GSL Kicks Off Main Street STL Initiative in St. Charles, Missouri

Beginning with a visit this week to St. Charles, Missouri, Greater St. Louis, Inc. will visit Main Streets throughout the metro to kick off the development of the Main Street STL initiative. 

The STL 2030 Jobs Plan highlights the critical importance of local Main Streets — the business districts and commercial corridors across the metro that act as nodes of commerce and centers of civic live — to the overall success of our region. The Jobs Plan calls for the development of the Main Street STL Initiative to strengthen and grow Main Street businesses across the metro. Revitalizing and supporting these key business districts will help stabilize local communities, revive small businesses, and create new jobs.

“As the voice of the region’s civic-minded business community, our work is focused on developing a framework for Main Streets that helps them thrive while maintaining the distinct character that makes them so special,” said Greater St. Louis, Inc. CEO Jason Hall. “We want to thank local business owners as well as County Executive Steve Ehlmann and the other St. Charles County leaders for helping us organize this event and for sharing their insights on how we can help Main Streets across the region grow and thrive.”

During the visit to St. Charles, Hall visited small businesses — including Provenance Soapworks and April’s on Main — then met with local leaders and Main Street businesses for a roundtable discussion, held at OPO Startups.

The group discussed the challenges and opportunities they face as Main Street business owners and civic leaders and offered their thoughts on what should be included as part of the metro-wide Main Street STL Initiative.

Attendees included Randy Schilling, President, OPO Startups; Scott Tate, President and CEO, St. Charles Regional Chamber; Scott Drachnik, President and CEO, Economic Development Council of St. Charles; The Honorable Steve Ehlmann, County Executive, St. Charles County; Joan Daleo, President, Ole Tyme Produce; Ellen Brazelton, Owner, Buzzed Bull Creamery; Amy Senter, Owner, Jake’s on Main; and Joe Schneider, Director, Cushman and Wakefield, and Board Chair, St. Charles Regional Chamber.