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Building the inland waterways workforce starts with awareness

  FreightWeekSTL panel highlights innovative partnerships, real-world career pathways Expanding awareness of maritime careers, strengthening industry partnerships and increasing access to hands-on experiences are critical to building the next-generation workforce for America’s inland waterways, according to panelists at FreightWeekSTL 2026. This session explored how industry leaders, workforce initiatives and emerging professionals are working together to…

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Finding the weakest link

Spend your marketing budget where it makes a difference By CAROLYN GREEN Most businesses assume they need more leads. Sometimes they do, but sometimes nurturing relationships or converting existing prospects will generate a bigger return on investment. There are three things necessary for a business to grow. You must attract new leads, nurture prospects, and…

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America’s 250th: Metro East communities to make history from economic opportunity

  By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] As the nation prepares to commemorate its 250th birthday in 2026, communities across Illinois are looking beyond parades and fireworks, viewing the historic milestone as an opportunity to boost tourism, revitalize downtown districts and strengthen local economies. Economic development officials, tourism leaders and business…

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FreightWeekSTL 2026 closes with milestone countdown celebrating Freightway’s first decade

  Panelists spotlight Top 10 achievements shaping the St. Louis region’s rise as a nationally competitive logistics hub FreightWeekSTL 2026 concluded with its final virtual session celebrating the 10th anniversary of the official launch of the St. Louis Regional Freightway. The session brought together key stakeholders for a fast-paced, story-driven “Top 10” countdown highlighting the…

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Celebrate America’s birthday during Alton’s ‘250 on the Mississippi’ festival

Three-day festival takes place in downtown Alton July 1-3 America’s 250th birthday celebration is coming to Alton with a three-day festival aptly named “250 on the Mississippi” starting Wednesday, July 1 and culminating with a spectacular fireworks show on Friday, July 3. Taking place across downtown Alton, the community-wide event will commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial…

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