MEDFA 2025 Annual Conference

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

If you wish to make a hotel reservation (Elements Midtown St. Louis - across the street from City Foundry), please click on this link - Book your group rate for MEDFA . Please note - the conference opens at Noon on Thursday, October 9, so please be sure to book for just the night of October 9, unless you are planning to come in for the Board meeting that will take place on the morning of the 9th, in which case you may wish to book for 2 nights (Oct. 8 & 9).

Info: Elements Midtown St. Louis Hotel

Info: 18Rails at City Foundry

Info: Opening Remarks David Bushek
MEDFA President

Recognition of Sponsors & Conference Host Committee

General Membership Meeting and Nominating Committee Report

Missouri Legislative Update & Forecast for 2026

Panel: Doug Stone
Attorney – Lewis Rice LLC
Chair - MEDFA Legislative Committee

Randy Scherr
MEDFA Legislative Relations Consultant
RJ Scherr & Associates

Guest Speaker - TBD

Info:
Panel will discuss economic development best practices in recovering from a disaster both short term and long term.

Moderator: David Leezer
Assistant City Manager - Economic Development
Hazelwood, MO

Panelists: Rob O’Brian
O’Brian & Associates
Former President
Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce

Mike Geisel
City Administrator
Chesterfield, MO

Otis Williams
Interim President & CEO
St. Louis Development Corporation

Info: A panel discussion covering the process of creating The Foundry Complex

Moderator: Mark Spykerman
Attorney
Gilmore & Bell

Panelists: Foundry Developer

Info: Walking tour of City Foundry

Info: Expat BBQ Rooftop Bar at City Foundry
Richard A. King Award Presentation

Info: Optional - Economic Development Tools Q&A Roundtable Session

For those that wish to participate, we will have a couple of tables reserved for a roundtable session on introductory economic development issues and tools. Each table will be moderated by an experienced economic development professional.

Info: Missouri recently passed legislation that modified the Historic Tax Credit program. This session will explore what the changes mean for developers, local governments, and community revitalization efforts in rural and smaller urban communities. Hear from experts on how to navigate the historic tax credit process, the potential economic impacts, and real-world examples of successful preservation projects.

Moderator: Robert Mayer
President
MR Capital Advisors

Jeff Neal
Chief Executive Manager
Neal Group Construction (Joplin, MO)

Deb Sheals
Principal
Building Preservation, LLC

James Farrell
President
Historic Revitalization for Missouri

Info: The Missouri Partnership will provide an inside look at how the organization markets Missouri, sources and supports projects, and helps secure business investment. This session will highlight what drives project success and explore common challenges in business attraction. Q&A is strongly encouraged for open, in-depth discussion.

Moderator: Michelle Stuckey
Vice President of Business Development
St. Louis Economic Development Partnership
Panelists: Representative(s) of Missouri Partnership

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

City Foundry STL, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, United States