Do you find yourself needing to research competitors, emerging trends or other business information? The Jefferson County Library has the resource for you!
The Business and Company Resource Center brings together a wide variety of global business information, enabling users to efficiently research business case studies, competitive intelligence, and career and investment opportunities.
You can even find out in -depth financial information on a given company - even Wal-Mart's balance sheet!
This innovative database includes millions of records covering:
Company profiles, including corporate parent/sibling relationships
Industry rankings
Products and brands
Company performance ratings
Investment reports
Industry statistics
Current investment ratings
Comprehensive financial overviews
Pricing momentum and key ratio measures
Financial ratios
Coverage of major business events and trends from 1980 to the present
Industry newsletter news and analysis
To access the Business & Company Resource Center, visit www.jeffersoncountylibrary.org and click on online resources and then choose business. You will need a valid JCL library card to access this resource.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Employers' Rights and Responsibilities and Sexual Harassment Seminar
The surveys completed by employers at the last two MEC seminars indicated a great many of you wanted information on "Employers' Rights and Responsibilities" and "How to Handle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace".
The Jefferson County MEC, the Missouri Career Center in Jefferson County, the Missouri Department of Labor and the Missouri Commission on Human Rights are very pleased to be sponsoring a seminar on these topics. The seminar will be Friday, September 11, 2009 from 8am to 11am, with breakfast served at 7:30am. The location is Frederick's, 201 East Main, Festus, MO 63028.
The cost to attend is $20 per person. Please make check payable to: Jefferson County MEC, and mail it to the Missouri Career Center, 3675 West Outer Rd, Arnold MO 63010, Attention: Dave Hermann. Please remit payment by Friday, September 04, 2009.
If you have any questions please call 1-800-292-1314 pr 636-287-8909.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Beyond Books: Libraries Lend a Hand in Recession
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Legislative Reception 5/21
The breakfast part of the festivities has begun - stay tuned for updates. Please remember that nothing is a direct quote from the legislators and that all mistakes are my own.
We're getting started early -
Chris Hagen is our emcee for today. Special thanks to Dr. Watts and best wishes for his retirement from Jefferson College. Sponsors are being thanked as well as the college for hosting the event.
This is the first legislative session under the new Governor Jay Nixon. All the legislators from Jefferson County are Democrats. Hagen is looking forward to hearing about the pork headed our way - ha ha.
Rep. Tim Meadows is speaking first. He is in his 5th year in office. Has been working for years on a law to reform the funeral industry. Couldn't get anything done in the past but was successful in the end this session. Passed a reform bill that will protect consumers and require audits on all funeral trust funds.
Filled Ray Adam's shoes originally and was assigned to his committees. Have added the transportation committee. Three pieces of legislation have been added to the omnibus bill and were passed.
It's been and honor to serve with Reps. Como and Harris. They both serve us well on the budget committee. Rep. Roorda is now the ranking member of the crime committee and has been a pleasure to work with.
CDL language was cleaned up so that we can get more federal dollars. Highway naming issues were resolved.
There were some troubles. The Republican controlled House prevented passage of legislation to restore people to Medicare rolls.
Meadows has to leave for a meeting shortly for his other job. Meadow's son is leaving shortly for Marine Corps service overseas. He'll see you all at the golf tournament.
Sen. Ryan McKenna is next -
Tim Meadows is one of the classiest people he has ever worked with and we are lucky to have him.
Got to go to DC to see President inaugurated and also got to spend some time with Elliot Davis. Greatly proud to have given the Jefferson College commencement speech this year.
End of session legislative work involves lots of late nights.
What we passed and what we didn't pass: We passed economic development bill. But we incentivize new companies sometimes to the detriment of existing businesses. Passed a $25,000 line of duty benefit for first responders - families get benefit from the state if person is killed in line of duty.
Text messaging bill passed - felt it was an important piece of public policy. Week after week people are killed by people basically "typing" in their car. Had to give concession that only 21 and under can't text. It is ridiculous because it makes it sound like good idea for adults which isn't true.
Didn't pass - Early on the House said if Senate passed economic development package then they would pass health care. Senate did their part but House didn't. Not ashamed to say "they lied." McKenna called them a "bunch of children" on Senate floor.
