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Today's Headlines
INTRODUCTION
Every year, I am joined by local leaders to discuss the State of the Region. The event, sponsored by St. Louis Business Journal, serves as a regional economic summary and kickoff for the coming year. One of the first questions I was asked was: "Charlie, what are you doing to stimulate the economy?" I believe we stimulate the economy by working together to improve infrastructure, support small businesses and compete in the global marketplace. The result is job creation, business growth, improved quality of life, and a thriving economy. Infrastructure Small Business International Trade
When I am asked what I am doing to stimulate the economy, my response is: "I am working with our partners, both public and private, to ensure the best future for the citizens of St. Louis County and the region." Charlie A. Dooley
PROPOSED LEGISLATION PROMOTES JOBS, INVESTMENT IN FENTON
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2010 winners: Mobius Therapeutics, Climb So iLL and Mindfull Games. |
The second annual 2011 St. Louis Regional Business Plan Competition, presented by St. Louis County Economic Council in partnership with Edward Jones, promotes entrepreneurship and the development of startup and early stage companies in the region.
"With over 225 submissions, the response to the competition’s inaugural year far exceeded everyone’s expectations," said Rick Palank, senior vice president for the Economic Council’s Business Finance Division. "Not only did we surpass our estimated submissions, but the quality of applicants was excellent as well. We anticipate this year will be no different."
The Business Plan Competition complements St. Louis County’s other small business initiatives, which support emerging companies growing their business and the region.
"Small business fueled by a strong entrepreneurial spirit will serve as the springboard for our recovery," County Executive Charlie A. Dooley said. "The St. Louis region has earned a reputation for successful business startups, and this program celebrates our entrepreneurs and enhances that reputation."
Total prize money of $100,000, provided by Edward Jones, will be awarded to the three top winners, in addition to legal, accounting, marketing, and mentoring services donated by Thompson Coburn LLP, Carmody MacDonald P.C., Armstrong Teasdale LLP, RubinBrown LLP, UHY Advisors MO, Inc., LarsonAllen LLP, Fleishman-Hillard, Inc., Brighton Agency, Inc., and Standing Partnership, Inc.
The application deadline is March 1, 2011. To learn more or complete an application, visit www.slcec.com or follow us on Facebook.
Winners will be announced June 28, 2011.
The St. Louis region recently was awarded one of six innovative i6 Awards from the United States Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration to identify and support the nation’s best ideas for technology commercialization and entrepreneurship.
The St. Louis Regional i6 Project will help identify early discoveries that could potentially advance to commercial success and become significant local employers. The i6 Project will provide assistance from industry experts as well as initial funding to advance the development of business concepts and early stage discoveries that demonstrate commercial viability.
The St. Louis Regional i6 Project is seeking applications from innovation candidates for the first phase of the program. Potential candidates include technologies or business concepts, including service-based companies, from universities, research institutions, entrepreneurs, or individuals with innovations in the broadly defined areas of bioscience. The two-year project will include two rounds of a three-phase competitive cycle to validate innovations and to narrow the field of commercial candidates to those with the greatest chance of seeding successful new ventures and growing employment in the St. Louis region. Applications are due March 31, 2011.
For more information, visit www.biogenerator.org or contact Charlie Bolten at 314.932.4032 x309.
Historically, China’s trade with the United States has been conducted almost exclusively on the East and West coasts. Now, the Midwest-China Hub Commission is making progress toward establishing a new air cargo trade route between St. Louis and China.
The Commission has taken the next critical step in establishing St. Louis as a key cargo hub for Chinese trade in the Midwest. The Commission has been notified that China Cargo Airline of China Eastern has been chosen to negotiate and study the Chinese-St. Louis cargo air route.
"This is welcomed news and a key benchmark we have been diligently working toward," said Mike Jones, chairman of the Midwest-China Hub Commission. "It is yet another important part of the process of opening this new air trade route with China, but there is still much work to do. We are only at the feasibility stage, although the designation suggests there is considerable interest from the Chinese side."
"This is the news we've been waiting for," said Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, director of Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. "We are thrilled to have the designation of the carrier from China and look forward to negotiations and the prospect of launching this route in 2011."
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Katie White |
St. Louis County Economic Council welcomes Katie White and Marilyn Downey to the team.
White, a St. Louis native and graduate of the University of Missouri – Columbia, will serve as senior accountant and will report to Joyce Steiger, chief financial officer.
Steiger stated that White’s familiarity with the organization is one of many attributes that make her a strong choice for the position.
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Marilyn Downey |
"Katie’s previous employer was RubinBrown, who has served as the Economic Council’s auditor for a number of years." Steiger said. "This experience allows her to come into the position with a keen understanding of the our processes and procedures."
Downey, a resident of Pacific, will assist Senior Project Manager Barb Featherston on the Chrysler Regional Redevelopment Strategy. Prior to the Economic Council, Marilyn worked for UniGroup in Fenton.
"We are pleased Marilyn has joined the Economic Council," said Featherston. "Her addition has already allowed us to better focus our attention on the intricate matters of this project."
