SETTING THE GOLD STANDARD U.S. Bank maintains Mercantile roots to keep leading market share. MAKING THE CALL St. Louis-based call centers find customer service is just a phone call away. DIRECT MAIL SURVIVES AND THRIVES Smart companies use a marketing mix to maximize response. BUSINESS WITHOUT BORDERS Local business leaders overcome worldwide challenges. GET CONNECTED February 2003 planning calendar WELCOME TO NEW RCGA, LEADERSHIP CIRCLE AND TECHNOLOGY GATEWAY MEMBERS BIOTECH LAW Local law firms answer BioBelt’s call for deeper capacity. TOP-TIER CONNECTIVITY New regional exchange point engineering feasibility study could lead to pioneering of a next generation region-wide communications infrastructure. END OF THE ROAD Proposition B defeat is roadblock to many area transportation projects. GREAT SCOTT! Scott Air Force Base is a regional cornerstone and third largest employer, but its future could be in jeopardy. ANDY PUDZER $6 burgers and a $1 billion business. COMMERCE COMMENTS COMMERCE IN BRIEF MAKING HEADLINES INVESTING IN THE REGION CONSTRUCTION ACROSS THE BOARD NEWSMAKERS TRENDS

February 2003 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Cover Story, JOE HASTEN, vice chairman of corporate banking, U.S. Bancorp Making the Call - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - www.stlrcga.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - www.technologygateway.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Great Scott! ANDY PUZDER president & CEO, CKE Restaurants, Inc./ Hardee’s Food Systems, Inc. Congratulations to St. Louis Commerce Magazine Readership Survey Winners: Grand Prize: $3500 gift certificate from Hamilton Jewelers Joe Ambrose, First Bank   Second Price: 4 tickets to the Blues Hockey Korky Holton, Icon MediaLabs Third Prize: 2 tickets to 42nd Street at the Fox Allen Ivie, The Private Bank