IBJ Newsmakers: Collinsville Economic Development Commission holds annual development event

Collinsville Economic Development Commission holds annual development event

    The Collinsville Economic Development Commission held its ninth annual, “An Evening with the EDC” event on March 23 at the Gateway Center.
    EDC chairman Kevin Weinacht said the event began as a way to promote the city to potential developers.
    “This event is a way for us to showcase Collinsville, promote the great location we have and the numerous opportunities available for development,” he said.
    Weinacht pointed out that Collinsville has all of the key ingredients to make a business or development a success. The city has revitalized its central business district known now as Uptown and it continues to grow. Eastport Plaza, which is home to numerous offices, hotels and restaurants boasts 700 acres of developed and undeveloped property which is mostly located within incentive districts.
    “We have a great location — better than any city in the Metro East,” Weinacht said. “Talk about location, location, location, where else can you see the Arch from your office if you are located here in Eastport Plaza?  We are nine miles from St. Louis and have access to five major interstates. Now that’s location.”
    Weinacht said Collinsville has streamlined its permitting processes and the city prides itself on being easy to do business with and a great place to invest in.
    Development is occurring throughout the city, said Weinacht, from the successful Collinsville Crossing on Bluff Road at Interstate 55/70 to the Belt Line Road. And now the city is focusing on revitalizing the Southwest Corridors area along Collinsville, Bluff and St. Louis Roads to catalyze investment and development there.
    “Being less than an hour’s drive for over 3 million people, our accessibility is ideal for logistics, office and retail development,” Weinacht said.
    The city saw over $60 million in commercial construction and over $15 million in residential construction during 2016.  And, $20 million in commercial construction has been added just in the first quarter of 2017.
    “You can see that things are happening in Collinsville,” said Weinacht. “By all indicators, the economy is moving in the right direction, so these are very exciting times, and there are plenty of opportunities here in Collinsville. There is land available. We have the best location and the city is ready for business. These are the key ingredients of a recipe for success.”
    The Evening with the EDC event is entirely underwritten by donations from the business community