Gee, its really swell of you to make fun of my bi-polar condition. (Just kiddin!) But more seriously, I was just going with the sentiment of the Missouri Chamber, which apparantly is not optimistic. Next week is critical, btw, as the Special Session will be concluded one way or the other. That's not to say that if it doesn't pass this special session it can't be brought up again in January, but it wouldn't give a whole lot of confidence.ttricamo wrote:
Good lord! It was looking good for you three posts ago. Now its looking bleak? Nothing changed! C'mon, man! Everyone would do well to table their "Show-me" attitude for a moment and get off the roller coaster.
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I realize this initiative is important for you, and I know you went to jeff city, but this comment is still too nebulous for me. Are you speaking with any of the senators voting for this? It seems as though that's the only group of people that know anything about the passing of the legislation. And I would wager that they don't have a straight answer just yet.Colby wrote:What's changed for me is having a few email exchanges last night with one of the guys at the very center of this initiative.
I doubt anybody is showing all their cards on this deal, perhaps including the Chinese.
Also, it's very plausible that the US has more than one china hub.
Again, tons of moving pieces here.
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^Let me validate the credibility of Colby's contact as someone with merit. Same time, I'm not saying names, just throwing my weight behind the strength of this guy's sentiments.
And I do agree with your sentiments. There are many moving pieces in this game, and it's not over yet. Moreso, we haven't seen word of any contingencies for what may happen if the General Assembly completely fails to do anything. Still, having the strength of the State of Missouri supporting MO business growth, job creation, and solidly supporting exports would be surely the best chance.
Keep the pressure up, definitely. Call your Senators, write them, and let them know you support the Trade Hub by any means necessary.
Meanwhile, the timing of all the other delegations really is interesting... It's as if he wants to campaign on that ancient Vulcan proverb, "Only Nixon Can Go To China". The question will be, though, if he can sell Shanghai on BUILD.
Point of Reflection:
The Communist People's Republic of China is more pro-business than the State of Missouri. Scary, huh?
And I do agree with your sentiments. There are many moving pieces in this game, and it's not over yet. Moreso, we haven't seen word of any contingencies for what may happen if the General Assembly completely fails to do anything. Still, having the strength of the State of Missouri supporting MO business growth, job creation, and solidly supporting exports would be surely the best chance.
Keep the pressure up, definitely. Call your Senators, write them, and let them know you support the Trade Hub by any means necessary.
Meanwhile, the timing of all the other delegations really is interesting... It's as if he wants to campaign on that ancient Vulcan proverb, "Only Nixon Can Go To China". The question will be, though, if he can sell Shanghai on BUILD.
Point of Reflection:
The Communist People's Republic of China is more pro-business than the State of Missouri. Scary, huh?
Two STLtoday articles discussing events peripheral to the Trade Hub...
NorthPark is seeking a bond refinancing from STL County
Source: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metr ... 97a3d.html
This is better supported than the article implies, and Lord knows it was planned around the Trade Hub legislation being approved of in the primary legislative session, before we knew of the "No Nothings" putting on the brakes.
Free Trade Agreements passed between the US and Colombia, Panama, and South Korea
Source: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt ... f6878.html
This is a huge Federal bill that will help MO exports, as well as national exports, and it should've been passed last year. Still, better late than nothing.
From the article, a quote that the General Assembly must recognize...
"If there's low-hanging fruit in job creation, it's exporting to countries who want to buy our products."
- Sen. Roy Blunt, R-MO
NorthPark is seeking a bond refinancing from STL County
Source: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metr ... 97a3d.html
This is better supported than the article implies, and Lord knows it was planned around the Trade Hub legislation being approved of in the primary legislative session, before we knew of the "No Nothings" putting on the brakes.
Free Trade Agreements passed between the US and Colombia, Panama, and South Korea
Source: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt ... f6878.html
This is a huge Federal bill that will help MO exports, as well as national exports, and it should've been passed last year. Still, better late than nothing.
From the article, a quote that the General Assembly must recognize...
"If there's low-hanging fruit in job creation, it's exporting to countries who want to buy our products."
