Today's Headlines
- INTRODUCTION
- BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED
- PHYCAL ESTABLISHES ALGAE LAB AT BRDG PARK
- JEFFERSON BARRACKS PLAN EARNS AWARD
- DANFORTH CENTER HOSTS GLOBAL AG-TECH CONFERENCE
- NCI RECOGNIZES TWO ECONOMIC COUNCIL ACHIEVEMENTS
- ST. LOUIS COUNTY HEADLINES
INTRODUCTION
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Entrepreneurism has been a recent buzz in the media; however, it is not a new topic for St. Louis County, but rather an area of our economy where we place a lot of effort – and rightfully so! According to the United States Small Business Administration, privately owned companies are responsible for over 55 percent of all private-sector jobs, and locally, nearly 90 percent of all businesses have fewer than 25 employees and comprise the majority of the county’s jobs.
With such a strong influence on our economic climate, entrepreneurs should be the focus of our effort to make St. Louis competitive. In fact, the county has many programs, resources and initiatives helping our region and startups compete.
BOOST is a loan program providing funding for small business owners. Touted by The New York Times as an innovative approach to financing, BOOST provides small business owners with low-interest loans, offsetting the challenge of obtaining crucial funding.
The 2010 St. Louis Regional Business Plan Competition in partnership with Edward Jones promotes entrepreneurship and the development of startup and early-stage companies. Three top-winning businesses were awarded prize money totaling $100,000 and top-flight consulting and mentoring services.
The four St. Louis Enterprise Centers, and soon-to-be Helix Center, provide entrepreneurs with below market rate space within the nurturing environment of a small business incubator, where they have access to mentors, seminars and networking. The region is also home to BioResearch & Development Growth (BRDG) Park at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, which helps fledgling plant and life science companies emerge to commercial success.
And the support goes on: Special programs such as the Science of Entrepreneurship workshop, Ag Innovation Showcase and Global Agtech Investors Network (GAIN) help retain and attract a talented workforce and strengthen the region as a plant and life science hub.
It is the support and success of companies of all sizes that solidifies the county’s economy. Our home-grown Fortune 500s are expanding and creating jobs despite the downsizing of other national companies. Companies like Edward Jones, Express Scripts, Scottrade, Centene, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car provide high-paying jobs and local investment.
We are fortunate to have such a great talent pool and the remarkable resilience of our people who remain committed to St. Louis. We, in turn, must show our commitment to them. This approach will generate future Fortune-ranked companies and breed ground for innovation and growth.
Charlie A. Dooley
St. Louis County Executive
BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED
St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley, St. Louis County Economic Council President & CEO Denny Coleman and Edward Jones Managing Partner Jim Weddle announced the top three winners of the 2010 St. Louis Regional Business Plan Competition.
- First Place: Mobius Therapeutics LLC, recipient of a $50,000 cash prize and 30 hours of marketing, legal and accounting services.
- Second Place: Climb So iLL, Inc, recipient of $30,000 cash prize and 20 hours of marketing, legal and accounting services
- Third Place: Mindfull Games, recipient of $20,000 cash prize and 10 hours of marketing, legal and accounting services
The winning business plans were rewarded with monetary prize money provided by Edward Jones combined wtih top-flight consulting services from RubinBrown LLP, Thompson Coburn LLP, Fleishman-HIllard Inc, UHY Advisors MO Inc, Carmody MacDonald P.C., Brighton Agency Inc, LarsonAllen LLP, Armstrong Teasdale LLP, Standing Partnership Inc, and Innovate Venture Mentoring Services.
"It is energizing to see such a strong entrepreneurial spirit alive and well throughout the region. I want to congratulate each of the over 225 who submitted a business plan and encourage them to continue developing their ideas," said Dooley. "I especially congratulate the 30 semi-finalists, six finalists and three winners for putting together outstanding plans."
Weddle stated that Edward Jones was excited to be a part of this important effort. “Every company starts as a small business," said Weddle. "Edward Jones is proud to encourage and reward entrepreneurism, and this competition is a great way to accomplish that."
The competition was so successful that the Economic Council and Edward Jones will continue the competition over the next two years.
PHYCAL ESTABLISHES ALGAE LAB AT BRDG PARK
BioResearch & Development Growth (BRDG) Park has announced that Phycal LLC has leased 2,800 square feet for its algae biotechnology laboratory. The company researches and develops integrated production systems for growing algae and extracting energy product, primarily algal oil. This oil can be converted into biodiesel, drop-in "green" replacements for diesel and jet fuel, fuel oil blends, and other products.
"Although algal biofuels are still in the early stages of development, they hold great potential as an economic, secure and sustainable alternative to petroleum-based liquid fuels," said Kevin Berner, Phycal’s president and CEO. "Phycal intends to be at the forefront in developing algal biofuels."
