Foristell Chamber of Commerce Minutes
Regular Meeting April 1, 2008

PRESENT: Roger Cox, Chris Daleo, Wanda Donnelly, Frank Eggering. Chris Goatley,
Nancy Hance, Tim Hooton, Jeff Kasten, Harry Kishpaugh, Frank Klass, Dave Monahan,
Tim Nash, Mike O’Connell, Ken Orf, Mark Porter, Marvin Rodenbaugh, Larry Shroth,
Michelle Smith, Sandy Stokes, Pat Wenom, Peggy Alexander, Ray Alexander

GUESTS: Greg Prestomen-Director of the St. Charles Economic Development Council,
Chris Sullivan-American Bank, Charlene Twiehaus-The Missouri Bank.

President Tim opened the meeting at 12:00 noon and welcomed the members, and guests. Tim asked for each of us to introduce ourselves, tell who we represent and what we do. Also, what is going on in the business.

LUNCH

Program: We were privileged today to have Greg Prestomen, Director of the St. Charles County Economic Development Council as our speaker. He gave an informative presentation on what the EDC is, and what they do to help with business development in St. Charles County. The EDC is a private, not for profit organization that helps small and large businesses with incubation services, general promotion and marketing. They currently have a staff of fifteen people. Giving assistance in helping communities bring large business to their area is the one of things that they do. They were instrumental in bringing MasterCard International and Citigroup to O’Fallon.

Greg said that the Prime Class A Office Locations are currently in several areas: Highway 370 Corridor
Fountain Lakes and Elm Point in St. Charles
Premier 370 in St. Peters
St. Peters Special District
Highway 40/I-64 Corridor
Missouri Research Park
Technology Drive in Weldon Spring
Progress point in O’Fallon
I-64 West Business Park in Dardenne Prairie
Winghaven in O’Fallon

St. Charles County is the Regional Leader in Office Absorption over St. Louis City/County. More than half of the residents in St. Charles County work in St. Charles County. He said that Industrial Space is at a premium. There are strong opportunities for location in Premier 370 in St. Peters, and an I-70 Industrial Park in Foristell. Larry Shroth mentioned that the Norfolk Southern Railroad had given a presentation to the Chamber several years ago about showing interest in putting in a spur for a business that would serve as a nucleus for an Industrial Park in Foristell. Larry thanked Greg for the work that the EDC had given Foristell several years ago with economic development. David Liesure from the EDC came and worked with the Chamber and the City in developing a program to determine the strengths and weaknesses of Foristell. It involved questionnaires and meetings with City Officials and Chamber Members to determine how the EDC could help us. Sandy Stokes praised the EDC for the help that they gave O’Fallon while she was City Administrator. She said that Foristell plans on joining the EDC

The Largest Business Sectors in St. Charles County are currently: Retail Trade - 13%, Accommodation and Food Service - 11.3%, Manufacturing - 10.6%, Local Government - 10.4%, Health Care and Social Assistance - 10.1%, and Construction - 9.9%. Just as in other areas of the state and country the housing market needs stimulation. On the whole St. Charles has done a good job of growth over the last 25 years. There will be a good amount of change over the next ten years. The types of employers have changed considerably since 1975. Most business gains are in the small to medium size companies of 215 employees. Target Industries are: Mitek, Novus International, Synergetics USA, Westar Areospace, NISC, Patriot Machine, and Quilogy.

How St. Charles County Ranks: #1 Overall-PFP measuring Progress 2007, Business Week.com “Best Affordable Suburbs” Wentzville (2007), St. Charles 63304 (2006), Forbes “Fastest Growing Suburbs” 2000-2006 (O’Fallon-43.9%), (Lake St. Louis-34.4%)

What is St. Charles County doing right? Infrastructure Investment, Generally Business Friendly, Regional Collaborations, Education and Public Safety. It is necessary to continue doing these things for expanded future growth.

Minutes: February 5, 2008 – Approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Chris Daleo reported that the current balance in the treasury is $3,277.35

City Update: Sandy Stokes reported that the Fast Lane construction is going well. It may be completed by the end of the month. The Missouri Bank may be completed and ready to open in May. The City will have Proposition A on the April 8th Ballot which is to impose a ½ % sales tax for the purpose of funding the purchase, construction and maintenance of roads and park facilities. The information has been sent in a flyer and in the City Newsletter to Foristell residents for their support of the Proposition. There are 44 voters in Foristell and the hope is to get them involved with what is going on in the City, and make them aware that the sales tax is needed to construct and maintain city roads and have the funds to purchase land for a park. Former Mayor, Larry Donnelly is a Committee of one at this time in charge of Parks. The City is working on an agreement that would result in the donation of 80 acres of land along Peruque Creek to be developed as their first public park. Funding will be available to help park development if the sales tax passes.

Mayor Wanda Donnelly and the Board of Aldermen are currently discussing an Ad Campaign to promote Foristell.

School District Update: Mike O’Connell, CFO of the Wentzville School District, reported that graduation will be held on May 24th, but the school year has been extended until May 30th due the number of snow days that they had to use this winter.
Dr. Mark Porter, District Superintendent of the Wright City School District, reported that construction of the new Elementary School has slowed down due to inclimate weather. March 2009 is the target date for completion. Graduation is scheduled for May 18th. The new Superintendent, Chris Gaines will start on May 30th. Congratulations to Dr. Porter on the great job that he has done during his tenure as District Superintendent.


Old Business: President Tim asked Nancy Hance if she had an opportunity to review our web site to see if any changes are needed. She said that the Chamber roster needs updating. Secretary Ray said that he is in the process of doing so. He periodically sends in changes, but has not done so recently. He mentioned that there is a business featured in the photos that is not actually a Chamber member. There was a time when local businesses were featured on the web site by Larry Shroth. He also featured a business in a newsletter which he published several times a year. After some discussion by the members, it was decided that a member will be able to send in an article about his or her business to Secretary Ray for him to put on the web site. These will be featured once a month on a first come, first served basis.

Other Business: Larry Shroth, who is the President of the St. Charles League of Chambers, of which we are a member, is asking us to support the League’s endorsement and support of the proposed Federal-aid initiatives relative to transportation in St. Charles County. Larry is writing a letter to the East-West Gateway Council of Government stating the support of the League, and asking that they consider investing funds in St. Charles County. A motion was made by Sandy Stokes and seconded by Frank Klass that we support the League’s endorsement. Motion passed.

President Tim reported on donations that the Chamber has given for various activities, charitable causes, and League of Chamber dues over the last several years. He would like us to focus our funds on a Billboard Campaign publicizing the City of Foristell in the near future. Pat Wenom said that Porlier is trying to see what they can do about a billboard. It was decided to table the issue until the Mayor and Board come up with their suggestions for a campaign. At that time, we can offer our assistance.

There was no other business. Meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Ray Alexander, Secretary