Ginger Imster New SLEDP VP of Innovation & Entrepreneurship

The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership is pleased to announce the addition of Ginger Imster as Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Imster will be moving to the post from her position as Executive Director of Arch Grants.

β€œThrough her outstanding work at Arch Grants, and the prominence of their nationally-recognized success, Ginger is seen as a champion of our region and innovation districts,” St. Louis Economic Development Partnership CEO Sheila Sweeney said. β€œHer experience with public-private partnerships will allow us to signal far and wide that our region will continue its commitment to attract and retain entrepreneurs excited to build their brands in St. Louis.”

Arch Grants and the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership have been strong strategic partners since the competition launched in 2012. Β In that short time, Arch Grants has awarded $5.2 million to 96 startups. Β Nearly half of those businesses were headquartered elsewhere and relocated to St. Louis after receiving an Arch Grant.Β The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership will continue to support the Arch Grants competition, according to Sweeney.

“Ginger is very talented and will help strengthen the existing relationship ofΒ the Partnership with Arch Grants and the broader entrepreneurial community,” Arch Grants Chairman and Co-Founder Jerry Schlichter said.

β€œThe position of Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship within the Partnership is evolving,” Sweeney added.Β β€œGinger will be the Partnership’s voice for our ambitious innovation efforts locally, domestically and internationally.”

Imster will be working closely with officials throughout the region to build the value proposition for entrepreneurial talent to see opportunity in St. Louis. Β The St. Louis region has gained national attention for its startup community.Β Startup activity is now one of the major economic drivers in St. Louis which was recently named The New Startup Frontier by FiveThirtyEight.

Arch Grants has named Director of Entrepreneurship Ben Burke as Interim Executive Director while conducting a search.

β€œWe have made great strides as an organization, thanks to the tremendous support of the St. Louis community,” Schlichter added.Β β€œA talented team is in place to ensure Arch Grants is well-positioned for growth and even greater impact in St. Louis.”

Ginger Imster begins her new role with the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership on March 1.

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