NASCAR's Enjoy Illinois 300 Returns In June, Largest Annual Gathering Of GEOINT Professionals Returning To St. Louis, And More
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Photo Credit: Jack Myer
NASCAR’S ENJOY ILLINOIS 300 RETURNS IN JUNE
NASCAR Cup Series Could Mean $600M in Economic Impact over 10 Years
Just seven weeks away, the second annual NASCAR Cup Series Race at World Wide Technology Raceway, the Enjoy Illinois 300, has the potential to make an indelible impression on the region. In its inaugural year, the event brought 100,000 fans from across the globe and $60 million in economic impact to the metro. Ten years of hosting a Cup date would mean a $600 million infusion to the region — critical investment in St. Louis’ urban core — according to Curtis Francois, WWTR Owner and GSL Chair’s Council member.
The Enjoy Illinois 300 will be at the center of a full weekend of events, including the Confluence Music Festival, a multi-day celebration that positions itself at the “Crossroads of Concert and Community.” Envisioned in 2022 by Dave Steward, founder and chairman of World Wide Technology, an executive-level member of the GSL Chair’s Council, the festival is produced by Kwofe Coleman, president and CEO of The Muny, a GSL Investor Council member, with the support of several other area arts organizations. The festival brings together local and national artists ranging from Dierks Bentley and Flo Rida to the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Welcome NASCAR back to World Wide Technology Raceway and celebrate a hometown hero at the inaugural JJK5K Race June 3. Held in honor of Jackie Joyner Kersee, a GSL Fiduciary Board Member and longtime advocate for her hometown of East St. Louis, Illinois, the race takes place directly on the racetrack — and winners will receive their medals directly from Joyner Kersee herself. Register now.
GEOINT SYMPOSIUM RETURNS TO ST. LOUIS
GEOINT Symposium, the nation’s largest annual gathering of GEOINT professionals, will return to America’s Center this May 21-24. Hosted by the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation, of which Greater St. Louis, Inc. is a Strategic Partner, the event highlights St. Louis’ role as the country’s center for geospatial technology.
Friday, April 21, marks the one-year anniversary of the Taylor Geospatial Institute. Thanks to a legacy investment last year from GSL Founding Chair Andrew C. Taylor, St. Louis’ business, civic, academic, and governmental communities came together to launch this first-of-its-kind institution. In the words of Taylor, TGI is well on its way to “cementing St. Louis as the world’s true center for geospatial excellence.”
St. Louis native and globally known sports announcer Joe Buck joined Publisher Ian Caso for the latest edition of WinningSTL, the video interview series from GSL Chair’s Council member the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Buck tells Caso why, although he travels all over the country, he chooses to live in St. Louis. “The people in this city are great; you see it with the way they support whatever comes along in this town,” Buck said. “I think people here want to support in any way that they can.”
Advantes Group, a GSL Investor Member, is nearly finished investing a planned $55 million in Laclede’s Landing, bringing to life a vision that will transform the former entertainment district into a residential neighborhood. “We’re really turning the page down here. We’re going to have a lot more density. We’re going to have the venues, and we’re going to look the part,” said Brian Minges, Advantes Group Owner and President.
TechSTL, the newly established St. Louis Tech Council, is launching the inaugural STL TechWeek, which will feature over 30 free events during the week of April 24-28. Established to activate St. Louis’ technology community and support upward mobility in STEM fields, STL TechWeek will feature Missouri Governor Mike Parson, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, Block Co-Founder and Invisibly CEO Jim McKelvey, and other leaders.
COLLINS SMITH INAUGURATED AS FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT OF HARRIS-STOWE
Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith was inaugurated this month as the 21st — and first woman — president of Harris-Stowe State University. Collins Smith, a member of GSL’s Fiduciary Board, began her career in higher education at Harris-Stowe State University in 2010 and has served the university in several leadership roles, resulting in significant fundraising, campus development, and increased enrollment.
MAY 4: PUBLIC POLICY SPEAKER SERIES FEATURES CONGRESSMAN SAM GRAVES
On Thursday, May 4, Greater St. Louis, Inc. will welcome U.S. Congressman Sam Graves, Chairman of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, for the next installment of our Public Policy Speaker Series. Representing Missouri’s 6th district, Congressman Graves will discuss current issues on Capitol Hill and his priorities as Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
The Department of Economic Development has awarded a total of $30 million through the Local Tourism Asset Development Grant Program, which focuses on supporting projects that further the recovery of the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries. The program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act and part of Governor Parson's Fiscal Year 2023 budget plan, will support three projects in the St. Louis metro.
ARTS AND EDUCATION COUNCIL HONORS STLMADE INITIATIVE
This week, the Arts and Education Council honored the artists, organizations, and individuals that keep art happening in our local communities at the 2023 St. Louis Arts Awards. Among 26 inspiring awardees, Greater St. Louis, Inc. received the Art Collaboration Award for the work the STLMade initiative has done to enhance our region’s reputation.
During the 2023 Utility Economic Development Association meeting hosted in Downtown St. Louis this week, Greater St. Louis, Inc. CEO Jason Hall joined Marty Lyons, President and CEO of Ameren — an executive-level member of the GSL Chair’s Council — to showcase how successful utility partnerships can drive inclusive economic growth. “I’ve never been more excited about our region’s ability to compete and to grow, to thrive. There’s no more important partner to us in this region than Greater St. Louis, Inc,” said Lyons.
HOUSE-APPROVED MISSOURI BUDGET INCLUDES GSL POLICY PRIORITIES
The Missouri House recently approved their version of the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The $46+ billion budget contains funding for Greater St. Louis, Inc. priorities, including sustained investments in the Missouri Technology Corporation and public transportation, and new investments in advanced manufacturing. “Greater St. Louis, Inc. encourages the Senate to support our budget priorities that will help grow the St. Louis metro and the entire state,” said GSL Chief Policy Officer Tracy Henke.
MISSOURI HOUSE PASSES BIPARTISAN BILL TO INCENTIVIZE INTERNSHIPS
In a positive step for regional workforce development efforts, the Missouri House has passed HB 1038, bipartisan legislation that incentivizes businesses in the state to increase the number of internship and apprenticeship opportunities they provide. “In the St. Louis metro and throughout the state, talent attraction and retention is a priority for the business community. The Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act creates another tool to strengthen our workforce development efforts,” said GSL Vice President of Government Relations Adam Kazda.
