This Week: GSL Launches Partnership Program for Local Chambers of Commerce, Crime Drops Again in St. Louis, and More
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GSL Launches Partnership Program for Local Chambers of Commerce
A new program from Greater St. Louis, Inc. will help expand the reach of local chambers of commerce throughout the 15-county metro. The Affiliate Chamber Program, introduced this week, allows regional chambers to partner with GSL, enhancing their members’ benefits, creating a broad network of small businesses, and connecting those small businesses with GSL’s corporate investors. The program adds to GSL’s suite of resources that support regional chambers.
“This program amplifies the benefits that our chamber offers,” said Scott Tate, President and CEO, St. Charles Regional Chamber. “It gives my members the opportunity to connect with and learn from other small businesses within the region. And it helps all of us contribute to bigger picture growth for the St. Louis metro.”
Airport Transformation Moves Forward with HOK Contract
St. Louis Lambert International Airport Director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge announced this week that St. Louis-based design firm HOK would lead the redesign of the airport. The decision serves as the next step in its transformation, a critical priority for GSL and the business community. Both HOK and Lambert are members of the GSL Chair’s Council.
Jefferson College Awarded $3.9 Million to Lead Federal Grant
Thanks to a $3.9 million Department of Labor grant, Jefferson College — a GSL Investor Council member — will lead a consortium of Missouri schools in the establishment of apprenticeship programs in growing U.S. industries, including advanced manufacturing. President Dena McCaffrey called the grant an opportunity to “lead in the implementation of vital apprenticeship programs that will strengthen our local workforce and provide students with valuable, hands-on experience in high-demand fields.”
The city of St. Louis has seen a 15% drop in crime over the past year, as well as the fewest homicides reported since 2013. The data from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department show that efforts to reduce crime and strengthen public safety — including Gabe Gore’s reform of the Circuit Attorney’s office, the collaboration of regional leaders to address violent crime in the metro, and other steps — are driving positive results.
Why it matters: Addressing violent crime is critical to restoring economic growth and prosperity for all and to meeting the objectives of the STL 2030 Jobs Plan.
Architectural Digest: There’s More to the Gateway Arch Than Meets the Eye
If you think you know everything there is to know about our metro’s most recognizable landmark, read on. With an eye toward design, international authority Architectural Digest last month explored the Gateway Arch, from its construction to its catenary curve. Take a deep dive, then plan to play tourist and see it again for yourself.
St. Louis-Based WWT Expands with $1.3B Acquisition
With the acquisition of Toronto-based Softchoice Corp., World Wide Technology, Inc., an executive-level member of the GSL Chair’s Council and the second largest private company in the region, will expand even further, growing its access to customers and expanding its global position.
Tech company Scale AI, a GSL Investor Council member that in 2022 brought more than 200 jobs to Downtown St. Louis, considers its commitment to the geospatial and defense tech industries in Missouri one of its major successes of the past year, saying the work it’s doing is “training the AI workforce of the future.”
STLMade startup success story Geneoscopy Inc. has raised $105 million in a new funding round, the results of which will support the commercial launch of the company’s at-home colorectal cancer screening test. The test received FDA approval last May and offers an innovative, more convenient approach to preventative cancer screenings.
Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center St. Louis and Ranken Technical College have issued a general contracting services request for proposal. The deadline for proposal submission is 5 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2025.Access the RFP.
In Case You Missed It
The end of 2024 flew by in a blur, but we kept track of the good news stories you may have missed. Let us help catch you up:
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