 |
|
Today's Headlines |
|
| Introduction |
This time of year is when many of us give thanks for the many blessings we have received. Similarly, we in St. Louis County have much to be thankful for.
Over the past 12 months, SLCEC has accomplished its many goals and objectives. The business development division worked with a variety of high-quality companies that have either moved to St. Louis County or expanded their existing facilities. Our business finance division played a significant role in assisting with the capital needs of a large mix of companies in the region.
The Enterprise Centers demonstrated that the facilities’ resources and services have proven to be of great value to entrepreneurs, having “graduated” nearly a dozen of their client companies, and our real estate division continues to have a critical presence in the numerous economic development projects throughout St. Louis County.
Major initiatives also took place this year. Highway 40, the region’s main transportation artery, began a significant reconstruction that will pay great dividends to our surrounding area. Additionally, we recently hosted a first-ever meeting between St. Louis County and St. Charles County with the objective of bringing both groups closer together to strengthen and improve our economies.
With a strong 2007, 2008 shows no sign of slowing down. We are currently working with several companies that are on the precipice of making major new investments, and many of our business finance clients are anticipating record-setting years.
SLCEC also maintained solid relationships while generating new allies. If you haven’t done so, we invite you to learn more about our many important services and how we might be able to help your business better succeed.
Everyone at SLCEC wishes you a joyous holiday season with friends and family and a healthy and prosperous new year.
Denny Coleman
President and CEO |
|
|
| EXPRESS SCRIPTS, PINNACLE INCREASE ST. LOUIS COUNTY INVESTMENT |
Two major companies, who in the past year have either begun or completed significant projects in St. Louis County, recently announced an increase in their original investment.
 Express Scripts, one of the world’s largest pharmacy benefit companies, reported they will be constructing a second office building at it headquarters site on the campus of the University of Missouri-St. Louis across Interstate 70 from NorthPark.
The company, which held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new building in the spring of this year, will be building a $30 million office and parking garage complex. The new 181,000 square foot complex will be the home of an additional 900 employees.
 Officials from Pinnacle Entertainment, a leading gaming and entertainment company, have made plans to increase their original investment in Lemay.
The River City Casino and Hotel was scheduled to be a $300 million project; however, company officials will be upgrading their investment by 50% to $450 million.
Denny Coleman, President and CEO of the St. Louis County Economic Council praised both companies for their forward thinking vision.
“We knew both companies had plans for future expansion. However, these announcements came sooner than we anticipated,” Coleman stated. “It is clear Pinnacle and Express Scripts are making a significant and positive statement about investing in St. Louis County.” |
|
|
| ST. LOUIS COUNTY & ST. CHARLES COUNTY HOLD HISTORIC MEETING |
St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley and St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann recently made history as both leaders convened a joint session of both county councils.
The public meeting between the two groups was the first initiation for an open exchange of key issues including economic development, transportation, technology, and increased quality of life and how these two important Counties can work together in improving these objectives.
“I am very excited and pleased both St. Louis County and St. Charles County want to continue talks and form a partnership to grow and improve our economy and quality of life for our communities,” stated St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley. “This meeting is an important first step in bringing our Counties together.”
St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann shared similar sentiments. “Our two counties have a long history of successful cooperative ventures; I am pleased that we are combining our strengths for the benefit of the entire region,” stated Ehlmann.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to form an ad hoc committee consisting of two appointed council members and a staff member from each County. The special committee will meet quarterly, beginning in January 2008, to address issues and recommendations regarding economic opportunities and partnerships for the Counties to work and prosper together. |
|
| |
|
| COLLABORATIVE FOCUSING ON HOUSING RENOVATION |
The St. Louis Economic Development Collaborative, a special program formed in 2006 by County Executive Charlie A. Dooley, has begun the development of a new housing renovation program in St. Louis County.
The effort, based on a successful system implemented in Kansas City, is focused on updating older, out-dated housing that meet the needs of today’s homeowners.
“In mid-November, approximately 30 representatives from various cities, development allies, the Home Builders Association, real estate professionals, financial community, and other interested parties met at the Economic Council offices to create a structure for the County,” stated David Leezer, Vice President of the Economic Development Collaborative.
“This meeting resulted in the establishment of three active subcommittees that will put together a specific portion of the program, which the entire group will eventually meld together.”
SLCEC President and CEO Denny Coleman noted the importance of the joint-housing effort.
“Adequate housing is a prominent issue for many communities, because housing is a big part of what defines the very fabric of the region,” Coleman stated. “The cooperative spirit being generated from this effort is a clear example of County Executive Dooley’s vision for the collaborative.” |
|
|
| TIM NOWAK NAMED WORLD TRADE CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR |
| SLCEC President and CEC Denny Coleman announced that Tim Nowak has been named Executive Director of the World Trade Center Saint Louis.
Nowak, former director of international ophthalmic sales at Synergetics USA, Inc, brings an extensive background in business development and management and has significant working experience in Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and South America.
“I am very pleased Tim Nowak has joined us as our new executive director,” said Coleman. “He brings high energy and fresh ideas to boost trade relations and economic growth for St. Louis County, our region, and business community.”
Nowak stated he has high hopes for the newly merged entity. “This is truly an exciting time to be a part of the WTC team,” stated Nowak. “The combination of our strong board, proven staff, and clear strategy means the St. Louis region will have an even greater impact in the global marketplace.