We were trying to get more funds for Jefferson College so they can expand programs such as nursing / law enforcement training which have long waiting lists. This bill didn't pass but there is hope because hearings will happen soon to have governor possibly call special session for health care and capital improvements.
Quit bill didn't pass. There was a lot of misinformation out there from both Ameren and opponents. McKenna was for it as a step toward reducing overall carbon footprint. Ameren has cheapest rates in the state and 7th cheapest in the nation.
Autism coverage bill didn't pass. Passed Senate twice but failed House. Insurance industry opposes this but autism affects so many that it needs to happen. The Senate is very passionate about this and it will come back next year.
Sen. McKenna thanked everyone and had to leave for another meeting.
Hagen discussed the new proposition for the Shop Jefferson County billboards to be recast as bumper stickers. 1,000 bumper stickers have been ordered and all spoken for. The stickers are going on bumpers of sheriff's vehicles, public works vehicles, school buses and more. These stickers were paid for by sponsors. The idea behind the program is that sales tax revenue needs to stay in the county.
Rep. Joe Fallert Jr. is next.
60 bills were done in the last week of the session. The economic development bill only came in on the last week. Things were hectic and somewhat unprecedented.
There were 1241 bills proposed in the House and there were 115 that made it into law.
Health Care Bill - was negotiated early in the year by the various interests. Everybody was on the same page. Hospitals were going to provide significant funds to get more people on health care. That would have generated another 93 million in federal money. The leadership in the House decided they would not expand health care - but this wasn't an expansion it was a restoration. It was disappointing that things didn't happen.
Autism bill - was involved on the House level. Lobbyists encouraged members to vote against it because the insurance industry couldn't afford it. The chairman was "pressured" to keep it from the floor.
Rep. Fallert thanked everyone and concluded.
Hagen acknowledged the officials in the room. Mayor Roland of Hillsboro and Chuck Banks of the County Commission were highlighted.
Rep. Belinda Harris was introduced.
She covers District 110 - Hillsboro down to Potosi. Serves on the committee for the full budget for state of MO. In 7th year in legislation. Also serves on appropriations for DNR and Agriculture.
Budget was very different this year. Had stabilization and stimulus money which were received from federal government into 2 separate funds. Stabilization was meant to stabilize state budget for operating money. House was reluctant to use this money for its intended purpose. Stimulus money was intended to stimulate the economy. Stimulus funds were given out in House Budget 21 - has 2.6 billion dollars. The money is incorporated into state departments and will be available through extra funds in existing grant programs. So money is going out to local government / agencies based on merit. This is the opposite of pork /earmarks where legislators can pick and choose where money goes.
We have 27 months to use the federal money. Stabilizing the budget is the biggest part. We do have to save some for use next year. There were some disagreements when this money went for some inappropriate purposes which took away money for next year.
The big education bill passed which increased physical education programs. Many students are having health / weight problems. Teachers also now can have choice between merit pay or tenure based pay. Age to stay in school has been increased to 17 to help parents have more control. 4 day school is an option for local school boards. Flexibility for making days longer to get out of school earlier or have longer breaks was added.
Violent sexual offenders bill passed. Housing these individuals is very costly because many never get out. Working with Department of Mental Health to help with housing.
Passed Amanda Cates bill. She was a Jefferson County resident working as a police officer in Bridgeton who was killed in domestic violence. October is designated as a time to expand awareness of domestic violence.
Judge Page brought to her attention that people's social security numbers are part of public record on court documents. Bill was passed to hide this - only last 4 digits will show. Full numbers will only be in closed files.
Rep. Harris thanked everyone in her conclusion.
Hagen discussed the economic downturn and the issues with predatory lending and not buying American products.
Rep. Sam Komo is next.
Health care wasn't going to cost the state a dime. Hospitals were picking up the cost.
Worked with Rep. Harris on budget committee. Her guidance was very helpful.
As of March state unemployment rate was 8.7% and Jefferson County's was 10.4%. The auto industry downturn can account for a lot of lost jobs in our area. Franklin County has 12.5% unemployment. Most likely will get worse.
12 million in funding came through for China hub at Lambert Field. Lots of other money went out but nothing is coming to Jefferson County to help with unemployment.
