Purina Makes $2M Commitment to Brickline Greenway | The Muny Wins a Tony | Gulfstream Invests $30M in Metro East Expansion
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Purina Makes $2M Commitment to Brickline Greenway
A $2 million commitment from Nestlé Purina PetCare Company advances the development of the Brickline Greenway, acknowledging the impact the transformative project will have on both people and their pets. As part of their commitment, Purina will work with Great Rivers Greenway — the steward of the project and a GSL Investor Council member — to install pet water and waste stations along the Brickline so that dog owners have the amenities needed to enjoy the greenway while promoting responsible pet ownership.
“Purina is dedicated to supporting the communities where we live and work, and we’re passionate about creating safe spaces for pets and people to enjoy together,” said Nina Leigh Krueger, CEO and President at Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, an executive-level GSL investor.
The Bottom Line: The Brickline Greenway isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s about investing in both geographic and cultural connection to generate what is estimated to be more than $460 million in economic development. Said Krueger: “We’re proud to support the development of the Brickline Greenway. We’re confident this project will not only connect more residents and visitors to Downtown, but also bring new energy and opportunity to our region while encouraging a healthy lifestyle for pets and their families.”
News broke this week that the Muny — a GSL Investor Council member — won the 2025 Regional Theatre Tony Award, the highest of praise for its exceptional work and the standard it sets for theaters everywhere. The Muny is the oldest and largest outdoor theater in the country.
The Bottom Line: The Muny is world-class — and fully STLMade. “For over a century, the Muny has been a cultural cornerstone of St. Louis, producing first-class musicals in a setting unlike any other,” said Jason Laks, president of the Broadway League, and Heather Hitchens, president and CEO of the American Theatre Wing, in a statement. “With a deep commitment to accessibility, offering over 100,000 free tickets each season, and career development programs that nurture future theater professionals, the Muny exemplifies the spirit of this award.”
A $30 million investment in its St. Louis facility will help position Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. to support the global demand for next generation aircraft. The company’s local maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility, which opened at St. Louis Downtown Airport in 2017, can now support full aircraft interior outfitting. The expansion added 200 new jobs, with Gulfstream currently employing 675 in the St. Louis region.
To help engage and develop its workforce at the St. Louis facility, Gulfstream is partnering with local educational institutions, including a high school assistant program with Cahokia Heights and The Center for Academic and Vocational Excellence in Belleville. Enrolled students receive on-the-job training while in school, then a full-time position at Gulfstream upon graduation.
The Bottom Line: Gulfstream’s thriving presence and thoughtful approach to workforce development add to the St. Louis region’s capacity as a national hub for aerospace and defense technology. “The St. Louis area is a booming aviation hub filled with skilled and capable talent, and that has played a role in our continued investment in the region,” said Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream.
GEOINT Symposium 2025 Returns to Downtown St. Louis
With the new National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency St. Louis headquarters set to open north of Downtown later this year, St. Louis will again showcase the region’s leadership as the country’s center of geospatial technology when industry leaders from around the globe return to America’s Center in Downtown St. Louis May 18 – 21 for GEOINT Symposium 2025.
“We are excited to once again host the nation’s largest gathering of geospatial industry professionals here in St. Louis,” said Maggie Kost, GSL’s Chief Business Attraction Officer, calling out the advancement, collaboration, and growth of St. Louis’ thriving geospatial community.
The Bottom Line: Over the last few years, St. Louis’ geospatial sector has seen tremendous growth and cross-sector collaboration with other vibrant industry sectors, particularly agtech and biosciences. And St. Louis is well-positioned to become the country’s center for defense tech. Events like GEOINT showcase that expertise on a global stage.
St. Louis again enjoyed the international spotlight when the Times of London recently traveled upstream on a Viking riverboat to cruise past the Gateway Arch, extolling Forest Park, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Central West End, and more.
Maggie Kost, GSL’s Chief Business Attraction Officer, earned a spot as one of 2025’s top 50 economic developers in North America from Consultant Connect. Kost, who also was recently announced as a recipient of the 2025 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, was recognized for her vision, leadership, and collaborative efforts in bringing investment to the St. Louis region.
On May 3, St. Louis celebrated the reopening of Downtown’s Old Courthouse after a $27.5 million renovation, an effort that will bring tourists and attention to Downtown St. Louis. “St. Louis can do bold things,” said Ryan McClure, Executive Director, Gateway Arch Park Foundation. “When public agencies and the private sector come together special endeavors like this project happen.” Read more.
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