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Today's Headlines |
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| INTRODUCTION |
In mid-March, I served on a panel providing consultative services to the leaders of New Orleans in order to help them create a sustainable economic development organization. The program, sponsored by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), was one of many efforts by our profession to help the greater New Orleans area recover from hurricane Katrina.
The devastation that continues to exist in New Orleans it is something one has to truly see to believe. At the same time, the resiliency and perseverance of the people, as well as their business, civic and political leadership is remarkable!
St. Louis always has been my home and so I carry a deep affection for it; but our recent meetings with New Orleans leaders has heightened my admiration for St. Louis and the numerous ways the St. Louis County Economic Council (SLCEC) touches people’s lives.
Our multi-faceted organization far exceeds the prototypical economic development agency. Like other similar organizations, SLCEC is focused on recruiting and retaining industry; we even operate a variety of loan programs as others also do. However, there very few, if any, organizations that provide services for real estate assemblage, land reclamation, international development, business incubation and community development – all under one roof as SLCEC does. Representatives from New Orleans were amazed that a single agency, like the St. Louis County Economic Council, could provide assistance under so many venues.
The St. Louis metropolitan region has had its fair share of tragedies and economic upheavals. From significant plant closings and the bursting of the technology bubble to major floods through our communities, all have felt some level of devastation.
However, after losing one-third of its population, New Orleans has experienced numerous employers leave with the prospect of never returning. This force, which continues to wreak unimaginable havoc on their local economy, puts into perspective that the troubles faced here can be overcome.
We hope New Orleans and its people can experience the same feeling of renewal ...and soon!
Denny Coleman
President and CEO
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| PANATTONI TO DEVELOP FORMER HAZELWOOD FORD PLANT SITE |
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Officials with Panattoni Development and the City of Hazelwood have announced the company will purchase and redevelop the former Hazelwood Ford plant site. Company officials anticipate the agreement will be finalized later this spring.
Panattoni plans to develop the 155-acre site into an mixed-use project consisting of commercial, logistics, and light industrial, which could eventually result in an 11-building, 2.6-million-square-foot commercial and industrial complex.
“We have worked with Hazelwood and Panattoni on this and a variety of other separate projects and are confident we will achieve results that everyone will be happy with,” said Steve Anderson, vice president for business development at SLCEC.
Economic Council President and CEO Denny Coleman expressed excitement over the news.
“One of County Executive Charlie Dooley’s top priorities is the creation of good jobs and corporate investment in the region,” Coleman said. “This project will meet both of those standards.
“The Economic Council will work with Panattoni and the city of Hazelwood to aggressively market this area,” Coleman added. |
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| FORTUNE MAGAZINE RECOGNIZES FOUR ST. LOUIS COUNTY INDUSTRIES |
 Four St. Louis County based corporations were recently listed by Fortune Magazine as members of the country's 317 most admired companies.
Emerson Electric, Energizer Holdings, Express Scripts, and Graybar Electric received special recognition for leadership in their respective industry sectors.
A survey commissioned by the magazine rated the industries on eight criteria ranging from investment value to social responsibility. Fortune then published a listing of the top companies by category and an overall top 20. To appear on the most admired list, a company must have scored in the top half of its industry survey.
According to the magazine the four companies were rated in the following manner:
Emerson Electric: second in the electronics industry category
Energizer Holdings: fourth in the household products industry category
Express Scripts: fourth in the health care pharmacy and other services industry category
Graybar: first in the wholesalers diversified industry category
Two other St. Louis regional industries noted in the article were Anheuser-Busch and Peabody Energy. |
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| BREITE NAMED VICE PRESIDENT FOR SLCEC ENTERPRISE CENTERS |
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St. Louis County Economic Council (SLCEC) President and CEO Denny Coleman announced Dennis V. Breite as the new Vice President of the St. Louis Enterprise Centers. Breite will oversee operations of SLCEC’s four enterprise centers and lead the recruiting efforts for new client companies. He also will develop and execute special programs to ensure successful entrepreneurial growth.
