What Do We Do?

The St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA) has three primary roles: 1) to serve as the regional chamber of commerce for our member companies; 2) to serve as the bi-state region’s lead economic development organization; and 3) to investigate and support public policy initiatives that help the region thrive and grow.

The RCGA evolved into its current form in 1973, with the merger of three organizations: the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis, the St. Louis Regional Industrial Development Corporation, and the St. Louis Research Council. This combination helped unite the voice of business in supporting public policy and civic initiatives that make the region ideal for expansion, location and entrepreneurship.

The Chamber traces its early roots back to 1836 – making it one of the oldest Chambers of Commerce in the United States. Along the way, it’s been involved with projects as diverse as securing funding for Charles Lindbergh’s historic 1927 transatlantic flight (thus the naming of the plane “The Spirit of St. Louis”) and rallying community support for the design, funding and construction of St. Louis’ famed Gateway Arch. The St. Louis RCGA continues to provide leadership on civic initiatives – both large and small – that make the region an even richer environment to live and work.

Who Do We Serve?

The St. Louis RCGA represents the 16-county, bi-state region comprised of the City of St. Louis, the Missouri counties of St. Louis, St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren, Franklin, Jefferson and Washington; and the Illinois counties of St. Clair, Jersey, Madison, Clinton, Monroe, Bond, Macoupin and Calhoun. (Interactive Map of the St. Louis region)

RCGA’s chamber membership constitutes 40 percent of the region's employment base. Businesses of all sizes (from startups to Fortune 1000s), non-profits, government agencies, educational institutions, healthcare and labor organizations are included in this alliance. These members directly benefit from networking opportunities and collectively benefit from pro-business policies enacted at the local and state levels. RCGA also represents the region in Washington, D.C. on vital federal issues such as infrastructure improvements and securing/maintaining government facilities in the region.

As the St. Louis region's lead economic development organization, RCGA strives to improve the business environment and quality-of-life foundations that fuel economic growth. The organization serves as a business liaison between companies that want to grow in the region and the organizations and government entities that can help facilitate that success.

What’s Our Mission?

“To unite the region's business community and to engage dynamic business and civic leadership to develop and sustain a world-class economy and community.”