ST. LOUIS Mo. (KMOX)–Downtown St. Louis is on the up and up, and top businessmen in the city agree that it’s time to talk merger.

Stifel Nicolaus Chairman Ron Kruszewski says for the region to grow it must think like a region. Those who live outside the city need to realize the importance of the urban core.

Kruszewski told KMOX “we want kids to move here because of an urban entrepreneur environment, not a bedroom.”

While U.S. Bancorp CDC President Zach Boyers says it may take ten years to get the job done, but it’s time to start the frank talk about a merger.

“Starting now will get us closer to the end goal and will be a more efficiently run focus strategy for regional prosperity,” said Boyers, who is the incoming chair of the Partnership for Downtown St. Louis.

“The region has to have a shared vision and the merger would be a major step forward.”