Business Briefs
Jennings opens 60,000-square-foot community center
Jennings officials have opened a new $7 million community center, expanding recreational and educational space for residents. The nearly 60,000-square-foot facility includes a gymnasium, fitness area, multipurpose rooms and computer lab on an 11-acre site. City leaders said the project is intended to support youth programs, wellness and community gatherings.
St. Louis County MWBE director sues over alleged retaliation
The director of St. Louis County’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise program has filed a lawsuit accusing county leaders of retaliating against him after he raised concerns about how the program operates. Nathaniel Adams alleges he was suspended after publicly advocating structural reforms and working with county council members on proposed legislation. The suit claims the county’s actions violate Missouri whistleblower protections and seeks damages. County Executive Sam Page’s office declined comment on the allegations.
Data center proposals face scrutiny across St. Louis region
Local governments across the St. Louis area are weighing several large-scale data center proposals this week, setting up a series of public meetings that could shape the region’s technology infrastructure. Officials in St. Louis, Foristell and Franklin County are reviewing zoning changes, annexation requests and a conditional-use permit tied to proposed facilities. While developers tout investment and jobs, residents have raised concerns about transparency, environmental impact and the speed of negotiations.
WWT initiative supports women entering tech careers in Costa Rica
World Wide Technology recently partnered with the nonprofit Ideas in Action to launch a professional development program aimed at helping women in Costa Rica pursue careers in technology. Participants completed training in cybersecurity, networking and data analytics through WWT’s Advanced Technology Center learning platform. The initiative also included career preparation sessions focused on resumes, LinkedIn profiles and interview skills, part of the company’s broader effort to expand access to technology education worldwide.
United Way opens applications for regional Safety Net grants
The United Way of Greater St. Louis is accepting applications for its 2027–2029 Safety Net funding cycle, offering three-year contracts to nonprofit agencies that provide essential services across its 16-county region in Missouri and Illinois. The grants support programs addressing urgent needs such as food, housing and health services, as well as initiatives that help families build long-term stability. Virtual information sessions are scheduled March 24 and March 26, and applications are due April 17 through the organization’s online grant portal.
UMSL secures federal funding for pharmaceutical manufacturing hub
The University of Missouri-St. Louis will use more than $1 million in federal funding to expand an initiative aimed at strengthening domestic production of essential medicines. The project, developed with the API Innovation Center, focuses on advanced manufacturing methods for active pharmaceutical ingredients used in widely prescribed drugs. University leaders say the effort could help reduce reliance on overseas suppliers while creating workforce training opportunities and positioning the region as a center for pharmaceutical innovation.