Economic forecast: St. Louis needs ‘breakthrough’
Date Posted: October 19, 2015
Posted In: News,
St. Louis Business Journal: More than half of St. Louis’ business leaders expect a recent trend of slow and steady growth to continue in 2016, according to St. Louis Regional Chamber President and CEO Joe Reagan.
Given the tepid forecast, Reagan urged business leaders Wednesday to strive for “breakthrough improvements” that could help shape St. Louis’ economic future for decades to come.
Reagan made the remarks at the St. Louis Business Journal’s early-bird economic forecast event at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
“It’s the perfect time for breakthrough improvements in our economy,” he said. “As the world has grown fast, St. Louis has remained steady. We need to recognize the gap we have in economic opportunity and jump into them so we’re not just reactive.”
Following the civil unrest in Ferguson and a wave of crime — two points of concern Reagan said are top of mind among St. Louis business owners — St. Louis may never have a chance to “swing for the fences” as it relates to fundamentally changing the way St. Louis does business, he said.
Taking chances with risk-takers, such as St. Louis’ growing entrepreneurial community, should be a priority for St. Louis, Reagan said. As should supporting the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s relocation decision and recruiting innovative talent to move to St. Louis.