Phycal chose BRDG Park for the biotechnology lab facility’s proximity to the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, the world’s largest independent plant science research institute. The Danforth Center is widely recognized as a global leader in biofuels research and plant biotechnology.
"Phycal is a perfect tenant for BRDG Park, because it is well-positioned to take advantage of the available research, resources and relationships through the Danforth Plant Science Center and other companies and organizations in St. Louis that have complementary technologies," said Sam Fiorello, BRDG Park president.
JEFFERSON BARRACKS PLAN EARNS AWARD
St. Louis County Economic Council recently earned an award from the American Planning Association for its Jefferson Barracks master plan. The plan outlines the redesign of the historic site, giving it greater appeal for local and national visitors.
The organization received the St. Louis Metro Section Plan Award for the Jefferson Barracks master plan, which was developed by Woolpert. The award, which recognizes the significant advancements of planning in the St. Louis metropolitan region, was determined by originality, quality, community support, and effectiveness of the plans.
"Jefferson Barracks is a key component to Lemay and south St. Louis County as well as the entire region," said Economic Council President & CEO Denny Coleman. "We appreciate the association’s recognition of our efforts to make Jefferson Barracks a greater experience for all visitors."
DANFORTH CENTER HOSTS GLOBAL AG-TECH CONFERENCE
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Dr. Donald Danforth and St. Louis County Economic Council President & CEO Denny Coleman at the 2010 Ag Innovation Showcase. |
As the leading global conference for entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and investors within the agricultural industry, the second annual Ag Innovation Showcase did not disappoint. Participants traveled to St. Louis County from all corners of the world to attend this highly anticipated and respected event to discuss industry trends in ag-bio, food and nutrition, biofuels, sustainable materials, clean-technology, information technology, and animal health.
It’s no wonder the St. Louis region played host to this world-renowned conference – the region is becoming increasingly acclaimed as a plant and life science hub and is the heartland of American agriculture. Also, the event’s venue, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, is the world’s largest independent plant science research institute.
Speakers, discussions, showcases and technology spanned an array of topics with special attention given to developing ideas and opportunities related to agriculture as a key component of solving long-term energy issues. The program also included presentations to investors and industry experts by the 15 winners of a global business plan competition, which represent the most promising businesses in the industry.
"As a prime relationship-building opportunity for entrepreneurs, companies and investors in the agriculture community, the Ag Innovation Showcase is designed to stimulate strategic deals, partnering opportunities and collaborative business ventures in the plant science and agriculture markets," said BRDG Park President Sam Fiorello.
NCI RECOGNIZES TWO ECONOMIC COUNCIL ACHIEVEMENTS
North County, Inc (NCI), a regional economic development organization supporting growth and investment in north St. Louis County, recently held its 33rd annual breakfast. The event gave NCI the opportunity to honor individuals, organizations and companies for their commitment to regional growth.
NCI recognized St. Louis County Economic Council for two projects that are significantly impacting North County: National Archives and Record Administration (NARA) and Express Scripts.
The NARA Project Partnership was awarded the Business Development Award for its efforts in retaining the records center and its support in building a state-of-the-art facility along Interstate 270. NARA Project Partnership consists of: St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley, United States Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond, U.S. Congressman William “Lacy” Clay, The Molasky Group of Companies (site developer), Missouri Development Finance Board, St. Louis County Economic Council, NARA and U.S. General Services Administration. Special recognition also was given to the late Johnny Londoff, Sr., and his son Johnny Londoff, Jr., for providing the land for the site and serving as a catalyst for the project.
St. Louis County and the Economic Council also were recognized for their efforts in securing Express Scripts’ Pharmacy Technology and Innovation Center in NorthPark. Others receiving recognition for their contribution to the project were Express Scripts and NorthPark Partners, Clayco and McEagle.
Denny Coleman, president & CEO of the Economic Council, expressed gratitude for the awards and stressed the importance of collaboration to achieve project success. "This is a triumph based on the efforts of a large contingent cooperating for the same goal," said Coleman. "It is a testament that growth and investment are direct results of continued hard work and collaboration."
ST. LOUIS COUNTY HEADLINES
- Redevelopment in Florissant Draws City Council’s Enthusiasm - Suburban Journals
- Lindbergh to Break Ground on Crestwood, Long School Additions - South County Times
- Pfizer, Washington University Strike Deal on Research Pact - St. Louis Post Dispatch
- Council Paves Way for New University Building - Webster-Kirkwood Times
- Concert Series at Jefferson Barracks Park - South County Times
- St. Louis County Names Sustainability Director - St. Louis Business Journal