HB 191 passed in final hours - economic development gives tools to help current businesses grow and recruit future ones. Expanded existing programs like Quality Jobs - which has helped many businesses in Jefferson County. Placed a 4 year moratorium on user fee increases for small businesses. Have to make sure to cover needs of smaller employers since they account for 80% of business.
Also sits on International Trade Committee and Immigration. MO can truly be an international hub for trade. Jefferson County can be a part of this if we truly want to. Flights are leaving Chicago 40% full and China feels the flights will leave St. Louis full of products China needs. Many of the items coming in will need to be assembled here which leads to manufacturing jobs. We need to work together to be a part of this.
We need to work together as a county to speak with one voice and have a strategic plan so we can get what we need to move toward a future vision. This is the way to make economic development happen like it has in places like Boone County. We need to make clear that we as community can work together.
Rep. Fallert concluded and thanked everyone.
Emcee Hagen discussed the need for a Port Authority in Jefferson County. Products can be brought up on barges and then when they get to St. Louis area then they are halfway to anywhere.
Rep. Roorda is the next speaker. He acknowledged the blog!
Spoke about his pride in serving with the great legislators in JC. We are the envy of the MO House because we stick together. May not vote the same but always consult each other. Sometimes can convince each other to change based on persuasive arguments.
Thanked Sen. McKenna for his time in helping shepherd legislation through the House.
To sum up the session - called last year the year of missed opportunities, this year is year of squandered opportunities. You would think that everyone could work together with the new administration and new leadership. Bipartisanship was the promise of this session.
Governor came to legislature with agenda. Was a dialogue to move forward - not demands. Senate leaders on both sides were present from day one to work on moving MO forward. House leadership was missing from the discussion and took away many of the chances we had for success.
House passed business bill with tax credits that amounted to handouts for big business. Roorda voted against it. A leader in the Senate fought to not let the bill pass without modifications to make for more job creation and less trickle down economics. We need less Reagonomics and we need to look back into the history books back to 1932 and the WPA which is what brought the country back from disaster.
Squandered opportunity to restore 35,000 working parents back onto health care. Wouldn't have cost taxpayers a penny to help families of 4 earning less than $9000 per year. Industry would pay for it because it helps them keep their premiums low by having people have access to preventative care. They won't be using emergency rooms for primary care that they can't afford to pay which is passed on to the rest of us in higher premiums. Hospitals were willing to assess themselves higher which would lead to more access for health care dollars from the federal government. Everybody got this except for House leadership. This is a real shame because we only do as well as the least among us.
Had a chance to pass an autism bill. This horrible disease affects many families. We were just trying to compel insurance companies to offer a product to kids with autism. They fought it.
Predatory lending is a federal issue. House passed a predatory lending credit card bill last night so their is progress.
Rep. Roorda thanked everyone and concluded.
Emcee Hagen wrapped things up for tv and radio. Everyone was invited to stay for further discussion.
We're getting started early -
Chris Hagen is our emcee for today. Special thanks to Dr. Watts and best wishes for his retirement from Jefferson College. Sponsors are being thanked as well as the college for hosting the event.
This is the first legislative session under the new Governor Jay Nixon. All the legislators from Jefferson County are Democrats. Hagen is looking forward to hearing about the pork headed our way - ha ha.
Rep. Tim Meadows is speaking first. He is in his 5th year in office. Has been working for years on a law to reform the funeral industry. Couldn't get anything done in the past but was successful in the end this session. Passed a reform bill that will protect consumers and require audits on all funeral trust funds.
Filled Ray Adam's shoes originally and was assigned to his committees. Have added the transportation committee. Three pieces of legislation have been added to the omnibus bill and were passed.
It's been and honor to serve with Reps. Como and Harris. They both serve us well on the budget committee. Rep. Roorda is now the ranking member of the crime committee and has been a pleasure to work with.
CDL language was cleaned up so that we can get more federal dollars. Highway naming issues were resolved.
There were some troubles. The Republican controlled House prevented passage of legislation to restore people to Medicare rolls.
Meadows has to leave for a meeting shortly for his other job. Meadow's son is leaving shortly for Marine Corps service overseas. He'll see you all at the golf tournament.
Sen. Ryan McKenna is next -
Tim Meadows is one of the classiest people he has ever worked with and we are lucky to have him.
