As business and political leaders in St. Louis and Missouri (including both U.S. senators) push for a new trade hub between China and the U.S. based in St. Louis, state Rep. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-72) begins to look slightly ahead of the curve.
“The Chinese-American community is growing in business and population. We bring more business and job opportunities to this community,” said Sandy Tsai, publisher of the St. Louis Chinese American News, board member of the International Institute of St. Louis, and a supporter of Chappelle-Nadal.
“The air hub will be just one of many ventures for St. Louis with China.”
The plan will utilize and grow pre-existing St. Louis infrastructures allowing the region to become a gateway for other markets wanting to be a part of the import/export chain.
Chappelle-Nadal said the exportation of Missouri agricultural and processed products to China will be a major focus of her next term. She is heavily favored to win a state primary on Aug. 5 and the general election in November. She won her last election with 64 perecnt of the vote, and informal polling indicates she will increase her margin of victory this year.
The 72nd House legislative district that she represents has the highest concentration of Chinese-Americans in Missouri. Some of her constituents currently have businesses in both the states and China. The growth of the export market is planned to be a direct connection between the governments of China and the state of Missouri.
This week Chappelle-Nadal joined the Regional Chamber and Growth Association, which has been an active part of the push to establish the hub
“The RCGA plays a very important role for this project,” said George Tsai, owner of Baily International and Deli Food Manufacturing Inc. in St. Louis.
“Together with Maria, the Chinese-American community will work with the RCGA, and offer any help and support to make the St. Louis air cargo hub happen. I am very excited to see Maria join the RCGA to help her district and the Chinese community.”
“It is my intent to share with the business community just how the 72nd district plans to deliver a willing and capable partnership,” Chappelle-Nadal said of joining the RCGA.
“Our ability to reach so many other markets will hopefully show that businesses can reduce energy costs and be more efficient in delivering their goods by locating warehouses and satellite offices in St. Louis,” she said.
“My district’s location near major interstates, railways and the airport open up prime real estate to transport goods and provide services. And with an available workforce to hire from that is also supported by a strong public transit system – which includes light-rail and buses – businesses can’t lose.”
The 72nd District includes University City, Pagedale and Wellston. Wellston is one of a handful of national Empowerment Zones, opening up tax credits for businesses who operate there.
The University of Missouri-St. Louis, Washington University, the Center for Emerging Technologies, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and the Missouri Career Center surround the 72nd legislative district.
Chappelle-Nadal said her position on the House Committee on Ways and Means and as ranking Democrat on Senior Advocacy Committee also have uniquely poised her to see the effects of investments by the state in job training, business incubators and tax credit programs.
