By Bill Raack, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – St. Louis business leaders and civic officials say a two-day trip to Atlanta this week can help them complete regional initiatives and make the area more appealing.
A group of 90 attended the so-called "leadership trip", which was organized by the Regional Chamber and Growth Association.
Tracy Hart, president of Tarlton Corporation, says she was impressed by the support that businesses give the public school district in Atlanta, which has recovered from a difficult period.
"They do seem to have something that could be prescriptive," Hart said. "And that we are indeed where they were seven years ago. Yeah, I think we can do more. I don't know exactly what it is."
Trip participants say other highlights included a discussion of Georgia's regional biotechnology effort, a look at Atlanta's parks and transit initiative and a speech by Mayor Shirley Franklin.