- Sen. Roy Blunt, R-MO
Maybe you're right, GC. Maybe I'm too defeatist, though it's hard not to be right now. I hope Nixon can change some minds in Shanghai. It's looking pretty bleak right now, though.
ttricamo, yes, I've corresponded directly with most Missouri state senators about this. There are, however, people who know a lot more about the issues at play than Missouri politicians. I can name a handful off the top of my head.
ttricamo, yes, I've corresponded directly with most Missouri state senators about this. There are, however, people who know a lot more about the issues at play than Missouri politicians. I can name a handful off the top of my head.
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Colby wrote: There are, however, people who know a lot more about the issues at play than Missouri politicians. I can name a handful off the top of my head.
Where are they and why are the not out in the public making a fuss about this?? They should have ads in newspapers across Missouri as well as getting on as many TV & radio news programs they can. The people backing this have deep pockets and only stand to deepen them once the "hub" materializes. They should be out investing their money, making Missourians so enraged with their politicians that this bill passes. 90% of the blame if this doesn't pass go to the politicians, but 10% goes to those who haven't even made a strong, PUBLIC fight.
They have been working. In addition to trying to persuade the Chinese not to abandon StL, some of them were instrumental in helping forge the consensus that led to the special session. I suppose they have their own reasons for not going on Jaco or whatever. I can't speak for them.
I agree, however, that they could have probably done a better job convincing the general public to support the initiative. I suppose they were more concerned about convincing the Chinese and Missouri legislators.
I agree, however, that they could have probably done a better job convincing the general public to support the initiative. I suppose they were more concerned about convincing the Chinese and Missouri legislators.
What most of us have already come to expect from Missouri state representatives, an utter lack of leadership
http://www.stlbeacon.org/voices/blogs/p ... t-proposal
Senate votes against going to conference with House on economic development proposal
By Jo Mannies, Beacon political reporter
Posted 4:43 pm Mon., 10.17.11
The Missouri Senate voted this afternoon against going to conference with the state House to try to reach a compromise regarding an economic development bill. Instead, the Senate called for the House to drop its version and approve the Senate's plan.
http://www.stlbeacon.org/voices/blogs/p ... t-proposal
Senate votes against going to conference with House on economic development proposal
By Jo Mannies, Beacon political reporter
Posted 4:43 pm Mon., 10.17.11
The Missouri Senate voted this afternoon against going to conference with the state House to try to reach a compromise regarding an economic development bill. Instead, the Senate called for the House to drop its version and approve the Senate's plan.
This has all been so disappointing. The House version doesn't even contain any incentives for the development of air cargo facilities, which means it's a nonstarter for the Chinese. Although the Senate's version contains Compete Missouri, it's unlikely the Chinese would sign on to that. In order for St. Louis to become an international trade hub, the General Assembly needs to pass the $60 million plus some form of the original Aerotropolis credits for facilities. Brace yourself for complete and utter failure.
Missouri, a fly on the wall, is saying no to the global economy. I don't know if we'll ever have another opportunity like this. Doesn't augur well heading into the 21st century.
Missouri, a fly on the wall, is saying no to the global economy. I don't know if we'll ever have another opportunity like this. Doesn't augur well heading into the 21st century.
WE NEED TO MAKE THIS LOCALLY FUNDED! WE CAN GET THE 300,000,000 FROM STL TAX INCENTIVES. WE HAVE THE MONEY TO. WE REALLY NEED TO SAVE THIS!!!!! PLEASE DEAR GOD. IF ANY BODY CAN CONTACT MAYOR SLAY OR WHOEVER CAN GET THIS LOCALLY FUNDED, DO SO IMMEDIATELY!!! TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH. WE ARE NOT GOING TO LOOSE THIS. WE CAN'T WE HAVE COME TO FAR.WE WILL NOT LOOSE THIS TO CRUDLUMBUS, OHELLO OR DENBUR, CRAPOLRADO. WE CAN FUND THIS LOCALLY!!! JACO SAID IT!!!!!!!! CONTACT PEABODY,AB,EXPRESSSCRIPTS, MARITZ,EMERSON, SCOTTRADE, EDWARD JONES, AND ALL PRIVATE DONORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PEOPLE WE CANNOT LOOSE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IF MISSOURI WON'T FUND IT, SAINT LOUIS WILL. WE ARE SAINT LOUIS, WE CONTROL OUR FUTURE. IF WE TRULY WANT THIS, WE WILL START RALLYING THE TROOPS. THIS COULD BRING INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES TO LAMBERT! PLEASE!!!!!!
