As we approach the new millennium, St. Louis Commerce Magazine reflects on the past. This issue’s cover story pays homage to the region’s most influential businesspeople of the century. A panel of distinguished historians and prominent individuals was called upon for their input. Based on recommendations from our distinguished panel, 20 individuals were selected for recognition, but of course there were many more who made significant contributions. Without these business leaders, St. Louis would have an entirely different look. Many of the region’s buildings have been named in memory of these benefactors, such as Busch Stadium, Lambert?St. Louis International Airport, the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, Brookings Hall at Washington University, and Queeny Tower at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. That’s not to mention the monuments that would not have been built, without tenacious civic leadership, such as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. And we shouldn’t forget the World’s Fair, which no doubt wouldn’t have taken place in St. Louis?a fair that has never been surpassed, according to several of the historians consulted by St. Louis Commerce. Neither would the region be able to boast many of its world-class corporations, such as Anheuser-Busch, Sverdrup, Monsanto, The May Company, Boeing, Mallinckrodt, Edison Brothers and Ralston Purina, just to name a few.
Today’s leaders continue working for the good of the region. The recent Denver Community Leadership Exchange of 125 area leaders is one example of their dedication and commitment to addressing the issues facing the region. There are a number of “tangibles” that have already directly benefited from these annual leadership visits, such as Jefferson Elementary School, the Downtown Now! Plan, Technology Gateway Alliance, ideas for riverfront redevelopment and downtown housing, and for “community capitalism,” a concept that advocates for-profit, business-driven investment and job creation in inner cities and nurturing minority-owned and women-owned businesses. (See RCGAction).
Studying and adopting some of the “best practices” of other regions is helping our region reach its full potential.
This issue focuses not only on the century’s great leaders, but also the building achievements of the past 100 years. PRIDE of St. Louis, the oldest construction labor-management organization in the region, has named the Top Five Construction Projects of the 20th Century. The region would not be what it is today without the great bridges, sports complexes, interstate highways, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and airport.
As we approach the next century, the region can look forward to building on the triumphs of the past. Our business leaders today are making equally outstanding contributions as their predecessors, preparing the region for the new millennium.
Richard C.D. Fleming
President and Chief Executive Officer
St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association
