By Linda Jarrett This month, the St. Louis RCGA, in collaboration with Deloitte & Touche USA LLP, presents the Greater St. Louis Top 50 Award Winners. These companies represent the best of what St. Louis has to offer, not only with their contributions to the region, but their positive impact on the business community and business success. By their adherence to core business values, these 50 winners have demonstrated, and continue to demonstrate, their commitment to St. Louis. The decision to recognize these companies began in 1996 when the St. Louis Regional Technology Fast 50 selected those companies who represented excellence in the fields of technology. However, since so many of our region’s companies demonstrate this same excellence in so many fields, the Top 50 now includes all area industries. Nominations were distributed throughout the region with marketing support from KMOX, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, KETC Channel 9, St. Louis Science Center and Commerce Magazine. A record number of Top 50 nominations were received in 2005. Criteria such as growth in the number of employees and revenues, contribution to the community, and acquisition and expansion/or development of facilities were the basis for selecting the Top 50. Selecting the winners of this award continues to grow more difficult as our area is blessed with a wealth of outstanding and deserving companies. Besides the Top 50 awardees, two prestigious awards will also be awarded to companies representing a special excellence. Express Scripts Inc. has been selected to receive the 2005 Spirit of St. Louis Technology Award, which is presented to an organization for their advancements in technology and continued success and commitment as a leader in civic and community involvement. The inaugural recipient of the Boeing Corporate Citizenship award is Enterprise Rent-A-Car. This award is presented to a company demonstrating exceptional commitment to enhancing the quality of life in St. Louis by providing community leadership in the areas of economic development, philanthropic giving and/or partnerships with state and local government. All award winners will be recognized at the annual awards gala on Tuesday, December 13 at the Hyatt Regency - St. Louis Union Station. Besides providing winners a chance to celebrate, this event continues to be popular with the business community by providing an opportunity for networking and sharing successes. Corporate sponsors include Edward Jones, Sigma-Aldrich and Southwest Bank. For more information, contact: Lori Meier at (314) 444-1147 or lmeier@stlrcga.org.  ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR 2005 BOEING CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP AWARD Success means different things to different people, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car puts a face on the nicest kind of success. When Jack Taylor founded Enterprise Rent-A-Car in 1957, few would visualize how that company would impact the St. Louis region. Decades later, with 8.2 billion dollars in annual revenues, Enterprise has grown to be a major player not only locally, but also internationally. Andy Taylor, Chairman and CEO, Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Since assuming the role of CEO in 1991 and being named Chairman in 2001, son Andy Taylor directed the growth of the company to the point that today it is the largest rental car company in North America. CORPORATE RECOGNITION Being awarded the inaugural Boeing Corporate Citizenship Award is but the latest in a long line of kudos that Enterprise has earned. Taylor honed in on the words “exceptional commitment,” when asked why Enterprise won this award.  “There are a lot of companies in this town that have what I would call an ‘exceptional commitment’ to corporate citizenship- Boeing among them,” Taylor says. “This is a generous community in general, so we are extremely flattered. For us, the outcome of our efforts to give back is really its own reward. “When our family made the $40 million challenge grant to the Saint Louis Symphony and the community stepped up to the challenge–six months ahead of schedule–it was a victory for the entire region,” he says. “Seeing the Symphony prosper and our community continuing to enjoy it is the best reward we could have received.” Philanthropy has been a hallmark of the Enterprise ethic.  Besides financial support for the Symphony, the Taylor family has gifted many other local causes: $30 million to the Missouri Botanical Garden to fund plant research; $10 million to the Danforth Center for the Taylor Fund for the Environment; over $8 million to “Forest Park Forever.” The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation has made additional donations in recent years including $1 million to the American Red Cross for the Katrina Relief Fund and $250,000 to the 2004 hurricane relief efforts. The Foundation also gave $250,000 to the International Red Cross for the Tsunami relief effort and $1 million to the victims of September 11. But Taylor reminds us: “We weren’t the only company or family to give generously to those causes. There are plenty of companies that have done great things, and we’re very proud to be one of them.” Playing an active role in the community is also close to Taylor’s heart. He serves as the Nominating Committee Chair for the United Way of Greater St. Louis, was the past Campaign Chairman of the United Way, and past president of Civic Progress. He also serves as a trustee of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, trustee of Washington University, and life trustee of the Missouri Botanical Garden.  Other endeavors include being director of Anheuser-Busch Companies, director of Commerce Bancshares and serving on the board of trustees of the National Urban League. ALL IN THE FAMILY As a youngster of 16, Andy Taylor began following in his father’s footsteps. “I started in one of the St. Louis offices,” he says. “I would wash cars during the summer and holiday vacations, and really learned the business from the ground up.” After graduating from the University of Denver with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, he gained more experience in the industry outside of the family business with RLM Leasing, a Ford Motor company affiliate in San Francisco. Three years later, he was ready to come back and join his father at Enterprise. “Except for the time I was in college and on the West Coast, I’ve always lived here,” Taylor says. “This community offers tremendous opportunities for growth and success. We have a strong, diversified regional economy and business-friendly political environment, strong neighborhoods, a diverse cultural heritage and first-rate educational institutions that contribute to a very talented and capable workforce.” With Taylor so “bullish” on St. Louis, it is no wonder that his family and company have played such a role in the forwarding of local and regional quality of life. While many companies take care of their employees, Enterprise seems to enjoy a reputation for going the extra mile. “As you say,” Taylor says, “a lot of companies do a good job at that. For us, it comes down to being true to the kind of workplace my father wanted Enterprise to be when he founded our company. He said, ‘If you take good care of your customers and employees, profits will follow.’ That’s the mission that guides us today. “On the employee side, I think the bottom line is that we provide talented people with a challenging and rewarding place to work, and we offer them a career path that’s long on opportunity because of our promote-from-within culture,” he says. THE REST OF THE STORY With all the accolades heaped on Enterprise, what goals remain? Taylor wants to continue on the same road, making sure that the journey stays on course. “We want to continue delivering excellent customer service and providing opportunities for our employees, while working hard to ensure that our company adheres to the founding values that are at the heart of the Enterprise brand. Our values are the compass that keeps us true to what we are as a company.” Enterprise ranked highest on the 2005 J.D. Powers Customer Satisfaction Survey for the second consecutive year and the sixth time in seven years. While Enterprise and its achievements certainly are not hidden from the public, Taylor says there is still much about the company that does not glean much attention. For instance, the fact that while Enterprise has more than 6,500 offices in North America, U.K., Germany and Ireland with more than 800,000 vehicles, the company works very hard to maintain the feel of a small, entrepreneurial operation. “Our customers experience friendly, personal service when they do business with us,” Taylor says. “What they don’t see is the time and energy that goes into keeping that small-business atmosphere–from the intensive training our employees receive to the tremendous amount of autonomy we give our local managers.” St. Louis is fortunate and richer with a corporate citizen such as Andy Taylor and the family-owned Enterprise Rent-A-Car. EXPRESS SCRIPTS 2005 SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS TECHNOLOGY AWARD Even the 15.1 billion dollars in annual revenue and ranking as the second largest Fortune 500 Company in St. Louis, Express Scripts shows no signs of relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Express Scripts Inc., founded here in St. Louis in 1986, is already one of America’s largest pharmacy benefit managers. It is committed to helping employers, managed-care plans, unions and governmental entities provide pharmacy benefits for millions of people nationwide. Its technology is a vital ingredient to its success. (Left to right): President and CEO George Paz and Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Patrick McNamee. The company has been selected to receive the 2005 Spirit of St. Louis Technology Award because of this commitment and its use of technology to make the use of prescription drugs safer and more affordable. President and CEO George Paz says, “Technology is a very important element of our business model, which involves making the use of prescription drugs safer and more affordable. We process over 400 million retail prescriptions a year for people who walk into their local pharmacy. Our system makes sure that the claim adjudicates properly, while enhancing safety and identifying savings opportunities.” Knowing that their systems have to be available one hundred percent of the time, Paz says they can’t afford to be “down.” “We have to be there for individuals to get their drugs and our job is to negotiate significant discounts so that the health care costs can stay competitively priced and allow the client sponsors to continue to offer health care benefits. “We view our jobs as critically important in the management of drug costs for our clients,” he says. “Technology is a very important enabling tool for that purpose.” Patrick McNamee, senior vice president and chief information officer, says that the company invests heavily in technology. “What’s impressive about Express Scripts is that information technology isn’t just a back office function. Information technology is a product. Unlike a manufacturer, our technology is client/patient facing and it is on the front line developing very sophisticated products.” Improved technology is critical to our future success. A perfect example is our investment in RxHub, McNamee says. “This communication hub allows physicians to electronically transmit their scripts from a physician’s office directly to the retail or home delivery pharmacy.” NEW HEADQUARTERS ON THE HORIZON Express Scripts recently announced that they will be building their new corporate headquarters on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus, a first of its kind marriage of a Fortune 500 headquarters with a major university. Having their headquarters on the UMSL campus will give Express Scripts the opportunity to recruit the best and brightest of UMSL graduates. “Building our corporate headquarters at UMSL was a significant opportunity for us,” Paz says. “As we continue to grow, over 50 million people use our service and they come from diverse backgrounds. It’s important for us to tap a very strong diverse workforce that can help us meet the needs of our market place.” McNamee agrees. “We have a lot of opportunities for collaboration with UMSL. They have an information technology think tank, with which we will work closely to develop entry-level leadership programs for MBA graduates, who can move into leadership roles here at Express Scripts. “It is pretty straight forward for us to find and retain strong technology people here,” McNamee says. “It seems that people who were born in St. Louis or even moved here tend to stay.” HOMEGROWN In 1986, Express Scripts started in St. Louis as a mail order prescription house. Over the years, it evolved from filling prescriptions by mail, which is a growing component of their business, to managing the drug benefits on behalf of client sponsors. Paz joined Express Scripts in 1998 as chief financial officer recruited by founding CEO Barrett Toan. In 2003, he became president and, in 2005, took on the additional responsibilities of CEO. “St. Louis gives us a quality base from which to draw employees,” he says. “Our success is attributable to the 13,000 employees we have across the United States and to the over 3,000 located here in St. Louis. The passion for which they do their work every day allows us to continue to meet the challenges presented to us.” Paz enjoys going to work every day and the excitement was evident in his voice as he described the energy that Express Scripts employees demonstrate for the company. “I believe we do make a difference,” he says. “Few companies have aligned themselves with the client as well as we have. Our business is not based on curtailing people’s access to prescription drugs, but instead managing costs in a manner which provides the greatest value for the dollar spent. “We’re not selling blue sweaters or yellow baseball caps,” Paz says “We’re selling a health care solution. So, when our associates talk to someone on the other end of the phone, what they’re doing is helping someone through a difficult situation, and helping people obtain a higher quality of life.” THE NEXT STEP Paz says that the coming years will see Express Scripts continue to focus on alignment and taking care of clients. “As I look out over the next several years, we have a lot of employees working in our home delivery business and I think there are tremendous opportunities for companies to save a lot of money as we send more and more prescriptions through the mail.” Also, he adds, many widely-used drugs in the United States are about to lose their patent protection, which means the generic equivalents will be available to the consumer for as much as a 70 percent savings. “Our job is to arm the plan sponsors with the knowledge needed to help drive down costs, while never compromising a health outcome,” he says. “Our goal is to continue to stretch the health care dollar further into the future and allow us to stay innovative through our different programs, and offer services to help our clients exceed their expectations from a health care perspective.” CIO McNamee says the prescription drug benefit “in general from an employer’s perspective, is endangered and has become very costly for them to continue to provide this benefit, so our role is very specific: to make sure we keep that benefit in place and the way we do that is to make it affordable.” Technology is critical to achieving this. THE PRIVATE EXPRESS SCRIPTS While Express Scripts continues to be at the forefront of the St. Louis corporate world ranking #137 in this year’s Fortune 500, Paz says he thinks there are many things the public does not know about the company. “I don’t think we’ve been very visible to the public,” he says. “But the fact is we’ve got 13,000 people who feel very good about their jobs, because they really are improving the quality of life for the American public at large.” Express Scripts serves one in five individuals in the United States. With that statistic, this company will not stay “unknown” for long. EXPRESS SCRIPTS INC. & UMSL PARTNERSHIP In March 2007, Express Scripts Inc. (ESI) will open its new corporate headquarters on the campus of the University of Missouri-St. Louis, making ESI the highest ranking Fortune 500 Company to have a corporate headquarters on a university campus. This collaboration between the city’s second largest company, with 3,000 employees here, and the region’s largest university will promote opportunities such as health-economics research and information technology, which are key strengths for both organizations. Each organization