Dead as a doorknob! Failure of leadership all across the board. We just have to pray that other legislatures are just as corrupt and inefficient.
At least we didn't compromise on the historic tax credits, because the hub was dead as soon as the $360 million was taken out. How the hell did local leaders not come up with an alternative financing plan is beyond me. Putting the economic future of our region in the hands of out-state legislatures that clearly have a rural/anti-urban bias was sure to fail. One senator even said that he felt the bill was too "regionally targeted". Basically he felt that St. Louis was benefiting too much from the economic development bill.
At least we didn't compromise on the historic tax credits, because the hub was dead as soon as the $360 million was taken out. How the hell did local leaders not come up with an alternative financing plan is beyond me. Putting the economic future of our region in the hands of out-state legislatures that clearly have a rural/anti-urban bias was sure to fail. One senator even said that he felt the bill was too "regionally targeted". Basically he felt that St. Louis was benefiting too much from the economic development bill.
Jaco expressing his dismay: http://www.kplr11.com/entertainment/kpl ... 0741.story
If rural legislators are concerned that this is "too regional," maybe we should join them in promoting strictly regional interests. I wonder how they would feel about a system in which tax money is expended only within 50 miles of where it's collected.
If rural legislators are concerned that this is "too regional," maybe we should join them in promoting strictly regional interests. I wonder how they would feel about a system in which tax money is expended only within 50 miles of where it's collected.
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Maybe the committee didn't publicly announce a plan b so they wouldn't play their hand until they needed to, in the hopes that the Mo legislature would actually come through.
pssst, committee...they didn't come through. Go ahead and play your hand now.
I would also like to add that St. Louis "The (eventual) Juggernaut" will (eventually) throw its weight around. It was incredibly studid and myopic of the legislature to get themselves this fractured.
pssst, committee...they didn't come through. Go ahead and play your hand now.
I would also like to add that St. Louis "The (eventual) Juggernaut" will (eventually) throw its weight around. It was incredibly studid and myopic of the legislature to get themselves this fractured.
Jaco for state senate. That was the most sane argument I've heard in a while regarding the Cargo Hub. I too questioned "WHY NO PLAN B?" Years of investment and trips to China for what?
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how soon can we reasonably expect (if at all) for a Plan B to surface? And with Denver and Cincinnati zeroing in on this thing, do we have enough time?
GC had some ideas two pages back, some course of action has to be taken immediately. I'd rather lose the hub to MidAmerica than Denver or Ohio.
GC had some ideas two pages back, some course of action has to be taken immediately. I'd rather lose the hub to MidAmerica than Denver or Ohio.
Curious, did the scheduled china cargo flight land today as planned?
I dont believe so. A co-worker and I were trying to track the flight yesterday but it was nowhere to be found.
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It will be interesting to see how the next Regular Session (which begins in January) unfolds with respect to economic development. With the extraordinary Republican infighting and ego pissing, they wound up with zero accomplishments during economic downturn. They will be under a lot of pressure to step up their game for the '12 session as elections will be held in the fall.
I hope something gets done, otherwise everybody is screwed (except for perhaps a few Dems seeking out wins they otherwise would not have.)
I hope something gets done, otherwise everybody is screwed (except for perhaps a few Dems seeking out wins they otherwise would not have.)
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Hey, that's my idea!Colby wrote:If rural legislators are concerned that this is "too regional," maybe we should join them in promoting strictly regional interests. I wonder how they would feel about a system in which tax money is expended only within 50 miles of where it's collected.
My thoughts exactly. Then again, a couple things from the Jaco video...captainjackass wrote:Maybe the committee didn't publicly announce a plan b so they wouldn't play their hand until they needed to, in the hopes that the Mo legislature would actually come through.
1. The second flight did land; and
2. Jaco's sources say there isn't a "Plan B" as of yet.
I still have hope that there is a contingency plan, or at the very least wholeheartedly expect that there is a scramble on right now to get one done. When considering the economic benefits possible (tens of thousands of jobs and BILLIONS in revenues), the negative repercussions without an economic impetus, and the globalization of business, there MUST be some follow-up by STL. As Jaco said, we can't leave our economic future to "Hugo & Jethro" in outstate MO; we must do it for ourselves.