Got to go to DC to see President inaugurated and also got to spend some time with Elliot Davis. Greatly proud to have given the Jefferson College commencement speech this year.
End of session legislative work involves lots of late nights.
What we passed and what we didn't pass: We passed economic development bill. But we incentivize new companies sometimes to the detriment of existing businesses. Passed a $25,000 line of duty benefit for first responders - families get benefit from the state if person is killed in line of duty.
Text messaging bill passed - felt it was an important piece of public policy. Week after week people are killed by people basically "typing" in their car. Had to give concession that only 21 and under can't text. It is ridiculous because it makes it sound like good idea for adults which isn't true.
Didn't pass - Early on the House said if Senate passed economic development package then they would pass health care. Senate did their part but House didn't. Not ashamed to say "they lied." McKenna called them a "bunch of children" on Senate floor.
We were trying to get more funds for Jefferson College so they can expand programs such as nursing / law enforcement training which have long waiting lists. This bill didn't pass but there is hope because hearings will happen soon to have governor possibly call special session for health care and capital improvements.
Quit bill didn't pass. There was a lot of misinformation out there from both Ameren and opponents. McKenna was for it as a step toward reducing overall carbon footprint. Ameren has cheapest rates in the state and 7th cheapest in the nation.
Autism coverage bill didn't pass. Passed Senate twice but failed House. Insurance industry opposes this but autism affects so many that it needs to happen. The Senate is very passionate about this and it will come back next year.
Sen. McKenna thanked everyone and had to leave for another meeting.
Hagen discussed the new proposition for the Shop Jefferson County billboards to be recast as bumper stickers. 1,000 bumper stickers have been ordered and all spoken for. The stickers are going on bumpers of sheriff's vehicles, public works vehicles, school buses and more. These stickers were paid for by sponsors. The idea behind the program is that sales tax revenue needs to stay in the county.
Rep. Joe Fallert Jr. is next.
60 bills were done in the last week of the session. The economic development bill only came in on the last week. Things were hectic and somewhat unprecedented.
There were 1241 bills proposed in the House and there were 115 that made it into law.
Health Care Bill - was negotiated early in the year by the various interests. Everybody was on the same page. Hospitals were going to provide significant funds to get more people on health care. That would have generated another 93 million in federal money. The leadership in the House decided they would not expand health care - but this wasn't an expansion it was a restoration. It was disappointing that things didn't happen.
Autism bill - was involved on the House level. Lobbyists encouraged members to vote against it because the insurance industry couldn't afford it. The chairman was "pressured" to keep it from the floor.
Rep. Fallert thanked everyone and concluded.
Hagen acknowledged the officials in the room. Mayor Roland of Hillsboro and Chuck Banks of the County Commission were highlighted.
Rep. Belinda Harris was introduced.
She covers District 110 - Hillsboro down to Potosi. Serves on the committee for the full budget for state of MO. In 7th year in legislation. Also serves on appropriations for DNR and Agriculture.
Budget was very different this year. Had stabilization and stimulus money which were received from federal government into 2 separate funds. Stabilization was meant to stabilize state budget for operating money. House was reluctant to use this money for its intended purpose. Stimulus money was intended to stimulate the economy. Stimulus funds were given out in House Budget 21 - has 2.6 billion dollars. The money is incorporated into state departments and will be available through extra funds in existing grant programs. So money is going out to local government / agencies based on merit. This is the opposite of pork /earmarks where legislators can pick and choose where money goes.
We have 27 months to use the federal money. Stabilizing the budget is the biggest part. We do have to save some for use next year. There were some disagreements when this money went for some inappropriate purposes which took away money for next year.
The big education bill passed which increased physical education programs. Many students are having health / weight problems. Teachers also now can have choice between merit pay or tenure based pay. Age to stay in school has been increased to 17 to help parents have more control. 4 day school is an option for local school boards. Flexibility for making days longer to get out of school earlier or have longer breaks was added.
Violent sexual offenders bill passed. Housing these individuals is very costly because many never get out. Working with Department of Mental Health to help with housing.
Passed Amanda Cates bill. She was a Jefferson County resident working as a police officer in Bridgeton who was killed in domestic violence. October is designated as a time to expand awareness of domestic violence.
