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| Today's Headlines |
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| INTRODUCTION |
St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley often refers to a famous quote from Charles Dickens’ book, A Tale of Two Cities to describe the economic conditions in St. Louis: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”
This brief but insightful quote reflects the economic climate we are experiencing in both St. Louis County and the nation. However, as our County leader has said in numerous talks, during downturns, it is up to us to discover ways to rejuvenate our economy.
People everywhere are worried about the stability of today’s job market, and creating and retaining jobs in St. Louis County remains top priorities. Although opportunities abound in good and bad times, St. Louis County sees today as an opportunity to create a stronger and better region.
And we are on our way. Over the last month, St. Louis County has enjoyed success in health sciences and company expansions through Covidien, Seiler and BRDG Park. Each of these quality companies celebrated continued growth, creating new, high-paying jobs in industries that are vital to the region’s long-term viability. These successes also showcase regional partnerships, demonstrating a keen awareness by the County and its communities to forge ahead in creating an atmosphere of growth.
Whether you believe that this is the “best of times” or “worst of times,” it is clear that growth cannot occur by simply pondering our condition or sitting on the sidelines. It is the focus and mission of County Executive Charlie Dooley and St. Louis County Economic Council to solidify the County as the economic engine of the State of Missouri and create a momentum that soon will return our economy to the best of times.
Denny Coleman, CEcD, FM
President and CEO |
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| COVIDIEN ADDS TO “HEALTHY” BUSINESS CLIMATE IN COUNTY |
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Pictured from left to right: Ralph Heasley, vice president, Platform Development and Technology, Covidien; Michael Giuliani, vice president, Research and Development, Covidien; Governor Jay Nixon; Timothy R. Wright, president, Pharmaceutical Products and Imaging Solutions, Covidien; St. Louis County Executive Charlie A.Dooley; and Stephen Littlejohn, vice president, Communications, Covidien) |
Covidien, a global healthcare products leader, recently hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the 16,000 square-foot-addition to its Webster Groves Technical Center.
Tim Wright, president of Pharmaceutical Products and Imaging Solutions, welcomed a large gathering to showcase Covidien’s state-of-the-art 83,000-square-foot facility.
“This $30 million investment reinforces Covidien’s focus to be a global leader dedicated to research and product development,” Wright stated.
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon attended the ribbon cutting, stating Covidien is a key industry leader for Missouri and an important investment for both the St. Louis region and the state.
St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley also acknowledged Covidien for its investment and commitment to St. Louis County
“Covidien epitomizes economic development in St. Louis County,” Dooley said. “Not only is it providing high-paying jobs in Webster Groves, but Covidien continues to grow in our community with another expansion planned for its Maryland Heights facility.”
Covidien employs nearly 1,500 people in St. Louis County and approximately 2,800 in Missouri. As a company dedicated to research and development, Covidien is a leading manufacturer of medical devices and supplies, diagnostic imaging agents and pharmaceuticals. |
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| BRDG PARK CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING |
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Local dignataries cut the ribbon for the new BRDG Park Building I. |
June 16, BioResearch and Development Growth (BRDG) Park at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in Creve Coeur enthusiastically opened the first of three buildings on the BRDG Park campus.
On hand to celebrate the milestone event was St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley; Dr. William H. Danforth, chairman of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center; Vicki Gonzalez, president and CEO of the Nidus Center for Scientific Enterprise; Dr. Zelema Harris, chancellor of St. Louis Community College; Creve Coeur Mayor Harold Dielmann; and James R. Berens, president of Wexford Science+Technology, a privately held real estate development and investment company and BRDG Park partner.
Sam Fiorello, BRDG Park president, hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony, noting that the new building marks an historic moment for the St. Louis region in its pursuit to become a dominant player in the plant and life sciences industry.
Building I, which is already 60 percent leased, is a four-story, 110,000-square-foot complex featuring state-of-the-art wet labs and office space. Monsanto, the NIDUS Center, Divergence, and St. Louis Community College are leasing space in the new building
 The Park has been developed for plant and life sciences and clean-tech companies from incubation to post-incubation stages. It is specifically designed to support the needs of emerging life science companies and positioned to help tenant companies "bridge" the transition from innovative ideas to commercial success.
One of the most unique features of Building I is the classroom and laboratory space that distinguishes BRDG Park as one of the only research parks to have an on-site, bio-tech workforce development and training program. St. Louis Community College’s Center for Plant and Life Sciences bio-technician training program, which has been recognized for excellence by the Missouri Biotechnology Organization (MOBIO), will create unlimited and innovative opportunities for collaborations between academia and industry.