Established in 1993, World Trade Center Saint Louis’ mission is to facilitate international business growth and enhance global competitive throughout the region, Missouri, and Southwest Illinois. The WTC is part of the World Trade Centers Association, an extensive global network of over 300 World Trade Centers with the goal of fostering peace and stability through trade. |
|
|
| SLCEC WINS TOP MARKETING AWARDS |
The St. Louis County Economic Council garnered four marketing awards at the recently completed Missouri Economic Development Council’s (MEDC), fall conference held in Columbia, MO. MEDC is a statewide, not-for-profit association of economic development professionals and community leaders. The mission of the organization is to serve as an authoritative voice in Missouri on economic development and related issues through an effective program of professional development, public policy, marketing, and communications.
“We have worked very hard at upgrading and improving our overall marketing strategy this year,” stated SLCEC Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Nancy Schnoebelen. “We appreciate MEDC is recognizing our efforts.”
SLCEC submitted applications for marketing awards in four different categories, and each submission, with over 60 other entries, received an award. SLCEC awards were recognized in the following categories: advertising; marketing through a direct mail campaign; promotional gifts; and special events.
Economic Council President Denny Coleman expressed excitement over winning the awards.
“The key to successful economic development marketing is to differentiate yourself while also maintaining a very high professional standard. Given the tremendous competition in each of these categories, I am pleased that our fellow economic developers deem our work to meet and exceed those standards,” Coleman stated. |
|
|
| COMMUNITY PROFILES: CHESTERFIELD, WEBSTER GROVES AND FERGUSON |
 Chesterfield - Incorporated in 1988 and covering approximately 32 square miles in suburban St. Louis County, the City of Chesterfield is recognized as one of the most vibrant communities in the region. The city takes great pride in creating the right mix of housing, retail, commercial and industry for the region’s citizens.
Chesterfield has recently hosted two major expansion announcements by Pfizer. The Fortune 500 pharmaceutical leader is undertaking two significant projects that will result in nearly $300 million of investment in its Chesterfield campus.
Chesterfield, however, is not recognized by Pfizer alone. The community has a diverse business environment made up of some of the most cutting edge industries in the nation. Companies like St. Luke’s Hospital, Amdocs, Rose International and Reliv, Inc. are just a few of the businesses located here. In addition, Dierbergs, one of the Midwest’s largest grocery stores calls Chesterfield its home.
“We are proud of the many new investments and expansion that Chesterfield has experienced over the years,” stated Mayor John Nations. “More importantly, we recognize that the benefit of these projects improves the entire region.”
Chesterfield is represented by two highly acclaimed public schools systems: Parkway and Rockwood. Both have received glowing marks by a number of national publications for their graduation rates, test scores and product offering.
 Webster Groves - Webster Groves' location on the Pacific Railroad line led to its development as a suburb. In 1892 the developers of Webster Park, an affluent community which would soon become the City Of Webster Groves, promoted the new community as the "Queen of the Suburbs," offering residents superb housing options in a country-like atmosphere, as well as a swift commute to downtown Saint Louis jobs.
Webster Groves is located in the heart of the St. Louis metropolitan region. With two interchanges on Interstate 44, easy access to Interstates 64/40, I70, 270, Webster Groves is within a 10-minute drive to downtown St. Louis, the Clayton CBD and West County.
Mayor Gerry Welch promotes the city as a community that embraces its past with a vision for tomorrow.
“Webster is a city that is known for its tree-lined streets, abundance of single-family homes, walkable neighborhoods, historic business districts and an active Parks and Recreation Department,” Mayor Welch stated. “However, our stable tax base and Triple A rated schools makes Webster Groves a perfect place for residential and business development.”
Webster Groves is home to the main campus of the international Webster University, and boasts the Loretto-Hilton Theatre, the Opera Theatre St. Louis, the Webster University Theatre, the St. Louis Repertory Theater, the Algonquin Golf Club, seventeen community parks and three bird sanctuaries among its many cultural amenities.
With multiple business districts and industrial parks, Webster Groves offers a variety of options for locating or expanding your business.
 Ferguson – An established suburb of over 22,000, Ferguson sits centrally located in North St. Louis County, nestled the I-270 corridor, just one mile east of Lambert International Airport and bound by three major interstates.
The City is flanked by two major higher education institutions, St. Louis Community College – Florissant Valley and University of Missouri – St. Louis. Ferguson also features major regional employers and world headquarters, and demonstrates a balance between historic, traditional retail/restaurant corridors and modern, suburban shopping malls and big box super-centers.
The area is preparing for the imminent construction of the new airport redevelopment, NorthPark , which will consist of 600 acres and 5.5 million square feet of office, manufacturing, and distribution facilities creating over 10,000 new jobs and having a $7 billion impact on the St. Louis economy.
“NorthPark is a turning point moment for the city and entire region,” states Mayor Brian Fletcher. “Its impacts on the bi-state area will pay great dividends.”
Ferguson officials are also excited about the city’s newly redesigned website. It offers up to date information on a variety of amenities that makes Ferguson a special retail, residential and business development.
|
|
|
| ST. LOUIS COUNTY HEADLINES |
|
| |
|
|
|
