Until regional forces (including dedicated local corporations) realize that downtown St. Louis and downtown East St. Louis, to a lesser degree, are the front doors of the region, St. Louis (as a region) will continue to be perceived as a mediocre by multi-national businesses. Further, as long as Clayton, Chesterfield and Creve Coeur (The 3 C’s) are viewed as viable places to locate, major businesses will struggle to view St. Louis City likewise.

Also, if the social, educational, and racial climate of St. Louis doesn’t change, don’t expect the business climate to change too much. Businesses don’t only look for a skilled workforce and incentives, but social climate is very much a factor as well.

A-B’s buyout is not the death knell of St. Louis. St. Louis will have many multi-national firms to grow and develop. As I see it, the recent acquisitions, mergers etc. of St. Louis companies is a sign that St. Louis is simply being forced to partake in the global economy. It has been behind the curve on the global economy. Imagine if A-B had gone after Miller or Coors. Imagine if A.G. Edwards had gone after a competitor. Imagine if May Co. had attempted to buy Saks or Federated (Macy’s). St. Louisans are too complacent and that complacency bites them in the butt.