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COMMERCE COMMENTS
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This month’s
cover story features Sigma-Aldrich, one of the region’s and the
nation’s leading life science and high-technology companies—one
of 3,600 plant and life sciences enterprises that call the St. Louis
region home. Many of Sigma-Aldrich’s current products are used in
Life Science Research. Their products find their way into research
applications in cancer, neuroscience, genomic, agricultural and
drug discovery.
In response to a growing plant and life sciences market, Sigma-Aldrich
is substantially expanding its operations here, building a new $55
million life science research center in mid-town St. Louis. This
facility will enable the company to double its research and development
expenditures.
And as Sigma-Aldrich is expanding its commitment to Life Sciences,
the region is also pooling its efforts to promote the region as
the BioBelt—a world class center for plant and life sciences research,
investment and business opportunity. This plant and life sciences
network will serve as a catalyst in the industry that can really
build this industry cluster into a strength for the region.
Speaking of plant and life sciences, it was one of five key issue
areas of focus as 18 St. Louis regional business and civic leaders
met in early January with Statewide officials and legislative leaders
of both parties in Jefferson City.
The regional delegation also focused on: Economic Development Tax
Credits, Downtown Revitalization, Home Rule for the City of St.
Louis, and Statewide Transportation and Infrastructure.
A highlight of the day was a 1 1/2 hour meeting with Governor Bob
Holden in his first day on the job, along with individual meetings
with Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell and new Secretary of State Matt Blunt.
In addition, the delegation had extended sessions with recently-elected
Speaker Jim Kreider, and the two ranking Democrats in the House,
as well as with House Republican Leader Catherine Hanaway, and a
number of leaders in her caucus. We also met with Senate President
Pro Tem Peter Kinder. As a wrap-up to the day of individual meetings,
we had a wine tasting and working dinner with members of the 77-member
St. Louis Regional Legislative Caucus.
Our annual St. Louis Regional Legislative Day in Springfield with
Illinois leaders is set for March 7.
The regional agenda and the RCGA’s legislative priorities are represented
on a full-time basis in Jefferson City and Springfield by RCGA staff
members Gordon Reel and John Valenti during the legislative sessions.
(see page 40 for more details on the RCGA’s 2001 legislative agenda.)
Richard C.D. Fleming
President and Chief Executive Officer
St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association |
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