News that Moves St. Louis Forward | August 14, 2025
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Building Volume: Unique Experiences Make Downtown St. Louis a Destination
On Washington Avenue in Downtown St. Louis, creative entrepreneurs are curating unique experiences for customers — and seeing growth in the process.
Recently highlighted by St. Louis Magazine, the Moniker, a cocktail bar and restaurant, and Whip It Goods, a skincare company, got their start in smaller venues, then built their way up to brick and mortar storefronts. Both took advantage of Downtown Retail Incentive Programs, a collaboration between Greater St. Louis, Inc. and St. Louis Development Corporation, and Whip It Goods founder Ashley Morgan has even quadrupled her revenue since her opening.
But businesses aren’t the only ones bringing people Downtown. Arch Park Foundation’s Sunrise Yoga Program brings hundreds to Kiener Plaza every Tuesday morning for wholly unique experience. In a multi-million-dollar makeover, Union Station is building an outdoor entertainment district that will only grow thanks to recently passed legislation. And the Brickline Greenway will soon connect parks, people, and projects from one end of the city to another.
The Bottom Line: A key goal of the STL 2030 Jobs Plan is restoring Downtown St. Louis, the core of the region. GSL has, since its founding, activated Downtown through events — like Downtown Summer Nights and Lunchtime Live — as well as safety initiatives and improvement efforts, like the Downtown Public Safety Ambassadors and the 7th Street revitalization. But more businesses and organizations are getting in on the game. Creating opportunities, developing spaces, and hosting events you can only experience Downtown make it a destination. And as more and more people see Downtown as the place to be, it will continue to grow.
Fellows Experience Equips Leaders to Grow St. Louis
The Fellows Experience, an initiative of Greater St. Louis, Inc. that works with local companies and organizations to cultivate and retain mid-career professionals, is now accepting nominations for its 2026 cohort. With an updated format and curriculum, the nine-month program is designed to equip rising local leaders with the skills they need to shape inclusive economic growth in the St. Louis region.
The next cohort joins a network of over 1,200 Fellows Experience alumni, many of whom live and work in the region and represent a robust and influential collective of changemakers shaping policy, driving innovation, and leading across sectors.
The Bottom Line: If we want to see St. Louis grow, we must help build a pipeline of local talent ready and willing to lead the region toward a better future. “When we invest in the leadership of people who are already making a difference in St. Louis, we create a ripple effect that reaches every corner of our region,” said Dr. Trezette Dixon, Vice President of the Fellows Experience. “The Fellows Experience is a transformative program that gives professionals the space, tools, and network to thrive, not just for themselves, but for the communities and organizations they serve.
A two-day global summit taking place this week will show off the Metro East’s aerospace sector to a broad audience. The inaugural Global Aerospace Summit, hosted by the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois, St. Clair and Madison counties, and Bi-State’s St. Louis Regional Freightway, is intended to connect companies and build awareness. High Flying.
Intern and Apprentice Tax Credit Applications Open
Missouri’s Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act, a major GSL policy priority designed to help attract top talent to St. Louis and Missouri, is now accepting applications. Employers can receive a tax credit up to $1,500 per intern or apprentice but must apply annually. The application period is open through Nov. 15, 2025. See details.
St. Louis Blues
The 10th Anniversary of Blues at the Arch brought four days of free blues music — plus performers, vendors, and audience members — to Gateway Arch National Park in Downtown St. Louis this month. Singing the blues.
