Regional immigration initiative celebrates two milestones.

ST. LOUIS (February 10, 2014)

The St. Louis Mosaic Project’s Ambassador Program reached its 300th ambassador when former Missouri Governor Bob Holden signed up to help the St. Louis region become more welcoming to foreign-born people. He, like other ambassadors, have committed to supporting the program’s mission to attract and retain more foreign-born of all skill levels.

“With my work in China and around the world, I understand that, when we make the St. Louis region more welcoming, we attract talent to enhance our region’s economic and cultural growth,” said Holden. “I am proud to be the St. Louis Mosaic Project’s 300th ambassador, and I expect the initiative will hit 500 ambassadors quickly as others realize they can make a difference in our region’s success.”

Additionally, St. Louis Mosaic Project’s Professional Connector Program has made its first official connection. This program introduces skilled immigrants to globally minded, well connected, local business leaders. By simply sharing a cup of coffee or tea with a local expert, skilled immigrants learn about the job market and meet additional professionals in their field.

The Professional Connector Program’s first successful connection is Miguel Cedeno, who emigrated from the Dominican Republic to St. Louis in 2013. With his advanced degree, work history as a marketing analyst, and networking through the program, Cedeno recently accepted a position at Electrical Components International.

“Working with the St. Louis Mosaic Project and a national online service called Upwardly Global, made all the difference in my ability to interview, network and find a new job,” said Cedeno.

About the St. Louis Mosaic Project
The St. Louis Mosaic Project was launched in 2012 in response to an economic impact report, outlining St. Louis to be lagging in immigrant growth as well as highlighting the economic benefits of increasing its foreign-born population. The Mosaic Project is a regional initiative that is professionally managed by St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, World Trade Center St. Louis and a 22-member committee. Its goal is to transform St. Louis into the fastest growing metropolitan area for immigration by 2020 and promote regional prosperity through immigration and innovation. Learn more at www.stlmosaicproject.org.