This Week in the Region: Tech Jobs Grow in St. Louis Region, Area Development Explores St. Louis’ Aerospace Ecosystem, and More
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Tech Jobs Grow in St. Louis Region
Regional tech council TechSTL released its annual tech jobs report this week, noting that after a drop in 2022-2023, the metro’s tech jobs grew by 1.5% from 2023-2024. The report measures the number of job postings for 55 tech occupations over the past year, a total of 39,432 for the St. Louis region. This news hits multiple goals within the STL 2030 Jobs Plan, growing not just jobs but capacity within high-priority industries.
“The trends we’re able to put out in this report are incredibly valuable because they are the emerging trends,” said Emily Hemingway, TechSTL Executive Director. “They’re allowing our employers to really tell us where the market is going. How is their demand [for certain roles] changing based upon the changing of technology?”
Why This Matters:This data can help employers see overarching trends across industries and identify opportunities and challenges. TechSTL will soon launch a research study to help determine the support required for future workforce needs.
St. Louis Delegation Pursues Partnership in Africa
With one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, Kigali, Rwanda, could become an impactful trade partner for St. Louis. A recent fact-finding delegation to the capital city included local organizations like BioSTL and World Trade Center St. Louis, exploring partnerships and economic growth opportunities.
Local Company Earns $1M Grant from Gates Foundation
A local company is making big strides in public health, and a $1 million grant is advancing its work. The Gates Foundation is tapping Fenton-based bioscience company Leinco Technologies to develop a rapid field test for polio, which could help eradicate the disease in high-risk areas of the world.
“A Unique Bi-State Collaboration”: Area Development Explores St. Louis’ Aerospace Ecosystem
National economic development magazine Area Development recently focused its attention on St. Louis’ aerospace sector, noting the more than $5 billion in investments across the region’s airports and aerospace manufacturers and companies. The rise in investment spurred the creation of a new St. Louis Regional Aerospace and Aviation Task Force, which will coordinate efforts to sustain continued investment, job growth, and workforce development.
“We’ve recognized that we’ve got this really robust ecosystem in the bi-state St. Louis region,” said Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multi Modal Enterprises for Bi-State Development. “The task force is made up of industry leaders, our five busiest airports, and education and training programs—all working together to not only support the industry but to ensure we can continue building the workforce needed for these jobs.”
With New Purchase, Oliver Properties Investing $50M Downtown
With the acquisition of the Bee Hat Lofts at 11th and Washington, development firm Oliver Properties has now invested more than $50 million in Downtown St. Louis real estate, helping the company consolidate management, marketing, and operations as it drives residential growth and vibrancy along Washington Avenue.
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, and Treasurer Vivek Malek were in Downtown St. Louis this week to announce plans to maintain a state satellite office at the Old Post Office, joining other statewide offices within the building, including those for both the attorney general and secretary of state.
At the first Advance STL discussion of the new year, the St. Louis Business Journal this week brought together a panel of economic development leaders from all facets of the St. Louis metro. From the state level to the Metro East, panelists emphasized their continued collaboration and partnership, a necessity they said, in winning projects and bringing new business and talent to the St. Louis region. Interim GSL CEO Dustin Allison joined Subash Alias, CEO, Missouri Partnership; Rodney Crim, CEO and President, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership; Dr. James Minor, Chancellor, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; and Neal Richardson, President and CEO, St. Louis Development Corporation.
Sheldon Plans $11M Renovation
Just as the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra set a date for its return to renovated Powell Hall, another historic St. Louis performance space announced its renovation. An $11 million campaign will help visitors better find the Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries and move around in a refreshed and renovated space.
GSL’s Affiliate Program Helps Local Chambers Expand Reach
Launched last month, a new program from Greater St. Louis, Inc. helps expand the reach of local chambers of commerce throughout the 15-county metro. The Affiliate Chamber Program allows regional chambers to partner with GSL, enhancing member benefits, creating a broad network of small businesses, and connecting those small businesses with GSL’s corporate investors. Now with eight participating chambers that span both Missouri and Illinois, the program is accepting new members.
We Hear You makes spaces more accessible for people with disabilities — and with its Hero device, it’s literally opening doors across St. Louis and the U.S.
