Economic Council Celebrates 25 Years, Receives Distinguished Accreditation
Contact: Nancy Schnoebelen
Vice President Marketing & Communications
(314) 615.7617; nschnoebelen@slcec.com
May 18, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Economic Council Celebrates 25 Years, Receives Distinguished Accreditation
Last week, St. Louis County Economic Council celebrated a record attendance at its 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting. Approximately 750 corporate executives, civic leaders, government officials, and small business owners packed the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton to help celebrate over two-and-a-half decades of economic development and success experienced by the County and its communities.
During the meeting, Jeff Finkle, president and CEO of the International Economic Development Council, recognized the Economic Council as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO), a distinguished status that signifies the professional excellence of economic development entities throughout North America.
The Economic Council is the only economic development agency in the State of Missouri to hold the esteemed accreditation and one of 23 other economic development organizations in the country.
"Receiving this accreditation was no easy task. The Economic Council went through an extensive, comprehensive evaluation process," said Finkle. "Its well-educated, talented staff has vast project management, real estate development and financial packaging expertise and has achieved success from start to finish working on complex public/private projects -- they are the go-to place when something needs to get done."
The milestone event also highlighted county economic development successes and its partnerships, recognizing and congratulating industries, communities and individuals who contributed in making St. Louis County the Economic Engine of the State of Missouri. Additionally, four organizations were honored for their efforts in helping to bolster the local economy:
- Monsanto - Business Expansion Award
- Midwest-China Hub Commission - Buzz Westfall Regional Cooperation Award
- Bio-Research and Development Park (BRDG Park) - Dr. William D. Phillips Technology Award
- Seventh Wave - Outstanding Entrepreneur Award (St. Louis Enterprise Center client)
About St. Louis County Economic Council:
Founded in 1984, the Economic Council provides innovative solutions to companies and communities through business development, financing programs, business incubator opportunities, real estate and community development programs, and international expertise through the World Trade Center Saint Louis.
###
