Giving St. Louisans the pathways to smart jobs and bright futures
(St. Louis, Missouri): The St. Louis Regional Business Council (RBC) and the St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation are pleased to announce the launch of STL.works to address the growing workforce crisis in our region. An online hub, STL.works will act as a centralized source of information—highlighting pathways and resources to well-paying jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, technology and construction. The goal: to give St. Louisans an easier way to get the skills they need, to get the job they want and the future they deserve.
The region is at a crossroads—50,000 people in St. Louis are unemployed and yet 200,000 jobs remain unfilled. STL.works will increase the pipeline of candidates into high-demand, skilled positions—elevating St. Louis as one of the nation’s foremost cities for a diverse, skilled workforce to accelerate business growth and economic development.
“St. Louis is united to address the national crisis of the growing skills gap,” said Kathy Osborn, President & CEO of the St. Louis Regional Business Council. “We must develop a robust, skilled workforce to keep our outstanding companies here and to attract other businesses to St. Louis.”
STL.Works Week will be held August 5 – 9 leading off with a press announcement and rally on August 6 introducing STL.works, and highlighting a lineup of exciting workforce development events and opportunities including:
- STL.works campaign and web portal launch rally on Tuesday, August 6 at 10am at America’s Center
- St. Louis Community College’s State of the St. Louis Workforce report release on Wednesday, August 7
- The Metropolitan Urban League of St. Louis Urban Expo Job Fair on Friday, August 9 at America’s Center connecting job seekers with hundreds of employers from around the region
“As the Chairman and CEO of my business, I know how important a skilled workforce is to meeting the needs of employers,” said Tony Thompson, Chairman and CEO of Kwame Building Group. “As a St. Louisian, I want to be part of the solution to improve lives in our community, and enhance the economy for our region – and that’s why I’m proud to be a part of STL.works.”
Stakeholders from St. Louis educational institutions, local and state government officials, business leaders, and the broader St. Louis community have been instrumental in driving STL.works.
“STL.works is a great example of the community coming together to address a growing issue,” said Dr. Art McCoy, Superintendent of Jennings School District, who served as emcee for the event.
STL.works is sponsored by the Regional Business Council (RBC), BJC HealthCare, Emerson, Explore St. Louis, McCarthy Holdings, Inc., Paric Corporation, St. Louis Community College, and SSM Health.
About the Regional Business Council (RBC): The Regional Business Council is a consortium of presidents and chief executive officers of large companies in St. Louis. The mission of the RBC is to unite and engage members to act on high-impact business, civic and philanthropic affairs for the betterment of the St. Louis region. www.stlrbc.org
About the St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation: The St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation is an educational organization founded by the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (d.b.a. Explore St. Louis) for the purpose of unleashing St. Louis civic pride. Its mission is to create a culture of confidence and competitiveness among St. Louis area residents to help propel growth in the region. www.stlouiscivicpride.org
Media Contacts:
Kaylyn Blackmore
Lents & Associates
314.968.3060
kblackmore@lentsandassoc.com
Mindy Mazur
Lents & Associates
314.968.3060 or 573-999-9245
mmazur@lentsandassoc.com
