• INTRODUCTION
• ECONOMIC COUNCIL PARTNERS WITH ULI TO STUDY JAMESTOWN MALL
• SOUTH COUNTY ENTERPRISE CENTER GRADUATES THREE BUSINESSES
• ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OFFERED FOR LOCAL OFFICIALS
• DOUG RASMUSSEN REJOINS COUNCIL AS VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Graduation ceremonies are a way to congratulate and honor one’s achievement and level of success; and the St. Louis County Economic Council looks forward to honoring our St. Louis Enterprise Center entrepreneurs as they “graduate” from one of our four incubators and move into their own office location, usually within close proximity to the Enterprise Center.

The Economic Council has celebrated a number of graduations this past summer in both our Midtown and South County Enterprise Centers. Today’s newsletter showcases those businesses that have most recently graduated from our South County facility.

St. Louis Enterprise Centers’ over 60 client companies represent a wide variety of industry sectors including technology, child services, food preparation, and even the brewing of beer. However, all have served a vital role in creating a diverse economic base for the region through their growth and job creation.

Entrepreneurship powers our economy.  In fact, it is the region’s largest private industry employer, with nearly 90 percent of St. Louis’ businesses employing 20 or fewer. Small businesses are a key component to a strong and diversified economic environment.

We congratulate our entrepreneurs for their risk taking, following their passion and successfully maneuvering through the sometimes difficult path to profitability. Their vision and determination help make St. Louis County the “economic engine” for the region.

Denny Coleman, CEcD, FM
President and CEO

ULI will meet with key stakeholders, participate in panel discussions, tour the area, and prepare a comprehensive report.  They will host a public meeting 9 a.m., Friday, September 25 at the Shalom Church City of Peace in Florissant to announce their findings and recommendations.

Jamestown Mall, located close to the communities of Black Jack and Florissant, has experienced several years of decline with the loss of many stores, physical deterioration, waning rent and property tax assessments, among other problems.

St. Louis County Economic Council celebrated the graduation of three client companies from St. Louis Enterprise Centers – South County.

St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley recognized each small business owner for his/her accomplishment and success.

“Over 90 percent of the businesses in St. Louis County employ 25 people or less,” Dooley said. “This clearly reinforces that small business is big business for the region.”

Enterprise Center Vice President, Dennis Breite, noted that the three businesses represent success in various industry sectors.

“One of our graduates is involved in the technology industry, a second brews beer while a third sells and installs windows and doors,” Breite stated. “This is indicative of the endless possibilities for people who have the passion to make their dream of entrepreneurialism come true.”

South County Enterprise Center graduates include:

• E-Data Solutions, Inc. - offers a full range of business solutions that include marketing, online and content solutions.
• Hill Brewing Company - brewery and home of the Classic American Pilsner, an award-winning beer recipe.
• Windows America - offers products and installation for replacement windows, entry and patio doors, factory-certified siding, leaf-proofing, and guttering.

The South County Center, located at 315 Lemay Ferry Road, is among four small business incubators managed by St. Louis County Economic Council (Midtown, Wellston and West County). The Centers provide affordable office and warehouse space, shared support services, access to expert advice and mentors, and valuable networking opportunities.

Over the past several months, representatives from Saint Louis University, Urban Land Institute – St. Louis District Council and St. Louis County Economic Council have been finalizing the details of the Certificate Program in Economic Development for local government leaders and staff.

“There is a definite need for something like this in the region,” said Jerry Crylen, chairman of the Urban Land Institute – St. Louis District Council. “We are very excited to be a part of a program that will impact the region.”

The eight-course program offers four classes this fall and an additional four in spring 2010. Each focuses on helping communities better prepare for and sustain economic growth opportunities, addressing topics such as finance, planning and zoning, infrastructure development, marketing, incentives, and negotiations.

Denny Coleman, president and CEO for St. Louis County Economic Council stated the cooperative effort brings added value to the program.

“Having a partnership with ULI and Saint Louis University is one of the key components to the success of this program,” Coleman stated. “Both organizations are respected and recognized for their depth and impact on regional economic development issues.”

Bob Cropf, chair of the Public Policy Studies Department for Saint Louis University, said the certificate program is designed to provide long-term benefits for a variety of individuals involved in local government.

“We have structured the program for mayors, city council members, staff, committee members, and other interested parties,” Cropf said. “We are confident the substance of each course will address many economic issues professionals encounter.”

The first four-course session begins Thursday, October 1, 2009 with classes held every other week until November 12. The second session begins Thursday, February 4, 2010 and ends Thursday, March 18.  Classes will be held on the first floor training room of the World Trade Center, 121 S. Meramec Avenue in Clayton.

Rasmussen has extensive experience in business development in both the public and private sectors. As vice president, his responsibilities include generating business attraction, retention and expansion opportunities in St. Louis County and developing and implementing programs to assist new and existing companies grow and create jobs. He also will direct and supervise the activities of the Business Development Division. 
 
“I am extremely pleased Doug has rejoined our team,” said St. Louis County Economic Council President & CEO Denny Coleman. “He knows our organization and the business extremely well, and his recent experience in the private sector is an added benefit. I am confident he will enhance the County’s excellent environment for business and sustainable growth.”

“We have really enjoyed working with Doug on a daily basis at Green Street, and his contributions have been many. He will be a tremendous asset to St. Louis County Economic Council, and we look forward to working with Doug and the Economic Council for many years to come,” said Michael Clark, principal at Green Street Properties.