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SAINT CHARLES, MISSOURI

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Economic Development E-News 

 

October 2013 

 
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In This Issue
Pharma Medica Research to Invest $30 Million, Create 320 Jobs
Boeing Celebrates 250,000th JDAM
EDC of St. Charles County Celebrates 20 Years
SSM St. Joseph Health Center Hosts City's Power Breakfast
Steve Kinzy, Esri, Joins E.D. Commission
E.D. Commission Meets at Esri
Featured Property - 3050 West Clay
Quick Links
DID YOU KNOW?
The City of St. Charles Economic Development will be announcing  significant technology upgrades to better serve you.
www.stcharlescitymo.gov



DID YOU KNOW?
You can stay updated on the progress of the University Commons development on Twitter.
Twitter
@UniversityCommonsMO



FAST FACT 
St. Charles, Orchard Farm and Francis Howell School districts earned high marks on the new Annual Performance Report (APR) recently released by the Department of Elementary and secondary Education (DESE).  

BacktotopGreetings!

Mayor Faith  2013

 

It is October and Christmas is less than 100 days away!  Wow, it just doesn't seem possible.

 

Personally, I am already making plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but, as mayor, the City's FY'14 Budget is getting most of my attention.  We are expecting 2014 to be another tight year so staff and I are looking at every line item to make sure we maximize the most out of our revenues.

 

That doesn't mean we don't have things to celebrate.  For example, this edition of the electronic newsletter highlights one of the newest companies that will call St. Charles home.  Pharma Medica Research will take over the former PRACS Research building in Fountain Lakes and will hire 320 employees.

 

More importantly, these new hires are in the health care field...an industry that is important to St. Charles and recognized as a growth sector for the nation.  I want to welcome Pharma Medica Research to the community and thank them for their investment.

 

News like Pharma Medica, Streets of St. Charles, University Commons and the Walmart Super Store expansion demonstrates how St. Charles is a community that is striving to grow its already strong economic base.  We are not settling for the status quo, we are committed to "Grow St. Charles."

 

If you would like to be a part of our growing family of business developments, contact our Economic Development Department at 636-949-3231 and see how healthy your business can become.

 

Thank you,

 Sally Sig photoshop 

Mayor Sally Faith
Pharma Medica Research, Inc. Plans to Invest $30 Million, Create 320 Jobs in St. Charles

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon
announced that Pharma Medica Research, Inc., a Canadian based pharmaceutical research company, plans to make a $30.8 million investment in St. Charles.  The move will create 320 new jobs and serve as the company's first U.S. facility.

 

"This substantial investment will further strengthen Missouri's status as a leader in bio-science, one of the key industries identified by our Strategic Initiative for Economic Growth," Gov. Nixon said. "By bringing hundreds of high-paying jobs to this area, Pharma Medica Research joins other bio-science companies expanding their footprint in the Show-Me State. I'm proud to welcome Pharma Medica Research, Inc. to Missouri."

 

The Toronto-based company conducts research and development for pharmaceutical companies as well as performs trials. They offer a wide range of services in this space including scientific affairs, medical writing, clinical conduct, bio-analysis, bio-stastics, data management, and clinical trial monitoring. The company plans to rehabilitate a building in St. Charles that previously housed a clinical research organization, to expand their drug trial operations.   Earlier this year, Governor Nixon met with company officials at the 2013 International BIO Convention in Chicago to discuss opportunities for growth in Missouri.

 

"The favorable business climate, quality workforce, and the close proximity to major pharmaceutical companies in the area were key factors in making the move to Missouri," said Mohammed Bouhajib of Pharma Medica Research Inc. "With a new research center in St. Charles, we will be able to accommodate more clients and compete in the global market."

 

Pharma Medica joins other health care leaders such as SSM, Royal Canin, Cardinal Health, Mercy Medical and RX Systems that call St. Charles its home.

 

"We are delighted to have Pharma Medica Research, Inc. join our business community here in the city of St. Charles," said Mayor Sally Faith. "Their presence in the field of clinical research will further diversify and strengthen the local workforce, enhancing an already solid health care and manufacturing base, and further bolstering economic development through job creation."

 

"We were pleased to partner with the City of St. Charles, the Missouri Partnership and the Missouri Department of Economic Development on this major economic development project, resulting in Pharma Medica Research's intention to create these high quality jobs," said St. Louis Regional Chamber President & Chief Executive Officer Joe Reagan. "Pharma Medica's investment in our region is clear affirmation of the region's potential as a national leader in biosciences."

 

To assist Pharma Medica Research, Inc. in moving forward with its growth plans, the company has been offered a strategic economic incentive package from the State of Missouri that it can receive if it meets strict job creation and investment criteria.

 
Boeing Celebrates 250,000th JDAM  "On Time and on Budget"
Senior executives, employees and retirees of Boeing recently celebrated a new milestone for the company as it produced its 250,000th Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kit.  St. Charles Mayor Sally Faith attended the event, along with Congresswoman Ann Wagner and other dignitaries.

 

The company facility in St. Charles produces more than 40 JDAM kits every day, on time and on budget. JDAM has reliably and affordably converted unguided munitions into near-precision weapons since 1998.

 

"Boeing represents the best of St. Charles and the St. Louis region," Faith stated.  "JDAM signifies how visionary leadership and a talented workforce can work together to produce a superior product in the defense of this nation."

