Making Connections to Support Small Business: GSL visits Jersey, Calhoun, and St. Louis Counties

This week, Greater St. Louis, Inc. wrapped up its yearlong, 15-county tour of the St. Louis metro, with trips to Jersey and Calhoun Counties in Illinois on Monday, and St. Louis County in Missouri on Tuesday — as part of its initiative to strengthen the region’s local business districts and corridors of commerce.

Throughout both days, Greater St. Louis, Inc. met with business owners and elected and local leaders about how its regional reach can provide support at the local level. As emphasized in the STL 2030 Jobs Plan, areas like Old Town Florissant in St. Louis County and Grafton in Jersey County are not just hubs of local business activity, but like in many local communities, act as centers of civic life.

“Seeing the differences and similarities between small businesses in Jersey and Calhoun Counties and Florissant reinforces how critical it is that we promote the growth of our local businesses while protecting their unique character,” said Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “We look forward to continuing this conversation across the metro to make sure we are supporting this important call to action in the STL 2030 Jobs Plan.”

The day in Jersey and Calhoun Counties included a roundtable discussion with local and elected leaders, including Mike Morrow, Mayor of Grafton, Patrick Simon, Calhoun County Commissioner, and representatives from the offices of both state and federal elected representatives, as well as the owners of local businesses, like Aeries Resort and the Loading Dock Bar and Grill.

The trip to Florissant included tours of local businesses— including Latte Lounge, Made. by Lia, Dooley’s Florist and Gifts, and Handyman True Value Hardware — and a roundtable discussion at the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce with Hall, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, Florissant Mayor Tim Lowery, and other leaders and business owners.