This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Sept. 20, 2011 - Will St. Louis be a force in the global economy or watch from the sideline?
Let me begin by saying, if you believe this region is doing fine, then we don't need an international air cargo hub at Lambert. It would be waste of any amount of taxpayer money to pursue this project.
However, if you believe we stand at a crossroads, keep reading. If you believe that without immediate, dramatic action our region will continue to lose companies, population and economic standing, you already understand why this is so important.
The China Hub project is a choice between doing something or doing nothing. It is a daring leap; one that has the power to transform our economy and our future. It is a project that can reposition St. Louis as a key strategic player in the global economy. The result of this project will establish St. Louis as a commercial center for increased exports, long-term investment, business growth and job creation.
I don't have a crystal ball and am not a big fan of job projections. Right now, I cannot promise a specific number of jobs. However, I will promise that if we don't make this a reality, those jobs WILL go somewhere else.
Emerson Electric, a global powerhouse, has stepped forward to help quarterback this initiative. The people there know it makes good business sense.
This Friday, Sept. 23, a flight from China will land at Lambert Airport. This is certainly a call for celebration, but let me tell you, this flight is only a start and that is all it is.
As a basketball fan, I would say we got our ticket punched to the big dance. We are the Cinderella team, which means we must play our hearts out, catch a few breaks and charge for a win at every turn.
If we do nothing, we gain nothing; and right now St. Louis has too much to lose to remain a spectator.
Mike Jones is chairman of the Midwest China Hub Commission.