also realizes the need for promoting growth and synergy within their structure, which makes this joint venture even more advantageous. “We need a talent pool to continuously draw from,” George Paz, president and CEO, says. “Being centrally located next to the university will allow us to be able to tap into the market of young, aggressive individuals who, quite frankly, have just graduated from school and have a whole career ahead of them.” With an enrollment of 15,800, UMSL will provide that talent pool. More than 75 percent of UMSL’s graduates live and work in the region–supporting the unofficial campus tagline, “We Educate St. Louis.” Paz says, “The move to UMSL will facilitate an unprecedented opportunity for employee education and growth. It will enhance our position as an employer of choice for a diverse and best-in-class workforce.” “Express Scripts is the type of company we had in mind when we began developing UMSL’s business, technology and research park,” says UMSL Chancellor Thomas F. George. “It’s a growing company whose needs meld with UMSL’s academic strengths and diverse connections to the region.” The UMSL-Express Scripts collaboration expands opportunities to share complementary information technology and research expertise, increase professional development and recruitment opportunities, and aligns two key institutions for the benefit of the greater St. Louis region. Advantage Capital Partners Clayton, MO 63105 (314) 725-0800 www.advantagecap.com Scott A. Zajac, Senior Managing Director Thomas A. Boman, Vice President-Finance Description: Advantage Capital Partners is a private equity firm with co-headquarters in St. Louis and New Orleans. Employees: 2000 – 6 2001 – 7 2002 – 7 2003 – 8 2004 – 8 Annual Capital Raised: 2000 - $592.8 million 2001 - $592.8 million 2002 - $624.4 million 2003 - $657 million 2004 - $712 million History: In 1992, St. Louis natives Steven T. Stull and David W. Bergmann founded Advantage Capital Partners to raise and invest private capital in geographic areas underserved by venture capital. The firm has grown steadily and now has three-dozen employees in St. Louis; New Orleans; New York; Washington, D.C.; and other cities. Distinction: In 2004, Advantage funds injected more than $36 million into the Missouri economy by investing in businesses (Quick Study Radiology Inc., Stereotaxis Inc. and Transaction Transport Technologies) and downtown redevelopment projects (Grace Lofts, Louderman Lofts and Rudman on the Park). Since 1997, Advantage has invested in Missouri entrepreneurs whose companies now have combined revenues of more than $900 million. Ameren Corporation 1901 Chouteau Avenue St. Louis, MO 63103 (314) 554-2738 www.ameren.com Gary L. Rainwater, Chairman, President and CEO Warner L. Baxter, Executive Vice President and CFO Description: Ameren Corporation is the parent company of AmerenUE, Missouri’s largest electric utility and of three other utility companies. It is also the state’s third largest distributor of natural gas. Employees: 2000 – 4,368 2001 – 4,515 2002 – 4,515 2003 – 4,167 2004 – 4,221 Annual Revenues: 2000 - $3.8 million 2001 — $3.8 million 2002 - $3.8 million 2003 — $4.6 million 2004 - $5.1 million History: Created by a 1997 merger between the former Union Electric and the Central Illinois Public Service Company, Ameren, in the past eight years, has tripled its customer base and revenues, while keeping a lid on costs. Distinction: The Company consistently scores highly in national customer satisfaction surveys. Through the nonprofit Ameren Community Development Corporation, since 2004, it has awarded $5.4 million for projects creating or retaining jobs in Missouri. Through a broad range of outreach programs, it has founded Dollar More, the area’s largest private energy assistance fund, helped to fund the Urban League’s Energy Plus, provided technology and education grants to local schools and educators and participated in the renovation of the Old Post Office and Forest Park. Ameristar Casino St. Charles Inc. P.O. Box 720 St. Charles, MO 63301 (636) 940-4300 www.ameristar.com James R. Franke, General Manager Jeff Burge, Vice President of Finance Description: Ameristar Casinos Inc. is a leading Las Vegas-based gaming and entertainment company with seven casinos in five states. Employees:  2000 – 936 2001 – 957 2002 – 1,613 2003 – 1,539 2004 – 1,621 Annual Revenues: 2000 – $126.2 million 2001 – $153.6 million 2002 – $215.8 million 2003 – $298.9 million 2004 – $335 million History: Founded in 1954 in Jackpot, Nev., Ameristar has been a public company since November 1993. The company’s portfolio consists of seven casinos located in Nevada, Iowa, Mississippi, Colorado, and Missouri. The St. Charles casino opened in 2002 featuring 130,000 square feet of gaming space. Distinction: Ameristar Casino St. Charles is one of the premiere entertainment facilities in the Midwest region. In 2004, revenues increased by $36 million. Tax revenues generated for the City of St. Charles totaled $16 million, $4 million for St. Charles County, and $61 million for the State of Missouri. One of the largest employers in St. Charles, Ameristar employs 1,900 employees paying $55 million in salaries and benefits. Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc. One Busch Place St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 577-2000 www.anheuser-busch.com Patrick Stokes, President and CEO W. Randolph Baker, Vice President and CFO Description: St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc. focuses its operations and resources on beer production and distribution, adventure park entertainment and packaging. Employees:  2000 – 5545 2001 – 5354 2002 – 5070 2003 – 5054 2004 – 5094 Annual Revenues: 2000 – $12.5 billion 2001 – $12.9 billion 2002 – $13.6 billion 2003 – $14.1 billion 2004 – $14.9 billion History: Anheuser-Busch was founded in 1852 and acquired by Eberhard Anheuser in 1860. It ranked only 29th out of 40 breweries in St. Louis. A-B survived tremendous challenges including two world wars, the Great Depression and Prohibition to become one of the world’s largest brewers and a leader in the entertainment and packaging industries. Distinction: Anheuser-Busch has been committed and dedicated to the St. Louis community for more than 150 years, employing more than 5,000 area residents, sponsoring numerous athletic and entertainment events, and providing support to those in need. A-B is the undisputed leader of the U.S. beer industry, with nearly 50 percent of the market. Arch Coal Inc. One City Place Drive, Suite 300 St. Louis, MO 63141 (314) 994-2700 www.archcoal.com Steven F. Leer, President and CEO Robert J. Messey, Senior Vice President and CFO Description: Arch Coal is the nation’s second largest coal producer, mining exclusively clean-burning, low-sulfur coal from thirteen mining complexes. It provides fuel for roughly seven percent of the nation’s electricity. Employees: 2000 – 148 2001 – 135 2002 – 140 2003 – 149 2004 – 152 Annual Revenues: 2000 – (-$12.7 million) 2001 — $1.5 billion 2002 — $1.5 billion 2003 — $1.5 billion 2004 — $1.96 billion History: Arch Coal Inc. was formed in July 1997 through the merger of publicly traded Ashland Coal and privately held Arch Mineral Corporation. With the completion of the merger, Arch became the leading producer of low-sulfur coal in the eastern United States. Through the acquisition of the coal assets of Atlantic Richfield and Triton’s North Rochelle mine, as well as its own, Black Thunder operation, it has solidified its positions in the western United States, the nation’s fastest growing coal supply region. Distinction: In the past 52 weeks, Arch has generated a total return to shareholders of 90 percent with a stock price that has risen from $31 to $69. It operates some of the nation’s safest and most highly productive coal mines. Arcturis 1910 Pine Street St. Louis, MO 63103 (314) 206-7100 www.arcturis.com Pat Whitaker, President and CEO Mary Kay January, CFO Description: Arcturis is a full service design firm serving clients on a local, national and global scale. It specializes in planning, architecture, interiors and workplace strategies for Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions, community and public safety facilities, entertainment companies, developers and financial institutions. Employees: 2000 – 62 2001 — 60 2002 – 50 2003 — 52 2004 – 74 History: Founded in 1977 under the