“I am extremely pleased Dennis has joined our team,” said Coleman. “He has a wealth of experience in the private sector and brings innovative ideas to this important position. His solid leadership abilities and strong financial background will facilitate the best solutions to the overall operations of the Enterprise Centers.”
Breite has a Master of Business Administration in finance from Saint Louis University and Bachelor of Science-Business Administration in accounting from University of Missouri-St. Louis. He also is a graduate of the Stanford Financial Management Executive Program. Former work experience includes executive positions at Mallinckrodt, Graybar Electric, and Washington University School of Medicine. Breite is a member of the Financial Executives Institute and the board treasurer of the World Bird Sanctuary.
SLCEC provides new and growing businesses with affordable space, support services, access to mentors, and valuable networking opportunities through its four centers in Midtown, South County, West County, and Wellston. |
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| MISSOURI RATED 17TH BEST ECONOMY |
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 The State of Missouri is considered to have the country's 17th best economy, according to the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).
The organization, touting itself as one of the nation's largest nonpartisan individual membership organization of state legislators, ranked the economic competitiveness of all fifty states.
Officially titled, “Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index,” the report gave Missouri high marks for having low business and property taxes along with a lack of an inheritance tax. The organization also gave the state good ratings on other significant criteria such as worker’s compensation costs, minimum wage and the size of state government.
Sixteen criteria were used in creating the ranking system ranging from the state’s legal system to taxes. |
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| COMMUNITY PROFILES: NORMANDY, ROCK HILL AND ELLISVILLE |
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 Normandy – J.B.C (Charles) Lucas originally settled the land naming it after the homeland of his father – Normandy, France. This North County community of over 5,200 residents boasts some of the most historic homes in the region.
The City of Normandy also is home to the University of Missouri – St. Louis, which serves as a major educational anchor for the metropolitan area as well as a significant employer.
“Cooperating with our neighboring communities is a vital part of our mission,” said Normandy Mayor Jim Murphy. “Natural Bridge Road is a vital transportation artery for a number of our municipalities so maintaining it to high standards is a priority for us.
"One of the more exciting things is our new streetscape that will be coming to Normandy,” Murphy added. “We are working with East-West Gateway, UMSL and North County Inc. to give this a look and feel everyone will be proud of.”
 Rock Hill – Incorporated in 1934, Rock Hill was named by a Presbyterian minister for the two steep and rocky hills he encountered while traveling to celebrate the founding of the community’s church.
Rock Hill — with a population of over 4,700 residents — has begun to see strong growth in the retail sector.
“Our proximity makes Rock Hill a great location for retail,” said Mayor Julie Morgan. “Manchester Road is a major street that cuts right through our community. We also are close to other major thoroughfares like Highway 40, Interstate 44, Hanley Road, and Lindbergh Boulevard.”
Another special feature of the community is that it is home to five parks, which provide ample recreational opportunities for families.
“Rock Hill has a very exciting future when you look at our growth and the family friendly nature of our community,” Morgan said.
 Ellisville – Located in the heart of West St. Louis County, the City of Ellisville is home to approximately 9,104 residents.
Incorporated in 1932, this picturesque community has been awarded the National Arbor Day Foundation's designation of "Tree City USA" for 28 consecutive years, which is the longest consecutive streak in the State of Missouri.
“The Tree City USA designation is one of many things that make Ellisville so special,” stated Mayor Matt Pirrello. “With eight parks totaling 230 acres and approximately five miles of multi-use trails throughout the City, Ellisville offers a very unique outdoor recreational experience. The City also offers programs throughout the summer including weekly concerts at the outdoor amphitheater, and they are currently constructing a new state-of-the-art aquatics facility."
The City of Ellisville combines a well-balanced mix of residential and commercial development within a thriving region. Ellisville boasts the most extensive residential services and amenities in West St. Louis County. With more than 550 current businesses, Ellisville offers the opportunity, climate and outstanding demographics to support additional commercial development. |
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| ST. LOUIS COUNTY HEADLINES |
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