County Economic Council receives exclusive accreditation
St. Louis American
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 4:43 PM CDT
Last week, the St. Louis County Economic Council was recognized as the only Accredited Economic Development Organization in the state of Missouri and one of only 23 economic development organizations in the country.
"Receiving this accreditation was no easy task. The Economic Council went through an extensive, comprehensive evaluation process," said Jeff Finkle, president and CEO of the International Economic Development Council.
"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."
Mike Jones, senior policy advisor to County Executive Charlie A. Dooley, serves on the Board of Directors for the St. Louis County Economic Council. He said its success has roots in previous administrations ruled by both political parties.
"The Economic Council has been an exceptional, consistent agency for 25 years extending across four administrations, Democrat and Republican," Jones told The American.
"This accreditation is given to very few councils across the country, so to be given this level of accreditation is a tribute to Denny Coleman's leadership. It shows the commitment of county government to professional development and to growing a vibrant regional economy."
Denny Coleman is SLCEC president and CEO.
The council was recognized at its 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting on Friday. 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.
The milestone event highlighted county economic development successes and its partnerships, recognizing and congratulating industries, communities and individuals who contributed to development in the county.
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 (and St. Louis Enterprise Center client
