FOCUS St. Louis Honors Build Back Better Regional Grant

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FOCUS ST. Louis hosted their 26th Annual What’s Right with the Region Awards on May 11, 2023. Each year, the event honors individuals, organizations and initiatives that are making a positive impact within the St. Louis region.

This year, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (STL Partnership) and Greater St. Louis Inc. accepted an award in the category “Enhancing Regional Prosperity” for their collaboration on the Build Back Better Regional Grant. The grant, worth $25 million, will create the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center St. Louis (AMICSTL), which will serve as a hub for research, innovation and start-ups.

Rodney Crim, CEO and President of STL Partnership and Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis Inc. accepted the award on behalf of all of the grant partners including BioSTL, WEPOWER, Harris-Stowe State University, St. Louis Community College, Southwestern Illinois College, Cortex Innovation Community and Rung for Women.

 

Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees:

Demonstrating Innovative Solutions

Honorees have demonstrated innovation and vision in making the St. Louis region a better place to live, work or visit.
Angels’ Arms
Arriel Biggs, Founder, Young Biz Kidz
Keyway: Center for Diversion and Reentry
National Blues Museum

Enhancing Regional Prosperity

Honorees are dedicated to the growth of the region and building a stronger workforce and economy for the benefit of all.
Ava’s Grace Scholarship, a program of the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis
Build Back Better Regional Collaboration on Advanced Manufacturing, led by Greater St. Louis, Inc. and St. Louis Economic Development Partnership
Building Union Diversity, a program of the Missouri Works Initiative
Save Our Sons, a workforce development program of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis

Improving Equity and Inclusion

Honorees have shown a commitment to promoting diversity, access, inclusion and opportunity for all.
Black Girls Do STEM
Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School
Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA)
Flance Early Learning Center

Promoting Community Health and Well-being

Honorees are working to improve the collective health and wellness of our region’s residents, as well as addressing the social determinants of health.
Girls on the Run St. Louis
Kendall and Wyvetta Granger
I Define Me Movement
Nicole Nelson, Founder, Equity Legal Services

Emerging Initiatives

Honorees are promising new businesses, organizations or initiatives that are already serving as catalysts for change.
GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness
Real Estate Tax Assistance Fund
Tap In Center
The Believe Projects