Paradigm Shift: Attracting New Investment and Development Through Infrastructure and Partnerships

Moderator: Doug Rasmussen

President & CEO, Steadfast City Economic & Community Partners

Doug Rasmussen is an economic development professional, entrepreneur, thought leader and transactional consultant with more than 20 years of experience in the transportation/logistics, real estate, economic development and entertainment industries. Working with people from diverse backgrounds has given him the unique ability to navigate business and interpersonal issues and foresee long- and short-term trends and risks. In his own particular brand of hard-working expertise and steadfast commitment, Doug delivers maximum value to his clients.

As a specialist in the negotiation of business incentives and real estate development incentives, Doug assists companies, real estate developers and not-for-profit corporations in lowering their operating costs and securing gap financing for their capital projects. His expertise spans a broad range of development functions, such as: site selection, business and real estate incentives, business retention and expansion, economic and community development, and not-for-profit consulting.

Steve Zuber

SIOR, CCIM, Principal, Barber Murphy

Steve joined BARBERMURPHY in 2005 and was made a partner in 2013. Steve specializes in the industrial market in Downstate Illinois, leveraging experience gained over the course of his career prior to joining BARBERMURPHY, during which he sold industrial equipment to manufacturing facilities throughout the Midwest. Working and focusing specifically on the industrial real estate sector for 16 years, Steve has gained a dynamic and comprehensive view of the Downstate Illinois market. His hands-on experience with manufacturing and warehousing gives him a depth of knowledge that proves to be a distinct advantage when working with clients.

Matt Whitney

Director of Business & Industrial Development, Terminal Rail Road Association of St. Louis (TRRA)

Matt is the Director of Business and Industrial Development for the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA). His responsibilities include working with customers to assist with growth, finding and developing new markets, and creating long term growth initiatives while building strategic partnerships. Matt started his career with TRRA in 1999 and held positions as Conductor, RCL Operator, Locomotive Engineer, Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers, Trainmaster, Director of Train Operations, Senior Director of Train Operations, Mechanical Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent Transportation, and Director of Purchasing.

Mike Patton

General Manager, U.S. Steel Corporation

Mike Patton is the General Manager of United States Steel Corporation – Granite City Works. Mike has 33 years of experience in the steel industry and leads the integrated steel manufacturing plant located in Granite City, Illinois, which employs approximately 1,700 people. Mike has spent most of his career at Granite City Works, but did spend 3 years at the Midwest Division in Portage, Indiana as well as 6 years at the Minntac mining facility in Mt. Iron, Minnesota. Mike has led the Granite City Works for the past 5 years as the facility has worked itself back from the challenged economic conditions of 2015.