Judge Page brought to her attention that people's social security numbers are part of public record on court documents. Bill was passed to hide this - only last 4 digits will show. Full numbers will only be in closed files.
Rep. Harris thanked everyone in her conclusion.
Hagen discussed the economic downturn and the issues with predatory lending and not buying American products.
Rep. Sam Komo is next.
Health care wasn't going to cost the state a dime. Hospitals were picking up the cost.
Worked with Rep. Harris on budget committee. Her guidance was very helpful.
As of March state unemployment rate was 8.7% and Jefferson County's was 10.4%. The auto industry downturn can account for a lot of lost jobs in our area. Franklin County has 12.5% unemployment. Most likely will get worse.
12 million in funding came through for China hub at Lambert Field. Lots of other money went out but nothing is coming to Jefferson County to help with unemployment.
HB 191 passed in final hours - economic development gives tools to help current businesses grow and recruit future ones. Expanded existing programs like Quality Jobs - which has helped many businesses in Jefferson County. Placed a 4 year moratorium on user fee increases for small businesses. Have to make sure to cover needs of smaller employers since they account for 80% of business.
Also sits on International Trade Committee and Immigration. MO can truly be an international hub for trade. Jefferson County can be a part of this if we truly want to. Flights are leaving Chicago 40% full and China feels the flights will leave St. Louis full of products China needs. Many of the items coming in will need to be assembled here which leads to manufacturing jobs. We need to work together to be a part of this.
We need to work together as a county to speak with one voice and have a strategic plan so we can get what we need to move toward a future vision. This is the way to make economic development happen like it has in places like Boone County. We need to make clear that we as community can work together.
Rep. Fallert concluded and thanked everyone.
Emcee Hagen discussed the need for a Port Authority in Jefferson County. Products can be brought up on barges and then when they get to St. Louis area then they are halfway to anywhere.
Rep. Roorda is the next speaker. He acknowledged the blog!
Spoke about his pride in serving with the great legislators in JC. We are the envy of the MO House because we stick together. May not vote the same but always consult each other. Sometimes can convince each other to change based on persuasive arguments.
Thanked Sen. McKenna for his time in helping shepherd legislation through the House.
To sum up the session - called last year the year of missed opportunities, this year is year of squandered opportunities. You would think that everyone could work together with the new administration and new leadership. Bipartisanship was the promise of this session.
Governor came to legislature with agenda. Was a dialogue to move forward - not demands. Senate leaders on both sides were present from day one to work on moving MO forward. House leadership was missing from the discussion and took away many of the chances we had for success.
House passed business bill with tax credits that amounted to handouts for big business. Roorda voted against it. A leader in the Senate fought to not let the bill pass without modifications to make for more job creation and less trickle down economics. We need less Reagonomics and we need to look back into the history books back to 1932 and the WPA which is what brought the country back from disaster.
Squandered opportunity to restore 35,000 working parents back onto health care. Wouldn't have cost taxpayers a penny to help families of 4 earning less than $9000 per year. Industry would pay for it because it helps them keep their premiums low by having people have access to preventative care. They won't be using emergency rooms for primary care that they can't afford to pay which is passed on to the rest of us in higher premiums. Hospitals were willing to assess themselves higher which would lead to more access for health care dollars from the federal government. Everybody got this except for House leadership. This is a real shame because we only do as well as the least among us.
Had a chance to pass an autism bill. This horrible disease affects many families. We were just trying to compel insurance companies to offer a product to kids with autism. They fought it.
Predatory lending is a federal issue. House passed a predatory lending credit card bill last night so their is progress.
Rep. Roorda thanked everyone and concluded.
Emcee Hagen wrapped things up for tv and radio. Everyone was invited to stay for further discussion.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Live Blog from the JCGDA Legislative Forum Coming in May
Keep an eye on this space on Thursday, May 21 from 7:30am - 9:00am for live blogging of the JCGDA Legislative Forum. Below is the information on how you can attend this event in person.
