Bigger Than Ever, 314 Day Aims To Brings The Metro Together, APRA Projects Set To Make Multi-Million Dollar Impact on St. Louis, WASHU Plays Vital Role In St. Louis Economy With $8.8 Billion Impact
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BIGGER THAN EVER, 314 DAY AIMS TO BRING THE METRO TOGETHER
314 Day — March 14 — takes place in one week, and this year’s celebration of our region is shaping up to be the largest yet! Festivities all over the St. Louis region begin this Saturday, March 9, through Thursday, March 14, with a lineup of events and activities highlighting local foods, makers, musicians, artists, businesses, attractions, and neighborhoods that are all proudly #STLMade.
This year, Greater St. Louis, Inc. has worked alongside the 314 Day Foundation, investors, and partners to expand the reach of this year’s celebration. Representatives from GSL Chair's Council members MasterCard and Once Films and executive-level members of the GSL Chair's Council Caleres and Nestle Purina PetCare Company all served on our 314 Day Steering Committee; Schnucks — an executive-member of the GSL Chair's Council — will have cashiers at each of their 78 metro area stores distribute 314 Day stickers to customers; Nine PBS will launch a special “Living St. Louis” episode that night; and that’s just the beginning. Make plans to celebrate or add your event using our 314 Day calendar linked below.
ARPA PROJECTS COULD HELP TRANSFORM NORTH ST. LOUIS
Be Well Café Culinary Incubator and Marketplace is one of more than 200 projects supported by American Rescue Plan Act funding that have the potential to transform north St. Louis. “We’re really focused on investing in areas that have been historically marginalized and underserved,” said Neal Richardson, St. Louis Development Corporation. “That’s really what the ARPA funds were geared to achieve.”
WASHU PLAYS VITAL ROLE IN ST. LOUIS ECONOMY WITH $8.8 BILLION IMPACT
The second-largest employer in the metro, Washington University in St. Louis — an executive-level member of the GSL Chair’s Council — has contributed $3.6 billion to the region’s economy in fiscal 2023, supporting nearly 55,000 jobs, 20,765 direct employees, and an enrollment of 16,552.
15 COUNTIES, ONE METRO: GSL TRAVELS TO JEFFERSON COUNTY
Greater St. Louis, Inc. traveled to Jefferson County last week to tour small businesses in downtown Festus and bring together local entrepreneurs, economic development groups, and representatives of elected officials. Hosted by the Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce, the group discussed local successes and challenges, as well as ways GSL can support their growth at a regional level.
GSL HOSTS IL LAWMAKERS FOR SPEAKER SERIES
Greater St. Louis, Inc. last week welcomed Illinois legislators, investors, and civic and business leaders for a discussion exploring policy priorities, opportunities, and expectations throughout the next year. The event featured two panel discussions and conversation with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, highlighting infrastructure and education as high priorities.
MO SENATE APPROVES STATE GEOSPATIAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
Greater St. Louis, Inc. applauded the approval today of legislation establishing a Missouri Geospatial Advisory Council (SB 1039) by the Missouri Senate. Through its GeoFutures initiative, GSL is working to advance St. Louis’ geospatial ecosystem and strengthen St. Louis’ position as the national center for geospatial technology.
SITE SELECTION: ST. LOUIS TOP FOR MISSISSIPPI RIVER INVESTMENT PROJECTS
Of all the cities along the Mississippi River, St. Louis has the most corporate facility investment projects per capita, according to Site Selection Magazine. Among these is an $800-million American Foods Group investment, expected to generate $1 billion in economic impact.
Thanks to a partnership between GSL Investor Council Member St. Louis County Library and TechSTL, St. Louis and St. Louis County residents can now check out wi-fi hotspots, increasing digital access across the metro. A grant from Verizon — a GSL Investor Council Member — will also fund a new digital literacy program through TechSTL, which will help change “lives and households through tech.”
