ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - This week, leaders from around the country and St Louis are gathering to highlight the impact talent from around the world has on the economy here in the St Louis region
On Wednesday, The St Louis Mosaic Project and the World Trade Center are celebrating the international employers and talent here in St Louis at their annual awards lunch this week, Growing Global 2024.
"For our region, there's no doubt that we need to support the 95% of our region that was born in this country and do what we can for their talent acceleration," said Betsy Cohen, the Executive Director of the St Louis Mosaic Project on Total Information A.M. "But in addition to that, we can grow the 5% of our population that is foreign born and can bring in global talent and new Americans to our region to add to that economic vitality."
Tim Nowak, who is the Executive Director for the World Trade Center says there are three components that the leader of a regional economic development organization like him looks for as he tries to lure international employers and talent to the region: talent, trade and investment.
"We need talent around the world choosing St. Louis as a place for which to live, work and raise a family," said Nowak. "But we needs our companies to sell our goods and resources all throughout the world. And we need foreign investment. We got about 300 foreign-owned companies that are invested here in St. Louis."
Among those who are set to speak during the annual awards lunch on Wednesday include KMOX's own Debbie Monterrey who will moderate the event, Greater St. Louis Inc. CEO Jason Hall and special remarks from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.