This Week in the Region: Ag-Based Innovation Is STLMade, Love the Lou: 314 Day 2025, and More
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St. Louis to the World: Ag-Based Innovation Is STLMade
Leaders from St. Louis’ agtech and geospatial sectors this week represented the region at the 2025 World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in San Francisco, showcasing to the world St. Louis is one of America’s rapidly growing centers for agriculture and plant science, food security, and geospatial technology — and a place where related businesses can grow and thrive.
“Our strategic location, highly skilled and diverse workforce, world-class research institutions, and collaboration with St. Louis’ geospatial ecosystem truly set our region apart as a leader in agri-food tech, and we’re taking that message directly to the global audience,” said Chad Zimmerman, AgriFood Director at BioSTL.
The Bottom Line: The region has worked since 2001 to grow plant and medical sciences and related industries. Today, we can stand on a global stage and showcase our current prominence and future trajectory. When St. Louis works together toward the same goal, we make an impact.
Emily Lohse-Busch, Executive Director of 39 North, joined the St. Louis delegation at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit this week, putting local business cards into the pockets of attendees from around the world. “The message this year is that you don’t realize how much of what’s changing the face of agtech is happening right there in St. Louis,” she said.
More than 350 private geospatial companies, including Scale AI — a California-based company with a presence in Downtown St. Louis —are shaping the development of St. Louis’ tech and geospatial workforce to meet the sector’s growing needs. “This is a perfect example of how AI creates jobs and creates opportunities that didn’t previously exist,” said A.J. Segal, AI Center Lead at Scale AI, a GSL Investor Council member.
As part of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, plant biologist Katie Murphy addresses global challenges through the meticulous study of plants and shares her life and work as a scientist via social media, teaching, and mentorship.
With Work Yet Ahead, Census Numbers Show Modest Growth
The St. Louis MSA has gained 6,420 new residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Vintage 2024 Population Estimates, published this week — the region’s largest increase since 2010. “That the region saw a year-over-year growth in population, however modest, is certainly welcome news,” said Interim GSL CEO Dustin Allison. “The data also show that we have much more work to do to get the region on a trajectory for sustained, long-term growth.
MO Senate Advances Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act
The Missouri Senate has advanced critical legislation that will drive investment in the state’s downtowns and main streets, voting this week to perfect the Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act, which would establish a state incentive targeted at converting office buildings to mixed-use and residential. The bill is a critical step in ensuring Downtown growth, said Kurt Weigle, GSL’s Chief Downtown Officer.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville — a GSL Investor Council member — will anchor a $55 million innovation center in downtown Alton, Illinois. Opening April 7, the Wedge Powered by SIUE sits at the center of significant development in the Metro East community and will serve as a social impact hub, research lab, think tank, and work space.
314 Day is here, and thanks to so many of our local leaders and business owners, our calendar is full! Every event and opportunity planned helps boost St. Louis’ civic pride and generate home-grown support for the region. Watch how St. Louis leaders are planning to spend their 314 Day, then plan to celebrate yourself.
Support Group Helps International Spouses Acclimate to St. Louis
Founded by Susan Gobbo nearly a decade ago, the STL International Spouses/Expat Women Group offers support, acclimation, and connection for trailing spouses and foreign-born women. More than 900 women from 95 countries have participated in the group, increasing the success rates of corporate transitions — and making St. Louis a more welcoming home.
Vanessa Cooksey: Maximize Our Regional Investment in the Arts
The arts bring 8.1 million tourists and attendees, 12,000 full-time jobs, and $866 million in economic activity to the St. Louis region. Vanessa Cooksey, President and CEO of the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, recently asked the question: What would happen if we talked about our world-class sports and arts with equal enthusiasm?
This week, St. Louis County unveiled a new county flag designed by local artists. The new design corresponds with last year’s updated logo and marketing campaign that branded St. Louis County as Opportunity Central. St. Louis County partnered with the Kranzberg Art Foundation, a GSL Chair’s Council member, to solicit input and community feedback for the new flag’s design.
