DAVID STEWARD WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY INC. UNITED WAY BOARD CHAIR 2006-2007 By Laurie Burstein David Steward says heading up the company he founded, World Wide Technology, and serving as the United Way Board Chair for 2006-07, have a lot in common. “I try and bring the same energy, expectations and ideas for success to United Way that I have with World Wide Technology.” Steward continues, “I expect our employees to give back and support our community. So really, the two are very parallel in how I act and react to what each opportunity offers. Also, I try and make it as much fun as possible, and we have a good time while doing good work.“ World Wide Technology has more than 900 employees and nearly $2 billion in sales. And was ranked as the nation’s top-grossing black-owned industrial/service company for the third consecutive year, according to Black Enterprise magazine’s 33rd Annual B.E.100s Report, 2006. The company provides state-of-the-art technology and supply chain solutions for its customers, suppliers and partners. Steward first got involved with United Way when he and his wife, Thelma, became the Charmaine Chapman Society Co-Chairs in 2000 and 2001. He also served as Campaign Chair in 2005 and on the board of directors and executive committee. In his current role as United Way Board Chair, Steward’s duties include providing leadership to the 191 member volunteer board of the United Way, assisting in strategic plans and directions for the local United Way and bringing his experience, expertise and resources in the community to United Way. Steve Maritz, CEO of Maritz Inc. is the 2006 Campaign Chair and is bringing a lot of creative ideas to this year’s effort as well. This year’s goal of $66 million will go to support 200 vital health and human service organizations in the bi-state region. The campaign began on September 6 and concludes the end of October. One million people in the St. Louis area are helped each year by the agencies that receive United Way funding including organizations such as the Boy and Girl Scouts, the Red Cross and Youth in Need. Last year, more than 2,500 businesses in the region donated to United Way. “Every campaign is new and different because we always start at zero every year,” Steward says. “Our business community is also continuing to change, so that always causes some adjustment as well. This year’s campaign goal is $66 million, and we are very focused on asking everyone to make a contribution this year.“ In reflecting on his time with United Way, Steward says there have been many challenges and rewards. “The most difficult part is finding the balance between wanting to help our community through the United Way and still being available for the business needs of World Wide Technology. The most rewarding was leading the effort last year that culminated in reaching our goal of $65.5 million in a very challenging year that had the entire nation dealing with one of the largest natural disasters our nation has ever experienced.” Steward continues, “Leading this effort was one of the best experiences that I have been privileged to be a part of. Our region is so generous and refuses to let people in need go without help. It happens time and time again, and I am always amazed at the people who make up our community.“ On asking people to contribute to the campaign, Steward says, “Some people have indicated that asking for money is hard. I have not found that to be the case with United Way or my business, because I believe so strongly in what each of them has to offer and provide to the community and our customers. In that respect, asking is not difficult at all.“ Stewards adds, “I think the most difficult thing is trying to figure out how much to ask for when you get that chance. I believe people are more encouraged to give when they can feel and see the excitement and passion that you have for whatever reason you are asking them to participate in. Once you have that, then encouraging people to contribute is much easier for me and them.“

October 2006 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Cover Story with Joseph Imbs, U.S. Bank David Steward Mark S. Wrighton Saint Louis Art Museum - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - www.stlrcga.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - www.technologygateway.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Technisonic BJC SportsWorks Larry Salci David Campbell, Little Hills Winery & Restaurant