2024 Mayor’s Celebration of Businesses

Ready to Build St. Louis was the theme for the event

On October 4, 2024, St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) hosted the annual Mayor’s Celebration of Businesses Luncheon at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel. St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (STL Partnership) was proud to be a sponsor of the event and was happy to be there to celebrate the accomplishments of Mayor Jones and SLDC.

This year’s theme, “Ready to Build,” highlighted the contributions of eight local businesses and organizations that demonstrated a strong commitment to the City of St. Louis. The honorees were recognized for their efforts in alignment with the Economic Justice Action Plan, which focuses on empowering, developing and transforming the city through equitable economic growth.

Neal Richardson, chairman, president and CEO of SLDC, delivered remarks, setting the stage for a keynote address by Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. The day concluded with the presentation of awards to the eight exemplary local businesses, celebrating their contributions to the community.

In his address, Neal Richardson highlighted key initiatives, such as Scale Up STL, Mobilize STL and Home STL, emphasizing their importance in empowering the community to revitalize the city. He also spoke on the Northside Economic Empowerment Center, a vital resource that has already reached over 4,000 residents in North St. Louis and the surrounding areas.

“These are tools we must equip our community to rebuild our city,” Richardson stated.

Mayor Jones elaborated on some exciting projects that SLDC and Greater St. Louis, Inc. have undertaken over the past year, including revitalization efforts involving the Millennium Hotel and the Railroad Exchange Building. She also discussed the initiative Stable Communities STL, aimed at addressing the issue of vacant and neglected properties.

“Neglect is no longer welcome in the City of St. Louis,” Jones said.