name Interior Space Inc., the firm specialized first in interior design, and then quickly began expanding into architecture. In 1999, the firm’s name was changed to Arcturis to more accurately depict the full range of its services. It has been a leader in adding new services to its portfolio that enable it to anticipate and address client needs more effectively. Distinction: Ranked as one of the 150 fastest-growing private companies in St. Louis by the St. Louis Business Journal, it brings acclaim and prestige to the region through its talent, expertise and innovation. In the past year, the Arcturis staff have served on 14 boards of nonprofit groups and assisted with volunteer services on 21 additional committees and task forces. Asynchrony Solutions Inc. (2 time winner) 1709 Washington Avenue, Suite 200 St. Louis, MO 63103 (314) 678-2200 www.asolutions.com Robert Elfanbaum, CEO Nancy Jones, CFO Description: Asynchrony Solutions provides systems integration and custom application development for the public sector and continues to launch initiatives to support its ongoing growth and success. Asynchrony’s newest area of focus is on technology to assist those involved in public safety and homeland security. Employees: 2000 – 5 2001 — 15 2002 – 28 2003 — 41 2004 – 46 Annual Revenues: 2000 — $1.3 million 2001 — $1.4 million 2002 — $2.9 million 2003 — $4.7 million 2004 — $7.2 million History: Founded in 1999 in a small Earth City office, Asynchrony realized that traditional companies and government agencies had a great need for help with emerging technologies in networking and communication. Following the dot.com crash, Asynchrony thrived by shifting its business to the public sector and has now risen to the ranks of the 500 fastest growing private companies in the country. Distinction: Asynchrony has brought nationally significant business to St. Louis. It is one of a handful of small businesses in the country that has the resources and technical ability to act as lead engineers on large government IT contracts. Through its new HUBZone Company, it has created a groundbreaking incentive program to encourage employees to relocate to the City of St. Louis. TheBANK of Edwardsville 330 West Vandalia Edwardsville, IL 62025 (618) 656-0057 www.4thebank.com Thomas E. Holloway, President and CEO Robert M. Parker, Senior Vice President/Comptroller Description: TheBANK of Edwardsville is the largest locally owned bank in Southwestern Illinois with assets exceeding $1 billion. Employees:  2000 – 309 2001 – 321 2002 – 348 2003 – 347 2004 – 340 History: TheBANK of Edwardsville opened in 1868 with $10,000 in capital. Today assets exceed $1 billion and it has 14 locations in nine communities throughout Madison County, including Edwardsville, Alton, Bethalto, Collinsville, Glen Carbon, Granite City, Highland, Pontoon Beach and Troy. Distinction: TheBANK has loaned millions of dollars to help in the development of the area’s communities, including organizations, associations, hospitals and municipalities. It has also made commercial loans in excess of $100 million in the St. Louis region and has made a commitment to invest up to $10 million in the St. Louis New Market Tax Credit Fund 1 LLC. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri 1831 Chestnut Street St. Louis, MO 63103 (314) 923-4444 www.bcbsmo.com Stuart Campbell, President Charles Weschke, Director, Finance Description: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri is the largest provider of healthcare benefits in Missouri offering a full range of integrated medical and specialty products for individuals, seniors, and employers of all size. Employees:  2000 – 1,089 2001 – 992 2002 – 935 2003 – 939 2004 – 986 History: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri has served the healthcare coverage needs of Missouri consumers since 1936. Known for stability and endurance in an ever-changing and challenging insurance marketplace, it is a healthcare leader with a strong customer services orientation. Distinction: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri has been a major employer in the St. Louis area with close to 1,000 employees. Surveys show 36 percent of individuals and 30 percent of small groups purchasing coverage from Blue Cross were previously uninsured, an indication of the company’s success in helping to keep quality healthcare affordable and accessible. Today, membership is nearly 1.3 million, up from 947,000 in 2001. Build-A-Bear Workshop (2 time winner) 1954 Innerbelt Business Center Drive St. Louis, MO 63114 (314) 423-8000 www.buildabear.com Maxine Clark, Chief Executive Bear Tina Klocke, Chief Financial Bear Description: Build-A-Bear Workshop brings the theatre back to retailing by providing guests with the opportunity to participate actively in the creation, personalization and customization of their own stuffed animal. Employees: 2000 – 98 2001 — 133 2002 – 175 2003 — 188 2004 – 221 Annual Revenues: 2000 — $55.4 million 2001 — $106.6 million 2002 — $169.1 million 2003 — $231.7 million 2004 — $301.7 million History: Founded in 1997 under the maxim “Retailing is entertainment and the store is a stage, and when the customer has fun, they spend more money,” Build-A-Bear sells the “package,” both the product and the experience. Distinction: Build-A-Bear is committed to causes that support children and animals. Through its charitable program Stuffed With Hugs, it has contributed bears to children affected by the tsunami and Hurricane Katrina. Other charitable programs encourage literacy, fund animal support, help protect endangered species and help children’s health and wellness issues. The New York Workshop at 5th Avenue and 46th Street provides a St. Louis company daily national and international recognition. Centene Corporation (2 time winner) 7711 Carondelet Avenue, Suite 800 St. Louis, MO 63105 (314) 725-4477 www.centene.com Michael Neidorff, Chairman and CEO Karey L. Witty, Senior Vice President and CFO Description: Centene is a multi-line managed care organization that provides Medicaid and Medicaid-related programs to organizations and individuals through government subsidized programs. Employees: 2000 – 122 2001 — 202 2002 – 237 2003 — 342 2004 – 437 Annual Revenues: 2000 — $221.3 million 2001 — $326.5 million 2002 — $461.4 million 2003 — $769.7 million 2004 — $1 billion History: Founded in 1984 in an inner-city hospital in Milwaukee, Centene has incrementally grown to administer, through its corporate headquarters in Clayton, health plan programs in many states. Its Claims Processing Center in Farmington, Mo. allows the company to maintain pace with technological advances and to more quickly and efficiently process claims for payment to providers. Distinction: Centene’s executives serve on a variety of local Boards. It is responsible for Arts and Education Council’s Arts Center Project, now known as the Centene Center for the Arts. The Centene Center in Farmington is a performing arts auditorium and banquet facility. Its Day Care Center in Brentwood provides care for the children of Centene employees. Chemir Analytical Services Inc. (9 time winner) 2672 Metro Boulevard Maryland Heights, MO 63043 (314) 291-6620 www.chemir.com Dr. Shri Thanedar, CEO Edward J. Kuper, Controller Description: Chemir is a premier analytical laboratory offering customized chemical analysis, deformulation, materials identification, failure analysis and product characterization. Employees: 2000 – 30 2001 – 35 2002 – 41 2003 – 50 2004 – 53 Annual Revenues: 2000 — $4 million 2001 — $6 million 2002 — $6.2 million 2003 — $8 million 2004 — $12.9 million History: Founded in 1959, Chemir was purchased in 1990 by Dr. Shri Thanedor who developed it into an independent testing laboratory. Having since developed a national reputation as experts in deformulation, Chemir scientists have helped over 6,000 clients solve challenging industrial problems with chemical analysis, consulting and litigation support. Distinction: Chemir is committed to the betterment of the St. Louis community. It has been an annual sponsor of the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation, is a long-time supporter of the Salvation Army and, this year, through an internal fund-raising drive, Chemir and its employees, donated almost $2,000 to emergency hurricane relief. It also sponsors various activities and athletics at several local school districts. CI Select 1716 