MediaGraphicGen5.5×5 Share on FacebookTweetFollow us
Read More
North County Inc. Honors Community Leaders Making a Difference in North St. Louis County
(Story provided by North County Inc.)
As part of the organization’s 40th Annual Breakfast celebration, North County Incorporated (NCI) recognized several area leaders for making a significant positive impact in North County. At a sold-out event on Friday, May 19, more than 600 business, civic, and community leaders gathered to honor this year’s award recipients.
Bob Lindsey, editor and publisher, Independent News, received the prestigious Elmer Belsha Leadership Award. This award is presented annually to an individual who has made a long-term commitment to NCI and North County, and who has had a positive impact on the community.
NCI stated Lindsey embodies the essence of this award. For over 40 years, he has helped NCI promote their work in the community through the power of the press, first at the Suburban Journals, then with The Independent News in 1987. His paper encompasses what a local paper should be, a great source of information for people who live in the community, NCI stated.
NCI’s Business Development Awards were presented to those whose efforts have positively affected the economic development. This year, awards were given to The Orthopedic Center at SSM Health DePaul Hospital, Mike Becker of Suburban Heights Apartment Redevelopment, The Boeing Company’s 777X Wing Assembly Manufacturing Plant, and Trans-Lux Corporation.
The Orthopedic Center at SSM Health DePaul Hospital represents a $.6 million investment in the community; Mike Becker of Suburban Heights Apartment Development recently spearheaded the renovation of a blighted and dilapidated apartment complex in the City of Kinloch.
The Boeing Company’s 777X Wing Assembly Manufacturing Plant is their new 424,000 square foot plant located in Berkeley that will construct wing edge and tail parts. This new plant will result in 700 jobs for the region.
Trans-Lux Corporation will produce digital LED video scoreboards. This investment will result in the relocation of 90 jobs from China and 50 jobs from their Iowa plant to the Hazelwood facility.
The Excellence in Partnership with NCI Award was given to Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, SSM Health DePaul Hospital, and Christian Hospital for their efforts to forward the Community Health Access Program (CHAP). This award honors organizations or companies that have partnered with NCI to make a significant impact on the North County community for the betterment of the area’s quality of life through special initiatives and/or projects.
NCI’s Community Development Awards were presented to Clayco’s Construction Career Development Initiative, Marlon Wharton, Sister Helen Negri, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis Under the Leadership of Chancellor Thomas George. Community Development awards honor those whose efforts positively benefit youth, residents, civic organizations, or others through selfless acts.
The CCDI assists aspiring professionals with resources needed to circumvent common barriers that hinder educational and career development pursuits in the design and construction industry.
Marlon Wharton, Guidance Counselor for Riverview Gardens School District and CEO of Gentlemen of Vision: A foundation to foster academic excellence for young men. The high school graduation and college placement rate for the men in the program has been 100% since 2009.
Sister Helen Negri, CEO, Marygrove in Florissant, has led the organization for over 35 years. Marygrove is home to children who are working to move beyond the emotional burden of abuse or neglect.
The University of Missouri-St. Louis Under the Leadership of Chancellor Thomas George has invested over $120 million into North County.
Public Service Awards were presented to outstanding individuals, elected, appointed, or employed by a public body whose long-time service has had a positive impact on the community and/or public body they serve. This year’s awardees were Bob Laramie, Patrick McSheehy, and Chief Terry Loehrer.
Bob Laramie, Superintendent of Parks, City of Florissant is the city’s longest serving Superintendent of Parks. Patrick McSheehy, Code Administrator, City of Hazelwood has served the city’s residents for more than 44 years. Patrick’s time leading the Cod Enforcement Division has seen the development of a Code Enforcement Division with Nationally Certified Code Enforcement Officers and a Building Inspector, a model now copied in other North County communities.
Chief Terry Loehrer was honored with the Silver Medal of Valor for the 2007 rescue of a drowning teen trapped in a frozen lake.
The Special Recognition Awards were presented to Joshura Davis and Professor Terry Freeman. These awards honor those who through their business and volunteer services, exemplify leadership and service to the North County community, who are dedicated to helping others, and who improve the business environment and/or lives of those they serve.
Joshura Davis, Vice President of Best Insurance Agency and first president for the newly formed Dellwood-Ferguson West Florissant Business Association.
Professor Terry Freeman, Professor at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley and Campus Liaison and Advisor for the National Society of Black Engineers Chapter 1540, provides students with the introduction and exposure to the basic engineering.
NCI’s 40th Annual Breakfast Platinum Sponsors were: U.S. Bank, SSM Health DePaul Hospital, HDR, McBride & Son Homes, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, and Saint Louis County. The Premier Sponsors for this event were: Christian Hospital, Enterprise Holdings, Negwer Materials, St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, The Boeing Company, and The City of Hazelwood.
The Corporate Sponsors for this event were: Bi-State Development, Bommarito Automotive Group, Commerce Bank, Florissant Rotary Club, Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, NorthPark Partners, and SSM Health Rehabilation Network.
North County Inc. Board chairman Scott Negwer presents Independent News Editor and Publisher
Bob Lindsey with the 2017 Elmer Belsha Leadership Award
Group shot of all the North County Inc. honorees at NCI’s 40th Annual Leadership Breakfast held May 19 at the Airport Marriott.
