is always happening and it’s definitely never boring.”
A public information specialist, Monsees is responsible for content management, digital marketing, event planning, graphic design, media relations, sponsor- and superintendent-related support and supervision of fair time staff, interns and photographers.
“Cierra started as my intern last year and did an outstanding job tackling the various roles she was assigned,” Mergen said. “She’s adjusted well to the demands of our department as a full-time staff member, juggling many projects and overseeing our summer interns. I’m excited to have her as a member of our team and to work with her to market future fairs.”
Monsees is quick to give credit to Mergen and her coworkers, who she describes as awesome and a great support in helping her learns the ropes.
Personal experiences at the fair has also contributed to her success.
“As a kid, of course my favorite part of the fair was riding the rides,” Monsees recalled. “As I grew older, I enjoyed coming to the fair with my mom and walking through all the buildings together just having girl times.
“When I lived in Springfield, the fair was the last chance I had to spend time with my friends from the area, so I really enjoyed myself spending time with them and having a good time together.”
For both women, the feeling of accomplishment in seeing the people who come to the fair each year having fun is their reason for being part of coming home to the fair.