Hidden Creek Court St. Louis, MO 63131 (314) 909-1990 www.ciselect.com George Piccirilli, CEO Brian Heigel, CFO Description: CI Select creates an innovative comprehensive work environment including video, voice and integrated data, furniture and flooring for classrooms, boardrooms, training labs and medical environments. Employees: 2000 – 35 2001 — 38 2002 – 45 2003 — 50 2004 – 130 Annual Revenues: 2000 — $3 million 2001 — $20 million 2002 — $20 million 2003 — $21 million 2004 — $26 million History: Founded in 1984 as Corporate Interiors, CI Select has grown to become one of the leading regional suppliers of office furniture. With six divisions, CI Select’s team of professionals has helped shape the look of Christian Brothers College High School, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and the Nestlé Corporation. Distinction: CI Select is a member of the Leadership Circle of the St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association. Two of its managers serve on the United Way Women’s Leadership Giving Initiative and another employee serves on the American Cancer Society’s National Task Force. It is active in the Civic Entrepreneurs Organization and its employees serve on numerous not-for-profit boards. CitiMortgage Inc. (2 time winner) 1000 Technology Drive O’Fallon, MO 63368 (636) 261-0251 www.citimortgage.com Bill Beckmann, President Paul Ince, CFO Description: CitiMortgage specializes in the nationwide lending of residential mortgages through retail, wholesale and correspondent loan origination channels. CitiMortgage and its affiliates are in the top tier of mortgage originators and servicers nationwide. Employees: 2000 – 1,500 2001 – 2,000 2002 – 2,500 2003 – 4,401 2004 – 4,613 History: From its local beginnings as Acceptance Finance, through its purchase by Citigroup (then Citicorp) and various later expansions and mergers, CitiMortgage is now the nation’s 6th largest originator and 5th largest servicer of residential mortgage loans. Distinction: Citigroup Inc. has five different financial giving sources and the majority of its giving is directed towards building communities and entrepreneurs, educating the next generation and financial education. Locally, it has been a major sponsor of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, Junior Achievement’s Free Enterprise Center, the Magic House, Forest Park and the Missouri Colleges Fund. Clayco Inc. (2 time winner) 2199 Innerbelt Business Center Drive St. Louis, MO 63114 (314) 429-5100 www.claycorp.com Robert G. Clark, Chairman and CEO Michael Murphy, CFO and Senior Vice President Description: Clayco is a privately owned, St. Louis-based fully integrated design-build firm offering architectural and engineering services, and real estate and site selection. Employees: 2000 – 410 2001 – 301 2002 – 262 2003 – 198 2004 – 750 Annual Revenues: 2000 – $430 million 2001 – $392.4 million 2002 – $388.5 million 2003 – $288.5 million 2004 – $388.5 million History: Founded in 1984, Clayco has grown from $1 million in revenue in the first year to approximately $388 million in 2004. This year, it will deliver over 12-million square feet of new construction. Distinction: Clayco has been profiled in Design-Build Magazine and ranked #24 on its annual list of the top design-build firms. Engineering News-Record ranks Clayco #107 among the top 400 general contractors and #85 on its top 100 contractors by new contracts list. Clayco is also widely regarded as an industry leader in implementing and enforcing safety programs and procedures ahead of government regulation. And Clayco continually participates in community programs such as Rebuilding Together-St. Louis, Habitat for Humanity, Cardinals Care, CID’s Ultimate Picnic, etc. Colliers Turley Martin Tucker 7701 Forsyth Boulevard, Suite 500 St. Louis, MO 63105 (314) 862-7100 www.ctmt.com Mark Burkhart, President and CEO Bill Florent, CFO Description: Colliers Turley Martin Tucker manages more than 123 million square feet of office, retail and industrial properties, is the nation’s premier provider of solutions for corporate real estate and helps clients maximize financial return on real estate. Employees: 2000 – 214 2001 — 262 2002 – 296 2003 — 319 2004 – 360 History: Founded in 1926 as Turley Corporation, the company has evolved, through successive expansions and mergers to become the largest third-party property management firm in the central United States. Distinction: The Company makes major contributions to the Arts and Education Council, the Saint Louis Symphony, Washington University, Saint Louis University, UMSL and the University of Missouri-Columbia. Its associates participate on the boards of major charities in the area. Its Winners Walk Tall program in association with Riverview Garden’s Moline School weekly brings associates directly into the classroom. Commerce Bank 8000 Forsyth Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63105 (314) 746-3672 www.commercebank.com Seth Leadbeater, Chairman and CEO, Commerce Bank St. Louis A. Bayard Clark, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Commerce Bancshares Description: Commerce Bank provides a full range of personal and business banking, lending and investment products. Employees: 2000 - 1,367 2001 - 1,397 2002 - 1,371 2003 - 1,369 2004 - 1,318 Annual Revenues: 2000 - $737.2 million 2001 - $743.7 million 2002 - $780.5 million 2003 - $804 million 2004 - $824.2 million History: Commerce Bank traces its roots back to 1865 when Francis Reid Long came to Kansas City with $10,000 capital and started a bank, the Kansas City Savings Association. By 1890, the bank, then named the National Bank of Commerce, was the largest bank west of Chicago. Distinction: Through Commerce Bancshares Foundation, Commerce contributes almost $800,000 annually to regional organizations. In addition, as sole trustee of the William T. Kemper Foundation and the Norman J. Stupp Foundation, Commerce Bank has facilitated the contribution of almost $4 million in additional charitable giving in the region. Commerce employees volunteer over 2,000 documented hours to community service projects in 2004. Divergence Inc. (4 time winner) 893 North Warson St. Louis, MO 63141 (314) 812-8052 www.divergence.com Derek K. Rapp, CEO Lisa Michael, Controller Description: Divergence focuses on finding solutions to parasitic infections with applications of its technology in plant protection, animal health and human health. Employees: 2000 – 7 2001 – 15 2002 – 16 2003 — 15 2004 – 21 Annual Revenues: 2000 — 0 2001 — $200,000 2002 — $300,000 2003 — $500,000 2004 — $1.5 million History: Divergence began operations at Washington University in 1999. It is now recognized as being a leader in the application of genomics, bioinformatics and molecular biology in the development of products that are nematicidal. Distinction: Divergence brings both public and private funding to St. Louis. It has strong ties to a number of local institutions (including Monsanto, Tripos Inc., the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and Washington University) and has been operating in the Nidus Center for Scientific Enterprise for more than four years. Enterprise Rent-A-Car 600 Corporate Park Drive St. Louis, MO 63105 (314) 512-5000 www.enterprise.com Andrew C. Taylor, Chairman and CEO William Snyder, Executive Vice President and CFO Description: Enterprise focuses on the local rental car market, specializing in rentals to consumers needing a car because of an accident, repair or theft, or a special occasion. In the last 10 years, Enterprise expanded its operations to include the airport market, and now operates over 200 on-site airport locations in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland and Germany. Employees: 2000 – 2,592 2001 – 2,930 2002 – 2,932 2003 – 3,061 2004 – 3,140 Annual Revenues: 2000 - $5.6 billion 2001 - $6.3 billion 2002 - $6.5 billion 2003 - $6.9 billion 2004 - $7.4 billion History: Founded in 1957 by Jack Taylor as a seven-car leasing operation, Enterprise, originally Executive Leasing, has maintained its St. Louis headquarters. Distinction: Taylor’s philosophy of taking care of customers and employees has made Enterprise the number one car rental company in North America. More than 99 percent of senior operating managers still employed started with Enterprise as management trainees. Enterprise’s unique business model has resulted in over 61,000 employees