Clayton Appoints New Economic Developer
December 19, 2008
The City of Clayton is pleased to announce the hiring of Gary Carter for the newly created position of Economic Developer for the City. Mr. Carter, currently the Senior Vice President, Community and Economic Development for
DavenportOne Chamber of Commerce in Davenport, Iowa will begin with Clayton January 12, 2009.
Mr. Carter served the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City in various positions from 1999 to 2007, including as the Executive Director of the Tax Increment Financing Commission. His experience in all aspects of economic development, but particularly development project finance and fiscal impact analysis align closely with the current and future opportunities in Clayton. Early projects will include strategic plan development, retention and expansion of existing Clayton businesses, retail strategies, real estate analysis, and working on current projects such as Centene, Brown Shoe, RJ York, Trianon, Carondelet Village, the Clayton and Hanley Road project and others yet to be publicly announced.
“Even in a slower market, there is significant work that continues on these projects which are all preparing to move forward when the financing markets allow. Bringing the experience and talent of someone like Gary into our office is the next step in our efforts to be proactive in the increased development of what is already a nationally-recognized business center,” said City Manager Craig Owens. “We continue to be approached about development opportunities that are cued up waiting to launch. Gary will be very busy day one.”
Following a national search, Mr. Carter becomes the first ever full-time professional Economic Developer for the City of Clayton. This position was added in the budget approved by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen in September to enhance the relationship of the City of Clayton with the Clayton business community, serve as a point-person on development projects and with regional economic development agencies, and to develop a strategic approach and national recruitment effort to bring additional high-wage employers to Clayton and the St. Louis Region.
“I am excited about Clayton's current list of projects and look forward to working with the community to bring them to fruition. I feel fortunate to have found an opportunity that will allow me to utilize my background in development finance and community development,” said Carter.
Clayton continues to be the premier business location in the region. It is the hub of the St. Louis metropolitan area, the seat for St. Louis County and is considered the area‘s second downtown. Clayton's bustling downtown is the region's premier business district and home to Forbes and Fortune 500 headquarters and branch offices, premier restaurants and retail shops.
Gary Carter can be reached at gcarter@ci.clayton.mo.us and welcomes early contacts from the real estate and business community in Clayton, the St. Louis Region and Nationally.
