A Note From the Mayor's Desk

Editor's note: This information was reprinted from the Winter 2012 Arnold Update newsletter with permission from Mayor Ron Counts.

As the year 2012 draws to a close, the City of Arnold can look back on a year, which sustained the momentum of a successful 2011. The commercial expansion, new business growth and road projects taking place in Arnold are not happening in may other parts of the metropolitan area during this problematic economy.

For example, , has grown to an $88 million project. It will add at least 20 new manufacturing jobs, will retain the existing 130 positions and has created many construction jobs for the region. If the expansion had not occurred in Arnold, the Metal Container Corporation would have left the state of Missouri, and the current expansion of the Anheuser-Busch InBev Brewery in downtown St. Louis would not be taking place. The action of our city has taken to retain and expand the Metal Container Corporation affects regional economy today and will continue to do so in years to come.

The City of Arnold is continuing to attract new businesses as well. The CVS Pharmacy at Highway 141 and Jeffco Boulevard is well under way and will open in the spring. Ross Dress for Less at the Arnold Commons Shopping Center will open in early spring. The Arnold Food Pantry is now back within city limits in a new building on Key West Drive. A new business is expected to go in part of the old Kmart Building at Arnold Crossroads, although we can't yet announce the name. New businesses in Arnold ensure the continued success in positive business sales.

Arnold's Public Works Department recently completed our first modern roundabout at Missouri State Road and Astra Way along with other intersection improvements yo Highway 141 at Astra Way. Old habits are hard to break, but the reduction of traffic congestion at this busy intersection makes it all worthwhile. The Public Works Department can be commended on this project and also on their hard work toward the new Public Works Building.

A successful city offers its citizens recreational activities, too, and the variety of events in Arnold make it a great place to live. Our 40th Anniversary Arnold Days Festival was a huge success. The parade anticipation, vendor sales and carnival ride tickets were at an all-time high. Next year, we are in for a great treat as we are expecting the Budweiser Clydesdales in our parade. The Arnold Farmers' Market got off to a great start last spring for its first year, the Trunk or Treat and Hayride this fall attracted nearly 6,000 people and an all-time high of 1,087 runners from 16 states participated in the Thanksgiving Day Run. These are just a few of the highlights of the many wonderful events that fill our yearly calendar.

The exciting things that are happening in Arnold point to a bright future for our city and its people. I look forward to continuing to serve this community and each of you. I wish each of you a Happy New Year.

- Mayor Ron Counts