|
 |
COMMERCE COMMENTS
|
In a move
to further reinforce their commitment to the region—specifically
in technology—SBC just announced their support of the Donald Danforth
Plant Science Center to the tune of $1.9 million.
The Center, scheduled to open in November 2001, is expected to become
one of the world’s leading independent research facilities for plant
sciences and will help the St. Louis region become an international
center for the study of plants and agriculture. The complex will
also link to the Nidus Center for Scientific Enterprise, a plant
science technology business incubator.
Southwestern Bell’s grant will support state-of-the-art marketing
and conference facilities within the new $146 million plant science
center. The complex of these facilities, which will bear Southwestern
Bell’s name, will be a key facility for learning and information
sharing among the regional, national and international scientific
community and clients around the world. It will also offer the region
real-time access to scientific events and collaborations.
This month’s cover story takes an in-depth look at Missouri Southwestern
Bell and the woman at its helm, Jan Newton.
Also in this issue, on page 24, is a story on the region’s hub and
its importance in terms of economic development. Our easily accessible
air hub is critical to attracting businesses and keeping those already
here. Convenience is key to businesspeople and the region is able
to offer 93 nonstop flights on all airlines to St. Louis, from more
than 100 cities. Lambert–St. Louis International Airport provides
more than 1,600 flights on an average weekday.
And speaking of economic development, the story on page 28 focuses
on the Regional Workforce Initiative, created to enhance the workforce
of the region, thereby retaining current jobs and attracting new
ones to the area.
As the workforce needs of business and industry change, we must
continue to provide the skilled workforce to meet those needs or
the jobs will go elsewhere. The Initiative is designed to do just
that, by engaging employers, education and training systems, and
students and teachers.
It already has initiated a policy framework (in partnership between
the RCGA and East-West Gateway Coordinating Council), and regional
talent portal using the Internet as a place to gather information
and create links to workforce education and training resources in
the region, www.stlouisatwork.com.
The story also features a companion piece on the region’s workforce
enhancement practices. In expanding these programs and developing
others, the region is poised to expand upon its strengths and create
new areas of opportunity.
Richard C.D. Fleming
President and Chief Executive Officer
St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association |
|
|
|
|
-
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
-
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
-
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
-
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
|
