FEBRUARY 19, 2014 MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINE
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Weldon Spring Board of Aldermen questions value of EDC membership By AMY ARMOUR aarmour@newsmagazinenetwork.com Not all of the Weldon Spring aldermen are sure that a membership with the Economic Development Center (EDC) of St. Charles County is a good business decision. The Weldon Spring Board of Aldermen is considering its EDC Annual Service Agreement – which comes with a $5,000 price tag – and not all are certain that the return on investment is worth the expense. The EDC assists small businesses with financing, training and education in an effort to create and retain jobs within the county. It also houses a small business incubator. According to the agreement, “the Center (EDC) shall provide a minimum of $5,000 of services providing marketing, training and education, loan packaging and servicing industrial revenue bonds and SBA 504 loans.” The city has approved the membership for several years, but Alderman Bruce Robb (Ward 1) said he had not seen any-
thing concrete come out of the partnership with the EDC in the last year. Mayor Don Licklider said there have been a few business leads, but nothing has developed from them. “(The EDC) markets the whole county and in turn that trickles down into the cities,” said City Administrator Michael Padella. “It means having a seat at the table and having face time with other communities. We would miss out on some of that.” In 2013, all industrial/manufacturing businesses, utilities and local officials were
invited to the Industrial High-Tech Summit to discuss current issues. And each month every partnering city, the county and the EDC take turns selecting a business in their community to spotlight and honor. If the city enters into the agreement, Padella said the city also will have the opportunity to participate in the St. Louis Small Business Expo at the St. Charles Convention Center. Weldon Spring would also be included in the EDC’s marketing materials, which have gained both regional and national exposure.
The cost of membership with the EDC is based on population size. Some smaller cities that currently participate include Cottleville, Dardenne Prairie, Foristell and Lake Saint Louis. The cities of New Melle, Flint Hill and Portage des Sioux do not. Greg Prestemon, president and CEO of the EDC, was scheduled to speak to the board on Feb. 11, but had to cancel due to illness. The board decided to table the issue until Prestemon could explain the benefits and value of the membership to the city at the Feb. 28 board meeting.
When it comes to your health,
it’s not what you know, but who knows you.
FIFTH STREET, from page 10 and Wagner said city officials explained that one lane would always remain open for traffic. He also is anticipating the installation of a stoplight at Fifth and Pike streets, the intersection where Concetta’s resides. Even the removal and replacement of underground utility lines is of no concern to Wagner. “The city came by here to talk to us about underground wires, and said they’d do the electricity while we’re closed … it wasn’t a big deal,” he said. He said he hasn’t heard much resistance to the improvements, except from occasional “old school” residents. “They don’t like change, but I think it’ll do the area good,” he said. Business owner Lauree Salamon, of Lauree’s Bridal and Floral Wear, was tickled by the city’s vision. “The city’s been good to us,” she said. “They might make you walk the line on certain things, but they have everything up to par … I feel great about it. “It’s such a plus for the city. It’s a lot of money to do it, but in the end, we’re all going to benefit.” Next month, project planners will analyze and review comments from the Feb. 6 open house and move forward with those in mind. In July, planners will complete right-ofway negotiations, and handle select easements involved. By August, King anticipates the completion of final construction plans, with roadway improvements begining in the fall. Project completion is expected in the spring of 2016.
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