BRDG Park’s location on the Danforth Center’s campus facilitates access to the intellectual capital of top scientists as well as to greenhouse, growth chambers, microscopy and proteomics facilities, and other vital resources. |
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| NORTH COUNTY INC HONORS LOCAL LEADERS AT ANNUAL BREAKFAST |
 North County Incorporated (NCI), a regional development organization, recently hosted its 32nd Annual Breakfast. Hundreds of businesses, civic and community leaders attended to celebrate the achievements throughout the North County area.
NCI recognized a number of individuals for their commitment to making North St. Louis County an attractive place for both residents and businesses.
“We are so proud of all our award recipients,” said NCI Executive Director Rebecca Zoll. “These awards pale in comparison to the numerous benefits these leaders bring to North County.”
Mayor Virginia Bira of Vinita Park is an example of one of the deserving honorees. Bira has served as mayor of the North County community since 1984 and spearheaded efforts to develop the first completely handicapped accessible park in St. Louis County. In recognition of her work, the city named the park Bira Park.
In addition, Bira has led initiatives to improve economic development in Vinita Park and is a strong supporter of the Great Rivers Greenway initiative.
Established in 1977, North County Inc serves as a catalyst to define and advocate economic and community development for North St. Louis County. |
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| SEILER SEES BRIGHT FUTURE WITH NEW FACILITY |
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St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley congratulates officials from Seiler for their expanded headquarters and manufacturing center. |
Seiler Instrument, a leading producer of fire control equipment and distributor of surveying equipment, recently held a ribbon cutting for its new 148,000-square-foot headquarters and manufacturing plant.
Local government officials joined Missouri Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder and St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley in honoring the company for its investment in the area. Seiler combined operations and relocated its new facility to unincorporated St. Louis County. The company currently employs approximately 200 people and plans to add 40 manufacturing jobs in Missouri over the next five years.
Company President Rick Seiler welcomed a large crowd to the event and expressed the company’s excitement over its new building.
“Our new facility is a testament to both our outstanding workforce and customer base.” Seiler noted.
He also complimented the State of Missouri and St. Louis County for their assistance in helping the company expand its operations.
“A key decision factor was the ability to acquire Missouri Quality Jobs incentives from the state and Chapter 100 bonds from St. Louis County.” Seiler added. “We sincerely appreciate the partnership of both entities and their support for small business.”
County Executive Dooley congratulated the company for its success.
“St. Louis County is proud to be home for such a quality, high-tech company like Seiler,” Dooley said. “This state-of-the-art facility represents the excellence of Seiler’s management team and workforce.”
Established in 1945, Eric H. Seiler was trained in Jena, Germany in the manufacturing of optical instruments and received a Master of Fine Optics education at the Zeiss Company. Since its founding, four generations of Seilers have worked for the company. |
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| MAPLEWOOD UNVEILS NEW WEB SITE |
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 The City of Maplewood recently unveiled its new user-friendly Web site, providing interested parties with up-to-date information about government information and community events.
“Maplewood’s new Web site provides numerous possibilities for connecting citizens directly to city services without having to drive to City Hall or use paper to complete a form. Businesses benefit, too, as everything is at their fingertips,” said Community Development Director Rachelle L’Ecuyer.
City officials wanted a user-friendly site with both corporate and grass-roots appeal.
“Launching the Web site required a lot of input from department heads,” City Manager Marty Corcoran said, “Our Web site will enable us to minimize paper use and help our residents and business owners save time. It is user friendly with easy access to our departments and important city information.” |
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| ST. LOUIS ENTERPRISE CENTERS TO HOLD SOUTH COUNTY OPEN HOUSE |
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 Research shows new businesses that utilize a business incubator greatly increase their likelihood not just to survive but flourish. Like infants, startups benefit from the support of a nurturing environment and strong support system such as St. Louis Enterprise Centers.
Because seeing is believing, the Enterprise Centers will host an open house, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 15 inviting new businesses to visit its South County Enterprise Center at 315 Lemay Ferry Road location and learn about how their company can benefit from its support services and office space at affordable, below-market rates. Prospects also will have the opportunity to tour the Enterprise Center and meet current incubator tenants.
 Currently, more than 60 emerging companies call St. Louis Enterprise Centers home. These firms represent remarkable diversity and growth, with existing and graduate companies generating more than $160 million in revenue and providing over 716 jobs, according to a 2007 study conducted by St. Louis County Economic Council.
As a nationally recognized leader in small business incubation, the St. Louis Enterprise Centers provide entrepreneurs with affordable office and warehouse space, shared support services, access to expert mentors, professional seminars, and valuable networking opportunities. Managed by St. Louis County Economic Council, the Enterprise Centers include four state-of-the-art facilities: Midtown, South County, Wellston, and West County. |
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| ST. LOUIS COUNTY HEADLINES |
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