Home to multinational corporations such as Bayer, Boeing, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, St. Louis also boasts one of the highest concentrations of agricultural technology and bioscience research in the U.S., complemented by its rapidly expanding life sciences hub. The city’s strong ties with Canada offer promising opportunities, particularly in sectors where Canadian companies can integrate into local supply chains.
In September 2024, Canada’s Consul General in Chicago, Madeleine Féquière, and her team visited St. Louis, Missouri, for a program focused on economic engagement and strengthening collaboration. Led by Chicago’s Honorary Consul in St. Louis, Sonette Magnus, and co-organized with the Québec Government Office in Chicago, the program expanded opportunities and advanced connections with influential local business leaders, key political figures and members of the cultural community.
Growing Global Gala
The marquee event of this visit was the World Trade Center St. Louis’ annual Growing Global gala, which attracted a sold-out crowd of 750 and provided an excellent opportunity for networking. Canada’s important partnership with St. Louis was recognized at the podium, including the successful May 2024 trade mission from St. Louis to Montréal, as well as the five new media technology companies from Québec that were at the Gala as part of a business mission.
Opportunities for future collaboration
Consul General Féquière’s program included impactful discussions with representatives from infrastructure leader Clayco, Canadian-founded Module Building Systems, Missouri Gateway Green Building Council, Boeing, Carmedic, and the Director of the St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Conversations explored current business connections between Canada and Missouri-based companies and identified new potential pathways for Canadian suppliers to participate in the region’s key industries. The Consul General also highlighted Canada’s welcoming environment for foreign direct investment (FDI) and encouraged potential partners to engage with Canadian economic development authorities.
Innovation took center stage as Consul General Féquière connected with BioSTL and Cortex Innovation District, St. Louis’ premier accelerators. These discussions opened doors for possible collaborative projects in life sciences, biotechnology and ag tech sectors, all of which hold tremendous promise for mutual advancement and knowledge exchange.
Political engagement
In a series of productive meetings with local political leaders, including Missouri State Senators Brian Williams and Karla May, and St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, Consul General Féquière underscored the value and importance of Canada-Missouri trade relations.
Strengthening cultural connections
Consul General Féquière also met with fellow Canadian Marie-Hélène Bernard, CEO of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, who was honoured at the Growing Global event with a Global Ambassador Award for her contributions to the city’s international profile. Her deep connections within the local arts community serve as a bridge between Canadian and U.S. cultural sectors.
Canada’s visit to St. Louis underscored the vibrancy of the Canada-U.S. relationship, highlighting shared interests and opening pathways for collaboration across business, innovation, and culture. With both economic and cultural bonds continuing to flourish, Canada and St. Louis are well-positioned to deepen their partnership for mutual benefit.