 

"It's been an honor to produce JDAM for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and America's allies these past 15 years," said Debbie Rub, Boeing vice president & general manager, Global Strike. "The JDAM continues to protect warfighters with its precision accuracy and unmatched mission reliability."

 

With a range of more than 15 nautical miles, JDAM can defeat high-value targets in any weather, day or night, with minimal risk to air crews. New variants such as Laser JDAM and JDAM Extended Range allow warfighters to prosecute moving targets and deploy the weapon from greater distances, capabilities that come with little to no development risk since they are based on proven technology.

 

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 59,000 employees worldwide.

 

 
EDC Celebrates 20 Years of Success

The Economic Development Center of St. Charles County (EDC)
recently
celebrated its 20th anniversary as a vital component to growing the region's economy.  Helping entrepreneurs and small business owners start and grow new companies has been a core service of the EDC since opening their 60,000-square-foot incubator facility in 1993. 

 

   

"More than 200 businesses have graduated from our incubator and created approximately 1,000 jobs in the community since our facility opened in 1993," said Greg Prestemon, the EDC's president and CEO. "We look forward to celebrating 20 years of entrepreneurial success in St. Charles County with incubator alumni and current tenants, local leaders and our community partners."  

 

"Some of the EDC's notable incubator graduates include Synergetics USA, Herst & Associates, TelGaAs, Neeco-Tron, Assembly Solutions, Development Dynamics, TSI and Respond Right EMS Academy," said Craig Frahm, the organization's incubator manager and chief financial officer.

 

St. Charles Mayor Sally Faith commended the EDC in its achievement."Successful economic development is truly a team oriented endeavor.  I am convinced our City, and region, is better because of the talented staff and dedicated board at the EDC.  They truly are a great partner."

 

 
SSM St. Joseph Health Center Hosts City's Power Breakfast

 

The quarterly meeting of the City of St. Charles' Power Breakfast was held in early October at SSM St. Joseph Health Center.  Mike Heimericks and Jason Archer, Project Managers with the Missouri Department of Economic Development, presented an overview of the State's newest incentive program called "Missouri Works". 

 

The Power Breakfast consists of the City's largest employers who discuss key issues that impact their businesses and helps the City formulate a strategic economic development program.

 

Mayor Sally Faith said getting companies together in this manner is good for the City.  "The meetings are informal which provides an open dialogue that allows for everyone to weigh in on issues important to the region.  In the end, this benefits everyone."

 

 
Steve Kinzy Joins City's Economic Development Commission

Mayor Sally Faith recently appointed Stephen Kinzy to serve on the City's Economic Development Commission.

 

Kinzy serves as Regional Manager for Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (Esri).  Esri is the recognized leader in development of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for business, utilities and government.  For the last 22 years Kinzy and his staff of 75 have managed an eight state region for Esri out of their St. Charles office.

 

Mr. Kinzy is a graduate of the University of Nebraska with a B.S. and M.A. in Geography.  He has over 42 years experience in Geographic Information System (GIS) design and management.  He is recipient of URISA's Leadership Award for GIS education, the McDonnell Douglas VIP Award for GIS software development, HDR's Excellence in Service Award for GIS consulting, and Esri's 20 year service award.  In 2008 the St. Charles office of Esri was recognized as the City of St. Charles Services Employer of the Year.    

 

David Leezer, Director of Economic Development for the City praised the appointment of Kinzy to the commission.  "Steve represents an important sector for the region.  His understanding of technology and workforce trends will help us improve our overall efforts."

 

Kinzy stated he agreed to join the commission because he saw a great fit between his expertise and what the City is doing to improve the economy, particularly focusing on high technology business growth.

 

"This is a great opportunity to use my experience in the field to serve the City and its residents.  I am excited about becoming a member of the Economic Development Commission."     

 

 
E.D. Commission Meets at ESRI

The City's Economic Development Commission held their October meeting at the offices of ESRI, a globally recognized GIS information systems provider.  Steve Kinzy, regional manager, outlined the types of services the company provides and how they impact businesses.

 

 

During the meeting, Commission members reviewed staff reports and discussed key issues that impact St. Charles. 

 

"It is important the Commission periodically holds meetings outside of City Hall", stated Geoff Orf, the Commission's chair.  "This gives us a better perspective of the business environment in the City and understands the concerns of industries we serve."

 
 
Featured Property - 3050 West Clay

Looking for a premier office building with unmatched visibility along Interstate 70? Then turn your attention to 3050 West Clay.

 

This 30,000 sq. ft. three-story Class A office

3050 West Clay
(click to view PDF)

building offers a great location with immediate access to I-70. 

 

What makes this location so attractive

are its benefits which few sites can match:

  • Available space:  25,654 sq. ft.
  • Minimum divisible:  1,500 sq. ft.
  • Spaces available from 2,500 to 22,500 sq. ft.
  • Drive thru lanes ideal for bank/pharmacy tenant
  • Building equipped with fiber optics
  • Located near restaurants, motel and retail

Additionally, 3050 West Clay offers extremely competitive rates for lease or purchase.

 

To find out more, contact Dave Morris at 314-932-3922 or Ted Greenberg at 314-932-3939 with Colliers International.
  
Great Sites.  Great Buildings. Great Partners...that's why St. Charles is part of the hottest growth market in the greater St. Louis metropolitan region.
 
 
E D Staff
Sincerely,

Your Economic Development Team  
David Leezer, John Knoll and Susie King