Meet Dan Bish, Arnold's Economic Development/Planner Specialist

Listening to Dan Bish, Arnold’s new Economic Development/Planner, it is difficult to tell how he handles stress. 

“I’m just getting out and meeting business owners in Arnold and listening to them,” Bish said. Bish has two roles. He is responsible for attracting businesses and strengthening existing ones in Arnold. He will also analyze how the city can develop its land in the coming years. 

When the economy improves, Bish could be overwhelmed with businesses clamoring to move into Arnold because of the city's wealth of undeveloped properties. Arnold would also have to compete against varies cities and suburbs trying to get businesses to relocate, Bish told ArnoldPatch.

Arnold is in a unique situation. The city is located between south St. Louis County and Jefferson County’s northern agricultural areas. Interstate 55 and Highway 141 allow Arnold residents access to St. Louis and the western suburbs.

A farmers’ market, for example, could benefit Arnold, Jefferson County’s farmers and south St. Louis’ healthy eaters. Arnold’s elected leaders are creating an advisory committee to find the best location for the market, Bish said.

Arnold’s location and abundant amount of vacant land also appeal to a company seeking a new location or for commercial real estate developers, according to the city’s comprehensive plan consultants.

Elected leaders use comprehensive plans to determine the location and growth of economic development within a city. Arnold, for example, could create a downtown area along north Jeffco Boulevard filled retail services, residences, sidewalks and bike paths, consultants said.

Arnold also has a low crime rate, affordable home prices and a lot of green space compared to the St. Louis County, Bish said. That information could attract real estate developers wanting to sell to affordable homes.

The city could draw more businesses and grow its current businesses with the proper information and guidance, Bish said.

“That’s why I’m here to match businesses’ needs with what Arnold can offer,” Bish said. 

Bish is scouting the vacant lots and industrial sites around Arnold. A property list would be a useful tool to businesses.

When businesses decide to move to Arnold, Bish will work with Community Development Director Mary Holden. 

Economic development specialists' sole purpose, usually, is to draw businesses to a city, Holden said.

“Then community development and planning directors work with businesses to find the best fit in the city, they find a match between the business and the surrounding area, and work to assure everyone complies with building and business codes,” Holden said.

For now, Bish is meeting with local business owners, learning about their concerns, compiling a list of business opportunities and creating an informational packet to benefit businesses.

That information should be in a central location and quickly available for businesses, Bish said.