Legislative Forum
When = Thu, May 21, 7:30am – 9:00am
Description = Legislators come to Jefferson County and speak to the community about the bills that were passed and what they will be working in the next session. Contact Sarah Davis for more information and to RSVP at 314-210-0211
Legislative Forum
When = Thu, May 21, 7:30am – 9:00am
Description = Legislators come to Jefferson County and speak to the community about the bills that were passed and what they will be working in the next session. Contact Sarah Davis for more information and to RSVP at 314-210-0211
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Return on Investment @ the Library
Getting the most for our money is something we all want in every aspect of our lives. We here at the Jefferson County Library would like to share the value you obtained from your library tax dollars this past year:
- 528, 025 books borrowed @ $15 each = $7,920,375
- 14,953 magazines borrowed @ $2 each = $29,906
- 106, 274 movies borrowed @ $4 each = $425, 096
- 69,289 audio books / music borrowed @ $10 each = $692,890
- 2,854 interlibrary loans @ $25 each = $71,350
- 500 meeting room uses @$50 each = $25,000
- 3,420 adult programs / classes attended @ $10 each = $34,200
- 28,211 children's programs attended @ $6 each = $169,266
- 106,080 hours of computer use @ $12/hour = $1,272,960
- 71,432 reference questions asked @ $7 each = $500,024
- Total = $11,141,067
Library taxes collected in 2008 = $3,266,873.92
Savings for Jefferson County Library taxpayers = $7,874,193.08
Return on investment in the Jefferson County Library = 241%
Below are links from the New York Times and the St. Louis Post Dispatch detailing how libraries are seeing rising usage during the current economic crisis:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/nyregion/26libraries.html
Friday, January 30, 2009
State of the County Address - Live blog
Greetings from the State of the County Address at Northwest High School. We've enjoyed a tasty breakfast and are awaiting the address.
The Northwest Student Council members are describing the achievements of the Northwest School District. For the past 5 years Northwest has achieved the distinction and achievement award. A major component of this award is a 95% attendance record. Northwest athletes have also excelled and won many titles. The student body is also strongly involved in the community with donations of both time and money. The success at Northwest is based on teamwork between the students and faculty.
Superintendent of Schools Paul Ziegler is offering a welcome address. Northwest school district has strong community support but with that comes strong expectations. Northwest has met these expectations through awards to schools and the school board. The school board members were recognized by the group.
Chuck Banks is introduced and this is my summary of his comments.
It's a pleasure to bring the address to Northwest High School. Our schools from k-college are a key to success in Jefferson County. Dr. Watts of Jefferson College was recognized. Students and staff of Northwest High School were recognized for their hard work.
JCGDA Board and Sarah Davis were recognized for their hard work in making this happen. The library blog was acknowledged along with KJFF and JCTV. Other sponsors were recognized along with elected officials. Jefferson County government staff were also acknowledged.
2008 was a year of destruction. Record flooding displaced families along the Big and Meramec River. The slowing economy and high fuel prices scared home buyers. Everywhere was changing - especially on Nov 4th. Everything changed in administration including Jefferson County's basic form of government.
The best word to describe now is renaissance. JC is in a time of rebirth. We have opened many new government facilities. 2009 is a balanced budget but the process was the worst ever. All of the revenue was down except for court fees. We had to reduce 10 positions as a very last resort. Most were middle management which made this the best choice. Many workers are now doing more work for the same pay. We are asking for sacrifices but no one is complaining.
We are not asking for more fees or more taxes. We are asking citizens to support their county by shopping in Jefferson County. There are new stores opening all the time. By passing the Bluffs and visiting Jeffco shops you can make a difference. When you spend in St. Louis County you pay for their services. When you shop in JC you make your services better.
The county commission is no more - dissolved 11/18.2008. The new process has slowed things down but it is essential to get everything in place for new county council in 2010. The charter government has put a lot on the plate since every law and rule must be revisiting . The Sullivan group has been hired to assist in the codification process to put all the new laws into a county code.
The county building commission has seen the departure of several key members who gave a lot to the county. The services of Danny and Cliff were recognized. The Building Commission is now a Code Commission which will be in place by March 2009. This group will have the power to regulate and license all skilled contractors. They will enforce the building code. This group will not be a bureacratic obstacle to growth.
Beginning in March, the public safety commission will be formed from emergency responders. Their mission is to prepare a disaster plan for the county. They will have the power to set training and standards for emergency responders. The pledge is that none of these rules and regulations will impact growth.
