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Elected officials, business and civic leaders came together today in the Andrew C. Taylor Center for Civic Collaboration to discuss the major policy needs of the state of Missouri and how we can work together to move them forward to advance inclusive economic growth in the St. Louis metro and across the state.
Ken Cella, Head of External Affairs, Edward Jones — an executive-level member of the GSL Chair’s council — welcomed more than 100 guests to the morning’s event, noting that the cross-sector gathering was a testament to the nature of GSL’s work. Panelists discussed two key Greater St. Louis, Inc. policy priorities for the year — the Advanced Manufacturing Recruitment Act and the Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act. A leadership panel concluded the event, with elected leaders discussing progress made and opportunities they envision for the metro this year.
Advancing Pro-Growth Public Policy
Matt Forck, Vice President, Federal Legislative Affairs for Ameren Corporation — an executive-level member of the GSL Chair's Council — joined Missouri Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman and Missouri Representative Brad Christ — the sponsors of the Advanced Manufacturing Recruitment Act — to discuss the bill’s potential to generate a significant return on investment for the metro and the state, including billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of jobs.
“We have a massive competitive advantage here,” Coleman said. “These are the things we have to do in order to be able to show off all St. Louis has to offer.
Catherine Hamacher, Associate Director, PGAV — an executive-level member of the GSL Chair’s Council — talked to Missouri Senator Steven Roberts and Missouri Representative Travis Wilson, co-sponsors of the Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act, about the potential of their legislation to revitalize Downtown St. Louis and generate growth along the Main Streets and corridors of commerce throughout the metro.
At the conclusion of the event, Edward Bryant, Chair of GSL’s Government Relations Council, and Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, Heartland Coca-Cola, moderated a panel with Dean Plocher, Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives, and Missouri Senator Brian Williams. The two elected leaders discussed recent policy successes, including productive efforts to improve public safety in St. Louis and the advancement of the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit Act, both public policy priorities for GSL.
“A collaborative approach is key,” said Williams. “We have to work across the aisle.”