and 6,511 locations worldwide. Express Scripts Inc. (4 time winner) 13900 Riverport Drive St. Louis, MO 63043 (314) 770-1666 www.express-scripts.com George Paz, President and CEO Edwin Stiften, Senior Vice President and CFO Description: Express Scripts Inc is one of America’s largest pharmacy benefit managers, providing pharmacy benefits for millions of people nationwide through employers, managed-care plans, unions and governmental entities. Headquartered in St. Louis, Express Scripts has major administrative offices in multiple states, pharmacy and customer service operations in 10 states and Canada. Employees:  2000 – 1,395 2001 – 1,774 2002 – 1,902 2003 – 2,180 2004 – 2,615 Annual Revenues: 2000 - $6.1 billion 2001 - $8.6 billion 2002 - $12.3 billion 2003 - $13.3 billion 2004 - $15.1 billion  History: Founded in 1986 in St. Louis with five employees, Express Scripts went public in 1992 after which growth came quickly. Two years later, ESI ranked 4th on Forbes list of “Best Small Companies.” By 1995, ranked 45th on Fortune’s list of “Fastest Growing Companies.” Today, the company ranks number 137 on the Fortune 500 and is the recipient of Fortune’s first-ever “Streetie Award” for the best overall performance by any company. Distinction: As the second largest Fortune 500 Company in St. Louis, Express Scripts has impacted the region by not only employing 2,700 people, but making the use of prescription drugs safe and more affordable for many employers and their employees in the area. GKN Aerospace–St. Louis 142 J.S. McDonnell Boulevard Hazelwood, MO 63042 (314) 264-3017 www.aerospace.gknplc.com James J. Fitzsimmons, President and CEO, Aerostructures Dennis Gilbert, Vice President and CFO, Aerostructures Description: GKN Aerospace is the aerospace operation of GKN plc. It is a global independent first tier supplier of structures, components, assemblies and engineering services to aircraft and aero engine manufacturers. Employees:  2001 – 1,350 2002 – 1,400 2003 – 1,450 2004 –1,400 History: Founded in 1901, GKN Aerospace has contributed to some of the most significant aerospace milestones in the world’s most advanced aviation programs. The St. Louis facility was acquired in 2001 and is the single largest operating site within GKN Aerospace and the largest machine shop under one roof in the United States. Its revenue accounts for over one third of the $1 billion division. Distinction: With over 1.8 million square feet of factory space and a workforce of approximately 1,400, GKN Aerospace-St. Louis is the leading first tier supplier of aerostructures, providing integrated services through engineering, manufacturing and supply chain. It has invested over $75 million in the St. Louis facility and has won new business totaling $113 million across five customers over the past 18 months. Graybar Electric Company Inc. (2 time winner) 34 North Meramec Avenue St. Louis, MO 63105 (314) 573-9200 www.graybar.com Robert A. Reynolds Jr., Chairman, President and CEO D. Beatty D’Alessandro, Senior Vice President and CFO Description: Graybar is a major distributor of electrical, telecommunications and networking products and related supply chain management and logistic services. Employees: 2004 – 7,500 Annual Revenues: 2004 — $4.1 billion History: For over 100 years, Graybar has serviced the needs of contractors, industrial plants, communications companies and electrical utilities. Distinction: Graybar’s leadership in the distribution industry is nationally recognized. Through its employees, Graybar is a contributor to many local charitable organizations. Its executives volunteer their time in leadership roles for organizations in the community. Graybar received the Spirit of St. Louis Technology Award last year in recognition of its commitment to technology and the St. Louis region. Specifically, in 2002, Graybar invested over $100 million in an enterprise resource planning system for performance and value for its customer and suppliers. Innoventor Inc. (4 time winner) 10 Kimler Drive Maryland Heights, MO 63043 (314) 692-9998 www.innoventor.net Kent F. Schien, President and CEO Gregory Miller, CFO Description: Innoventor provides engineering solutions in areas of production, process and product development engineering in the military/ aerospace, food/beverage, pharmaceutical/ medical, commercial/industrial, construction/transportation, power and agriculture industries. Employees: 2000 – 35 2001 – 40 2002 – 50 2003 – 50 2004 – 55 Annual Revenues: 2000 — $2.2 million 2001 — $2.9 million 2002 — $5.2 million 2003 — $3.9 million 2004 — $5.3 million History: Innoventor was started in 1996 as a high-energy, focused effort in a residential basement. It has grown to employ 55 people including 40 engineers who average 20 years of experience in their respective fields. Distinction: Innoventor invests its own dollars in the development of green technologies. Through its Intern, Extern and Shadowing program, it demonstrates a commitment to young engineers. Likewise, it annually participates in Young Inventor’s Day at the St. Louis Science Center. It is also the top fund raiser for Easter Seals “Walk With Me” raising over $37,000 each year to help people with disabilities. The Korte Company The Annex; Suite 200 700 Union Station St. Louis, MO 63103 (314) 231-3700 www.korteco.com Todd Korte, President and CEO Bill Boudouris, CFO and Executive Vice President Description: Based in St. Louis, The Korte Company offers design-build, design-build-furnish and construction management services. Projects include distribution centers, office buildings, schools, worship centers, and corporate headquarters. Employees:  2000– 253 2001– 284 2002– 241 2003– 197 2004 – 228 Annual Revenues: 2000 – $137.3 million 2001 – $282.2 million 2002 – $209.2 million 2003 – $131.6 million 2004 – $135.1 million History: The Korte Company was founded in 1958 on the belief that professionalism, quality and value-added services are fundamental to a successful company. Throughout its 47-year-history, Korte Construction has pioneered construction management as an effective project delivery method. Distinction: The Korte Company has been a key player in attracting businesses to the area since its inception. With more than 1,500 successfully completed projects, Korte is highly experienced in managing all types of projects and remains a leader in design-build and construction management services. Kwame Building Group Inc. 1204 Washington Avenue St. Louis, MO 63013 (314) 862-5344 www.kwamebuildinggroup.com Tony Thompson, President and CEO Phil Hamel, CFO Description: KWAME Building Group is one of the nation’s leading “pure” construction management/ program management firms, dedicated to ensuring the owner’s best interest at every stage of a project. Employees:  2000 – 24 2001 – 31 2002 – 54 2003 – 61 2004 – 75 History: Headquartered in St. Louis since 1991, KWAME provides management services for major public and private sector construction projects, including aviation, education, healthcare, justice and correctional facilities, transportation and water systems. Distinction: KWAME has tripled its employee base in the last five years, providing professional career opportunities to minority and women workers. KWAME also has been involved in major local projects that have positively impacted the St. Louis economy including the Lambert St. Louis International Airport Expansion, Busch Stadium, St. Louis Community College, Black Repertory Theatre; and Vantage Credit Union branches. LaBarge Inc. (3 time winner) 9900 Clayton Road St. Louis, MO 63124 (314) 997-0800 www.labarge.com Craig E. LaBarge CEO and President Donald H. Nonnenkamp, Vice President and CFO Description: LaBarge is a contract electronics manufacturer acting as an outsourcing partner to large original equipment manufacturers. Employees: 2000 – 850 2001 – 975 2002 – 884 2003 — 839 2004 – 987 Annual Revenues: 2000 — $78.3 million 2001 — $116.7 million 2002 — $117.2 million 2003 —$102.9 million 2004 — $131.5 million History: Established in 1953 as LaBarge Pipe and Steel when steel was a bulwark of the American economy, the company now thrives on the worldwide demand for electronic technology. Distinction: LaBarge is an active member of the community leading efforts to create jobs and support local charities such as Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Institute for the Deaf, the YMCA Partnership in