All county employees are now employed under a merit system per the charter. The plan will be in place by the end of the year.
2008 saw a large turnout for the election. It marked the first time a presidential candidate had a full time staff in Jefferson County. The local elected officials were mentioned along with the positions that they hold which are very powerful and give strong opportunities to follow JC interests.
The EDC had a banner year. We closed on more SBA loans last year than in the previous 5 years. We closed on 90 homes through the first time home buyers program. We helped 20 families rehabilitate their homes. We have met all the ratios for HUD entitlement programs which leads to increased funds.
How does the future look? Still most of our workers leave the county each day. The two cement plants that are opening should bring lots of work. The new Doe Run access will lead to growth and prevent hazards to the community. Something is going to happen at the PPG site in Crystal City. Whether with becomes an ore processor or sports destination, there are developers interested. We can see a major transportation hub right here. We must present a united front to assure these developments. All of these developments must meet very strict environmental controls so the health of our citizens is not compromised. We must address climate change but not destroy the American dream in doing so.
We must clean up the mistakes of the past. The Herculaneum and Hematite sites are being cleaned up and this process provides work to county residents. The transition to public sewer systems is too slow. Just because there isn't sewage on the lawn doesn't mean your septic system is working ok. The county will work with everyone to access sewers where available.
The FEMA buyout program is available for 34 homes. It is completely voluntary. All of our parks were hit by the flooding. Winter park is still closed and should be open by end of summer. The disaster declaration covers repairs. The Parks Dept is not affected by the charter and all programs are in full swing.
Transportation is very important. We will replace or repair 13 bridges in county. Priorities remain from 21 and MM/M. We have projects on the shelf for the potential stimulus money.
Dennis Murphy with JCCP is working towards the creation of the first county public transit system. The bus has been ordered and the route begins in December. The route will run from DeSoto to Arnold with stops all along the way. This is just the beginning. If you believe public transportation is important - fill out the survey at jccp.org. These surveys are needed for grants. We have to do this ourselves since Metro isn't coming.
We must also protect ourselves from stray and rabid animals. Cathy Brake has formed ADOPT with a goal of having a new adoption center to make it no kill for all stray animals. You should support this worthwhile cause with the attendance at fundraisers and meetings.
Mastodon Arts and Science Fair is coming up. This is the largest fair of its kind in the nation and perhaps the world. It is happening right here at Jefferson College.
Sadly last year we lost two of our finest young soldiers in the war, but we elected our first african american president who ran on a platform of hope. We can build and renew because we have the best people. I am positive about our future and excited to be a part of it. It is a privilege to serve you. God bless America and Jefferson County.
The event concluded with a live performance from the first act of the spring musical, Pirates of Captain Brie, by the Northwest Drama Club.
Thanks for being a part of our live blogging experience! Please feel free to contact me if you have an event you would like to be covered in this blog. meredith@jeffersoncountylibrary.og
The Northwest Student Council members are describing the achievements of the Northwest School District. For the past 5 years Northwest has achieved the distinction and achievement award. A major component of this award is a 95% attendance record. Northwest athletes have also excelled and won many titles. The student body is also strongly involved in the community with donations of both time and money. The success at Northwest is based on teamwork between the students and faculty.
Superintendent of Schools Paul Ziegler is offering a welcome address. Northwest school district has strong community support but with that comes strong expectations. Northwest has met these expectations through awards to schools and the school board. The school board members were recognized by the group.
Chuck Banks is introduced and this is my summary of his comments.
It's a pleasure to bring the address to Northwest High School. Our schools from k-college are a key to success in Jefferson County. Dr. Watts of Jefferson College was recognized. Students and staff of Northwest High School were recognized for their hard work.
JCGDA Board and Sarah Davis were recognized for their hard work in making this happen. The library blog was acknowledged along with KJFF and JCTV. Other sponsors were recognized along with elected officials. Jefferson County government staff were also acknowledged.
2008 was a year of destruction. Record flooding displaced families along the Big and Meramec River. The slowing economy and high fuel prices scared home buyers. Everywhere was changing - especially on Nov 4th. Everything changed in administration including Jefferson County's basic form of government.
