STL Partnership Wins Bronze Award for Business Retention and Expansion Excellence

Non-profit recognized by the International Economic Development Council

The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (STL Partnership) is proud to announce it will be recognized at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado, Sept. 15-18, 2024. The IEDC, a non-profit organization for economic developers with over 4,500 members, awarded STL Partnership and its partners the Bronze Award for Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) excellence.

The IEDC is the world’s largest organization serving economic developers. IEDC’s members take part in the full range of economic development programs and settings. IEDC provides services like training courses, publications, and conferences, alongside its annual awards. The IEDC 2024 Annual Conference theme is “Championing Economic Development Superheroes.”

Since 2022, STL Partnership has worked with key partners to run a thriving BRE program. These key partners include the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED), Ameren, Spire, the World Trade Center St. Louis (WTC) and the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC).

The BRE program connects St. Louis companies with government and economic development officials, leading to communication between the private and public sectors. This also fosters continuous growth and job creation throughout the St. Louis region.

Highlighted in the award application was the BRE team’s work with Zeiss, a German company who recently acquired Katalyst and Kogent Surgical, which are businesses in the St. Louis region. This has expanded the team’s reach to a global scale, complete with an international program. Due to Zeiss’ involvement, employment has increased by 33% at the two acquired businesses, expanding the St. Louis workforce.

STL Partnership and its partners plan to continue their work with the BRE program, foster growth opportunities and advance economic development.