Youth, Junior Achievement, AIM High St. Louis, the United Way, the Saint Louis Zoo and AMC Cancer Research. The Lawrence Group 319 North 4th Street, Suite 1000 St. Louis, MO 63102 (314) 231-5700 www.thelawrencegroup.com Stephen A. Smith, President and CEO Laura Conrad, CFO Description: The Lawrence Group provides architecture and interior design for the healthcare, commercial and housing markets. Employees: 2000 – 93 2001 — 109 2002 – 106 2003 – 102 2004 – 104 Annual Revenues: 2000 — $11.2 million 2001 — $14.6 million 2002 — $13.5 million 2003 — $12.8 million 2004 — $15.7 million History: The Company began in a home in Lafayette Square in 1983 and moved to the 10th floor of the Security Building in 1992. Now, the owners of the building, the company has branched out into the retail business with the opening of its store, Niche. Distinction: The Lawrence Group purchased and committed to a $17 million renovation of the historic Security Building (soon to be downtown’s first “green” building) and is now a major player in the redevelopment of historic buildings in St. Louis. Its staff has donated time, money and materials to many worthy causes and charities and the company has established a $25,000 endowed fund for a scholarship to recruit local high school students to the Kansas University School of Architecture. Linco Research Inc. (7 time winner) Six Research Park Drive St. Charles, MO 63304 (636) 441-8400 www.lincoresearch.com Rick Ryan, Ph.D., President Gerald R. Walsh, CFO Description: Linco Research provides immuno-assays for drug and disease research. Employees: 2000 – 25 2001 — 34 2002 – 42 2003 — 50 2004 – 65 History: Linco Research was founded in 1978 at Washington University to provide Radioimmunoassays to researchers in the fields of diabetes and obesity. The Company has since expanded into non-radioactive assays and multiplexing, an efficient way to assay a single sample for different molecules. Distinction: Linco Research collaborates with universities and researchers at several institutions. It actively works with the community colleges on their life sciences programs and has a program to hire teenagers to expose them to the life sciences. Maritz Inc. (2 time winner) 1375 North Highway Drive Fenton, MO 63099 (636) 827-4000 www.maritz.com W. Stephen Maritz, Chairman of the Board and CEO James W. Kienker, CFO and Executive Vice President Description: Maritz is a privately owned, St. Louis-based company and the world’s largest source of integrated performance improvement, incentive travel, and consumer market research services. Employees: 2000 – 2,620 2001 – 2,793 2002 – 2,516 2003 – 2,485 2004 – 2,370 Annual Revenues: 2000 – $1.3 billion 2001 – $1.3 billion 2002 – $1.4 billion 2003 – $1.3 billion 2004 – $1.2 billion History: Founded in 1894, Maritz began as a jewelry manufacturing company, but redefined itself after the Great Depression, when the demand for jewelry and luxury goods waned. Founder James Maritz began selling watches and jewelry to large national corporations to use as service awards. This began Maritz’s venture into the performance management services that it provides today. Distinction: Maritz employs more than 2,300 people and continues to recruit high-caliber employees locally. The company invests philanthropic donations in the community that target education, human health and the environment. As a performance management services company, Maritz continually impacts St. Louis by improving local businesses. Some of its largest national and international clients are located in St. Louis. McEagle Properties LLC 1001 Boardwalk Springs Place O’Fallon, MO 63366 (636) 561-9300 www.mc-eagle.com Paul J. McKee Jr., Chairman and CEO Leland R. Swartz, CFO Description: McEagle Properties is a locally owned, St. Louis-based full-service real estate development, property management and brokerage firm. Employees: 2000 – 7 2001 – 10 2002 – 11 2003 – 11 2004 – 14 History: Founded in 1990, McEagle Properties is an integral part of the McKee Family of Companies, which include McEagle Development, McEagle Realty, McEagle Property Services and Paric Corporation, the third largest general contractor doing work in St. Louis. Distinction: McEagle Properties is committed to the community, building communities where people live, learn, work, pray and play. It’s most significant impact is NorthPark a new 600-acre business community that offers a unique mix of urban accessibility and suburban amenities. NorthPark will create approximately 12,000 jobs and have an estimated $7 billion impact on the regional economy. Monsanto Company 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63167 (314) 694-1000 www.monsanto.com Hugh Grant, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO Terrell K. Crews, Executive Vice President and CFO Description: Monsanto manufactures agricultural products such as seed brands, herbicides and biotechnology traits that are sold internationally. Employees: 2000 – 3,814 2001 – 2,832 2002 – 2,967 2003 – 2,825 2004 – 2,531 Annual Net Sales: 2000 - $5.5 billion 2001 - $5.4 billion 2002 - $4.7 billion 2003 - $4.9 billion 2004 - $5.5 billion History: The original Monsanto was founded in 1901 as Monsanto Chemical Works and produced agricultural chemicals. In 2000, the company shifted its focus and now produces agricultural products that bring together chemicals, seeds and biotechnology traits to improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto has been headquartered in St. Louis since its inception. Distinction: Monsanto has devoted significant financial and business resources to support the local plant and life sciences sector. The Monsanto Fund donated $50 million and a 40-acre tract of land to create the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. The company also financially supports two business incubators, Nidus Center for Scientific Enterprise and The Center for Emerging Technologies. MonsterCommerce LLC #1 Bronze Pointe Belleville, IL 62226 (618) 239-9246 www.monstercommerce.com Stephanie Leffler, CEO Trip Goodloe, Financial Analyst Description: MonsterCommerce is an E-Commerce company providing shopping cart software to over 5,000 clients worldwide. Employees: 2000 – 0 2001 — 2 2002 – 8 2003 — 40 2004 – 80 Annual Revenues: 2000 – 0 2001 — 0 2002 – $600,000 2003 — $2.7 million 2004 — $5.4 million History: A predecessor company, Website Monster, was founded in 1998. In 2000, Stephanie Leffler and Ryan Noble started an online store. The next year, they acquired a 50 percent interest in Website Monster. By 2005, the renamed MonsterCommerce was named the fastest growing company in St. Louis. Distinction: MonsterCommerce creates businesses for its clients and jobs for the St. Louis area. NSI (National System Inc.) 2300 Locust Street St. Louis, MO 63103 (314) 783-2300 www.nsi1919.com Mark P. Mantovani, President and CEO Dennis Griebel, Vice President and CFO Description: NSI provides advertising, marketing and business-to-business communication services to international clients from headquarters in St. Louis. Employees: 2000 – 75 2001 – 84 2002 – 102 2003 – 137 2004 - 155 Annual Revenues: 2000 - $6.8 million 2001 - $9.2 million 2002 - $10.3 million 2003 - $13.7 million 2004 - $20.4 million History: NSI was founded in 1919 as a commercial art company and has since grown into a marketing services industry leader that delivers brand integrity, research, promotions and communication solutions for world-class brands. Earlier this year, the company relocated its headquarters from the greater St. Louis area to the City. Distinction: Over the past five years, NSI’s revenues have grown from $6 million to $25 million and its number of employees has grown from 75 to nearly 200. In May, the St. Louis Business Journal named NSI one of St. Louis’ fastest growing privately owned companies. NSI’s clients have included Ford Motor Company, Domino’s Pizza, Mercedes-Benz, Anheuser-Busch, Toyota, Honda and Jaguar. The Newberry Group Inc. (5 time winner) 2510 Old Highway 94 South, Suite 200 St. Charles, MO 63303 (636) 928-9944 www.thenewberrygroup.com Brenda D. Newberry, President and CEO Mark Rodges, Comptroller Description: The Newberry Group is a privately owned technology firm that provides information technology and systems consulting services. Employees: 2000 – 34 2001 – 36 2002 – 77 2003 – 104 2004 – 125 History: Founded in 1996 with $1,000 in owner equity, The Newberry Group began