Reread this: The RCGA's Estimated Impact of the Trade Hub with China
http://www.stlrcga.org/documents/Aerotr ... Impact.pdf
Conclusions: The $360M investment would yield
A. 37,169 new jobs in Missouri; and
B. Economic impact of $33.86 Billion.
There's no way that we, as a City, can stand by and watch all this flush away.
Oh, and very much, this could quickly lead to STL having full international service again, and not just to East Asia.
On a side note, part of my business is work in the pharmaceutical industry, which includes working with imports & exports, and working with Chinese companies. At a meeting in New York a couple weeks ago, I greatly impressed a business partner whom I'd never met before, originally from China & now on the East Coast, when he heard about STL possibly securing a Trade Hub with China Cargo. This made him consider moving product in and out of Lambert going forward. Further, this also could help a partner company based in STL where we are considering expanding business, including a JV with a Chinese company, and possibly including product shipment from STL to China. Very large orders.
THIS IS VERY REAL AND PRECARIOUSLY CLOSE TO DYING.
CITY HALL, COUNTY COUNCIL, RCGA:
DO SOMETHING! ANYTHING! QUICKLY!
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Nixon to China to sign trade deals...
Plan B for #STL international export effort? Nixon to China: bit.ly/pcwWU4
Plan B for #STL international export effort? Nixon to China: bit.ly/pcwWU4
The question is whether he is going to negotiate with China Eastern Airlines. As far as I know, Stephen Perry is our point man for the China hub deal.
I think we should just export 90% of the MO Legislature to China.
I think we should just export 90% of the MO Legislature to China.
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I hope the Biz Journal is keeping track of all those Senators who voted against this, perhaps including a "Wall of Shame" when they compile their annual Legislators of the Year lists. Should any anti-Trade Hub Senator appear on their list next year, that can rule out their credibility in one fell swoop.
Seriously, what can be done to salvage any of this? I know some planes are going to keep coming over, if for no reason other than general supply & demand and for capitalizing on all the work already done. But, for this to reach the scale we all are seeking, what actions must be taken? I know Jaco talked about a tax issue, like what was done for MetroLink, but is this realistic in this economic & political environment? I can anticipate companies like Emerson and Peabody pursuing further action (the earnings potential is huge), but will the general populace go for it?
In the interim, I'd love to see all the pro-Trade Hub GOP in MO come out and lambaste these "No Nothings". Off the top of my head, that would include Kit Bond, the Danforths, both Blunts, Talent, Akin, Kinder, at least half the MO Senate, and the majority of the MO House. Ditto for the non-political business groups, such as the MO Chamber of Commerce and the RCGA. These "No Nothings" must be shamed for a failure to act. The Dems would be all for this, if for no reason than to further the schism. Even Nixon, who's so scared of the backlash that he's hiding out in KC before heading to China to explain himself. Hopefully he can pitch Shanghai on BUILD or whatever other programs are left, because the costs are too high for any political capital interests. After all, he did act to instigate the schism in the Special Session, and some blood is on his hands.
Can Nixon save this and emerge the hero? Or am I putting too much faith into this? Here's to hope against hope...
AND to STL taking care of STL when outstate won't take care of business.
Seriously, what can be done to salvage any of this? I know some planes are going to keep coming over, if for no reason other than general supply & demand and for capitalizing on all the work already done. But, for this to reach the scale we all are seeking, what actions must be taken? I know Jaco talked about a tax issue, like what was done for MetroLink, but is this realistic in this economic & political environment? I can anticipate companies like Emerson and Peabody pursuing further action (the earnings potential is huge), but will the general populace go for it?
In the interim, I'd love to see all the pro-Trade Hub GOP in MO come out and lambaste these "No Nothings". Off the top of my head, that would include Kit Bond, the Danforths, both Blunts, Talent, Akin, Kinder, at least half the MO Senate, and the majority of the MO House. Ditto for the non-political business groups, such as the MO Chamber of Commerce and the RCGA. These "No Nothings" must be shamed for a failure to act. The Dems would be all for this, if for no reason than to further the schism. Even Nixon, who's so scared of the backlash that he's hiding out in KC before heading to China to explain himself. Hopefully he can pitch Shanghai on BUILD or whatever other programs are left, because the costs are too high for any political capital interests. After all, he did act to instigate the schism in the Special Session, and some blood is on his hands.
Can Nixon save this and emerge the hero? Or am I putting too much faith into this? Here's to hope against hope...
AND to STL taking care of STL when outstate won't take care of business.