The best word to describe now is renaissance. JC is in a time of rebirth. We have opened many new government facilities. 2009 is a balanced budget but the process was the worst ever. All of the revenue was down except for court fees. We had to reduce 10 positions as a very last resort. Most were middle management which made this the best choice. Many workers are now doing more work for the same pay. We are asking for sacrifices but no one is complaining.
We are not asking for more fees or more taxes. We are asking citizens to support their county by shopping in Jefferson County. There are new stores opening all the time. By passing the Bluffs and visiting Jeffco shops you can make a difference. When you spend in St. Louis County you pay for their services. When you shop in JC you make your services better.
The county commission is no more - dissolved 11/18.2008. The new process has slowed things down but it is essential to get everything in place for new county council in 2010. The charter government has put a lot on the plate since every law and rule must be revisiting . The Sullivan group has been hired to assist in the codification process to put all the new laws into a county code.
The county building commission has seen the departure of several key members who gave a lot to the county. The services of Danny and Cliff were recognized. The Building Commission is now a Code Commission which will be in place by March 2009. This group will have the power to regulate and license all skilled contractors. They will enforce the building code. This group will not be a bureacratic obstacle to growth.
Beginning in March, the public safety commission will be formed from emergency responders. Their mission is to prepare a disaster plan for the county. They will have the power to set training and standards for emergency responders. The pledge is that none of these rules and regulations will impact growth.
All county employees are now employed under a merit system per the charter. The plan will be in place by the end of the year.
2008 saw a large turnout for the election. It marked the first time a presidential candidate had a full time staff in Jefferson County. The local elected officials were mentioned along with the positions that they hold which are very powerful and give strong opportunities to follow JC interests.
The EDC had a banner year. We closed on more SBA loans last year than in the previous 5 years. We closed on 90 homes through the first time home buyers program. We helped 20 families rehabilitate their homes. We have met all the ratios for HUD entitlement programs which leads to increased funds.
How does the future look? Still most of our workers leave the county each day. The two cement plants that are opening should bring lots of work. The new Doe Run access will lead to growth and prevent hazards to the community. Something is going to happen at the PPG site in Crystal City. Whether with becomes an ore processor or sports destination, there are developers interested. We can see a major transportation hub right here. We must present a united front to assure these developments. All of these developments must meet very strict environmental controls so the health of our citizens is not compromised. We must address climate change but not destroy the American dream in doing so.
We must clean up the mistakes of the past. The Herculaneum and Hematite sites are being cleaned up and this process provides work to county residents. The transition to public sewer systems is too slow. Just because there isn't sewage on the lawn doesn't mean your septic system is working ok. The county will work with everyone to access sewers where available.
The FEMA buyout program is available for 34 homes. It is completely voluntary. All of our parks were hit by the flooding. Winter park is still closed and should be open by end of summer. The disaster declaration covers repairs. The Parks Dept is not affected by the charter and all programs are in full swing.
Transportation is very important. We will replace or repair 13 bridges in county. Priorities remain from 21 and MM/M. We have projects on the shelf for the potential stimulus money.
Dennis Murphy with JCCP is working towards the creation of the first county public transit system. The bus has been ordered and the route begins in December. The route will run from DeSoto to Arnold with stops all along the way. This is just the beginning. If you believe public transportation is important - fill out the survey at jccp.org. These surveys are needed for grants. We have to do this ourselves since Metro isn't coming.
We must also protect ourselves from stray and rabid animals. Cathy Brake has formed ADOPT with a goal of having a new adoption center to make it no kill for all stray animals. You should support this worthwhile cause with the attendance at fundraisers and meetings.
Mastodon Arts and Science Fair is coming up. This is the largest fair of its kind in the nation and perhaps the world. It is happening right here at Jefferson College.
Sadly last year we lost two of our finest young soldiers in the war, but we elected our first african american president who ran on a platform of hope. We can build and renew because we have the best people. I am positive about our future and excited to be a part of it. It is a privilege to serve you. God bless America and Jefferson County.
The event concluded with a live performance from the first act of the spring musical, Pirates of Captain Brie, by the Northwest Drama Club.
Thanks for being a part of our live blogging experience! Please feel free to contact me if you have an event you would like to be covered in this blog. meredith@jeffersoncountylibrary.og
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