with two employees and now has more than 125. The firm serves state and federal government agencies as well as clients in the financial, chemical, medical and manufacturing business sectors across the United States and in Bahrain. Distinction: The Newberry Group is a minority-, woman-, and veteran-owned firm that was named the 2005 Missouri SBA Small Business of the Year. In the past year, the firm’s revenues have increased by over 400 percent. Recent honors include being named to the Deloitte & Touche Fast 500 and the 2004 INC 500 National Fastest Growing Private Companies list. Peabody Energy (2 time winner) 701 Market Street St. Louis, MO 63101 (314) 342-3400 www.PeabodyEnergy.com Irl F. Engelhardt, Chairman and CEO Richard A. Navarre, Executive Vice President and CFO Description: St. Louis-based Peabody Energy is a coal mining company that serves customers in 16 countries on six continents. Employees: 2000 – 280 2001 – 270 2002 – 300 2003 – 320 2004 - 482 Annual Revenues: 2000 - $2.3 billion 2001 - $2.6 billion 2002 - $2.7 billion 2003 - $2.8 billion 2004 - $3.6 billion History: In 1883, Francis S. Peabody founded Peabody, Daniel and Company in Chicago as a retail coal supplier. Five years later, the company entered the mining business as Peabody & Company and opened its first coal mine in Illinois in 1895. After a series of ownership transitions, the company emerged as Peabody Energy in 2001 and went public that same year. Distinction: Peabody Energy, the world’s largest private sector coal company, fuels more than 10 percent of U.S. electricity generation and more than three percent of the world’s electricity. The company sold 227 million tons of coal last year and held reserves of 9.6 billion tons. Peabody was the first coal company named to the Fortune 500 and is one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies. Pfizer Global Research and Development, St. Louis Laboratories 700 Chesterfield Parkway West Chesterfield, MO 63017 (636) 247-7399 www.pfizer.com Daniel P. Getman, Ph.D., Vice President/Site Director-St. Louis Labs Barry Guild, Finance Director Description: Pfizer Global Research and Development’s laboratory complex in St. Louis is one of the pharmaceutical giant’s six major drug candidate production sites. Employees: 2000 – NA 2001 – NA 2002 – NA 2003 – 1,083 2004 – 1,178 Annual Revenues (Pfizer Inc.): 2000 – NA 2001 - $29 billion 2002 - $32 billion 2003 - $44 billion 2004 - $52.5 billion History: Pfizer St. Louis’ facility in Chesterfield was originally built in 1984 as a Monsanto life sciences research facility. In April 2000, Pharmacia & Upjohn merged with Monsanto and G.D. Searle to create Pharmacia. In 2002, Pharmacia spun off its agriculture subsidiary, Monsanto Company, and Pfizer acquired Pharmacia in 2003. Distinction: Pfizer is the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical company with a research and development budget of $7.1 billion in 2003. The company contributes more than $1.2 million each year to philanthropic efforts and the United Way campaign. Pfizer Inc. has identified St. Louis as its global center of emphasis for the production of early clinical supplies of biologics. Popular Leasing 15933 Clayton Road, Suite 200 Ballwin, MO 63011 (636) 391-0777 www.poplease.com Bruce Horton, President Greg Duello, Controller Description: A subsidiary of Banco Popular, Popular Leasing provides equipment leasing for medical, veterinary, government and commercial clients in North America. Employees: 2000 – 50 2001 – 74 2002 – 69 2003 – 81 2004 - 84 Annual Revenues: 2000 - $10.5 million 2001 - $13.9 million 2002 - $15.8 million 2003 - $18.5 million 2004 - $22.7 million History: In 1996, Bruce Horton started Popular Leasing as a division of Chicago-based Banco Popular, a subsidiary of holding company Popular Inc. Horton brought 30 years of leasing experience from John Deere and HBE Inc. to the new company. Since then, Popular Leasing has grown from three employees to more than 90 employees at 18 national branch offices. Distinction: In 2003, Popular Leasing more than doubled its holdings. By 2010, the company plans to more than triple its assets to $1 billion and double its workforce. Popular Leasing is ranked No. 84 on Fortune magazine’s 2005 Best Companies to Work For list, and parent company Banco Popular North America is a Fortune 500 company. The ROHO Group 100 North Florida Avenue Belleville, IL 62221 (618) 277-9173 www.therohogroup.com Thomas M. Oleksy, President and CEO Jeffrey W. Baker, CFO and Vice President of Administration Description: The ROHO Group is a privately owned manufacturer of specialty wheelchair cushions, back systems and comfort seating products. Employees: 2000 – 235 2001 – 235 2002 – 235 2003 – 240 2004 - 242 History: In 1973, the company was incorporated by Robert H. Graebe, an electrical engineer who developed the technology for the company’s medical cushions and mattresses after working on a project for a hospital. The ROHO Group was originally organized into three separate companies—ROHO Inc., ROHO International and CROWN THERAPEUTICS—until a restructuring combined them in March 2001. Distinction: The ROHO Group enjoys double-digit growth and currently holds 45 global patents for applications of its technology. All products are manufactured in Belleville, Ill., and then sold in the United States and 66 other countries. The company supports many events for people with disabilities through financial donations and employee volunteer assistance. Rose International (8 time winner) 16401 Swingley Ridge Road, Suite 300 Chesterfield, MO 63017 (636) 812-4000 www.roseint.com Himanshu Bhatia, CEO Larry Crane, Vice President of Finance Description: Rose International is a leader in providing IT and business services to corporations and government agencies nationwide. Rose is a privately owned corporation headquartered in Chesterfield, Mo. Employees: 2000 - 80 2001 – 76 2002 - 129 2003 – 170 2004 – 400 Annual Revenues: 2000 – $28 million 2001 – $27 million 2002 – $29 million 2003 – $42 million 2004 – $67 million History: Rose International was founded by Himanshu and Gulab Bhatia in 1993. By 1995 it was on its way to becoming a world-class IT provider. Today with numerous branches across the U.S. and one development facility in India, Rose is a leader in providing end-to-end information technology and business services and solutions to both commercial organizations and government agencies. Distinction: With nearly 1,000 associates and steady revenue growth, Rose is recognized as one of the country’s fastest-growing and most successful companies. In 2004 its revenue reached $67 million, a more than 63 percent increase over 2003. Saint Louis University 221 North Grand St. Louis, MO 63123 (314) 977-2222 www.slu.edu Lawrence Biondi, S.J., President Robert Woodruff, Vice President and CFO Description: Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. Employees: 2000 – 3,569 2001 – 3,523 2002 – 3,643 2003 – 3,781 2004 – 3,707 Annual Revenues: 2000 – $4.5 million 2001 – $4.5 million 2002 – $4.8 million 2003 – $5.3 million 2004 - $5.4 million History: Saint Louis University was founded in 1818 when St. Louis was merely a pioneer settlement of 3,000 people. It is the oldest university west of the Mississippi River and the second-oldest Jesuit university in the nation. The school started with only two principal buildings, but now consists of more than 120 buildings on more than 200 acres in midtown St. Louis. Distinction: Saint Louis University is one of the region’s largest employers with more than 7,000 full- and part-time faculty and staff members. This year, the university broke ground on a $67 million research building that will serve as an anchor for a midtown life science business district. Last year, it received more than $80 million in grants and contracts for research. Scottrade (2 time winner) 12800 Corporate Hill Drive St. Louis, MO 63131 (314) 965-1555 www.scottrade.com Rodger Riney, President and CEO Ron Wiese, CFO Description: Scottrade is a privately owned, St. Louis-based discount online brokerage firm. Employees: 2000 – 202 2001 – 211 2002 – 260 2003 – 300 2004 – 400 History: Established in Scottsdale, Arizona in 1980, Scottrade relocated to St. Louis in 1982 and branched out across the country promoting deeply discounted commissions for trades placed via telephone through a broker. In the fall of 1996, the firm introduced online