NCI NEWS

As part of the organization's 31st Annual Breakfast, North County Incorporated (NCI) recognized several area leaders for making a significant positive impact in North County. Friday, May 9, at the St. Louis Airport Marriott, hundreds of business, civic, and community leaders gathered at NCI's 31st Annual Breakfast to honor this year's award recipients.

Terry Proffitt received the prestigious Elmer Belsha Leadership Award, which is presented annually to an individual whose long-term commitment to the North County region and NCI has had a positive impact. Proffit, a 40-year resident of North County, began his career as a teacher in 1968, and then became a principal for the Ferguson-Florissant School District. He was a consultant for numerous educational organization. Proffitt is a well-respected volunteer for educational development, the Little Creek Wildlife area, and Meals on Wheels. He served on Board of Directors for the North County School/Business Partnership, the North County Chamber (for 15 years), and on NCI's board since 1998, seven of which he was on the executive board.

In response to why he gets involved, Proffitt says, "I believe we all have a duty to our communities. I am particularly proud to serve North County because I believe we are committed not just too economic viability, but to social viability and diversity, as well. ...The only power that matters is the power to serve and I have been very privileged to serve North County for many years."

NCI's Business Development Awards were presented to those whose efforts positively affect the economic development and business climate of the North County area. Those honored were: City of Ferguson business owner Farzad Faramarzi, the Route 367 Project under the leadership of Bill Schnell, Assistant District Engineer with the Missouri Department of Transportation and HDR Engineering, Inc., and the St. Louis County Economic Council under the leadership of Denny Coleman.

Farzad Faramarzi accepts 2008 NCI Business Development Award (Photo by Kent Miller)

Farzad Faramarzi is helping bring renewal to the City of Ferguson. His family has been in the restaurant business for 23 years. Farzad invested in an old Hardees, completely transforming it into the Thyme Table restaurant, which has become a destination venue that has gained recognition in the gourmet section of several publications. Sauce Magazine called the service "…exceptionally friendly and accommodating". Faramarzi has been called a pioneer in the City's revitalization; seeing a need for the community to have an event facility, he purchased and renovated the former Crown Theatre into the Savoy Banquet Center. He has served on the Ferguson Special Business District's board of directors, been a key player in helping with the development of Ferguson's CityWalk, and supported many citywide events.

NCI President Mark Tranel presents MoDOT's Bill Schnell and HDR's Barry Rolle with Business Development Award for the Route 367 Project (Photo by Kent Miller)

The Route 367 Project under the leadership of Bill Schnell, Assistant District Engineer with the Missouri Department of Transportation and HDR Engineering, Inc. Barry Rolle, Vice President of HDR accepted the award on behalf of HDR Engineering. This project was chosen for the importance of transportation investment in our community and for the public engagement process used by MoDOT and HDR for the project. This past December, the Missouri Department of Transportation officially opened the newly reconstructed Route 367, north of I-270. The project was completed six months ahead of schedule, and $28 millions under budget; these improvements increased safety and access for daily travelers, as well as bringing more business to this major North County corridor. Early completion and coming in under budget was impressive, but even more so, was the public engagement process that MoDOT and HDR Engineering incorporated into the project. It included the formation of a Community Advisory Group (CAG), made up of local stakeholders involved in the project from planning through design to assist in decision-making and to help disseminate information to the public. This new process proved so successful it is now serving as a model for other projects across the state.

NCI President Mark Tranel presents SLCEC's Denny Coleman with Business Development Award (Photo by Kent Miller)

Over the past several years, St. Louis County Economic Council under the leadership of Denny Coleman has increased efforts to maintain and create a vital community for businesses and citizens of North County, devoting much of the Council's energy to development and collaboration in this area. Several projects that the Economic Council played a role in include: the retention of the National Archives and Records Administration Center and its' 600 jobs, assisting the City of Jennings with the redevelopment of the underutilized Northland site into a retail development that has generated 500 jobs, as well as, an intergovernmental agreement that has made NorthPark one of the largest developments in the State of Missouri, possible. The Economic Council has also helped secure approval for two Enhanced Enterprise Zones in North County. Denny and his team have been instrumental in several community betterment initiatives in the Wellston-Pagedale Corridor, including opening the Wellston Enterprise Center. St. Louis County Economic Council and Denny are also members of North County Inc.

NCI's Community Development Awards were presented to those whose efforts positively benefit youth, residents, civic organizations, or others through selfless acts. City of Jennings under the leadership of Mayor Ben Sutphin, Betty Coll, volunteer with Parents Association of Bellefontaine Habilitation Center, and Pat Watson, civic booster and community volunteer, were this year's Community Development Award recipients.

NCI President Mark Tranel presents Jennings Mayor, Ben Sutpin with Community Development Award (Photo by Kent Miller)

The City of Jennings' city council and staff have done a remarkable job redeveloping their community the past few years. A lot of hard work and vision have gone into the new growth and expansion currently taking place in this community. In a Wall Street Journal article about suburban renewal, the City was commended for the redevelopment of their parks, streets, homes, and commercial properties. Jennings has seen the demolition of two regional shopping centers, dilapidated homes, abandoned tennis courts, and a shuttered drive-in theater, replacing them with new retail, residential, and recreational facilities. This inner ring suburb's leadership has fought back against the odds renewing their community, smartly using city, state, and federal incentive programs to their benefit. One of their largest redevelopments is the Buzz Westfall Plaza on the Boulevard, which features a new US Bank, Schnucks, and Target. In Oct. 2007, the project gained the City of Jennings the St. Louis County Economic Council's Community Partnership Award. The River Roads redevelopment, a $63 million investment now underway, will include senior living and retail components. The community also greatly benefited from the complete redesign of Koeneman Park, which includes new playgrounds, Red, a new Cardinal Cares Baseball Field, all new landscaping with a gazebo and one of the largest man-made waterfalls in St. Louis, as well as walking paths and a fishing pond.

NCI President Mark Tranel presents Betty Coll with Special Recognition Award (Photo by Kent Miller)

For more than 43 years, Betty Coll has been an involved with the Bellefontaine Habilitation Center (BHC) in the City of Bellefontaine Neighbors, since the formation of the Parent's Association in 1965, holding the role as president and vice-president. She has taken a leadership role in the fight to enhance the life of the mentally retarded at BHC and the institutions for the mentally challenged around the State, fighting to keep the center open, volunteering, and fundraising. With her help, the Parent's Association raises nearly $50,000 each year through the Hidden Treasures Thrift Shop, which is operated completely by volunteers and helps supply items needed by BHC residents. Betty also received Senate, House, and St. Louis County resolutions in recognition for her work from Senator Tim Green, Representative Gina Walsh, and Councilman Mike O'Mara.

Community Development Award recipient, Pat Watson, and NCI President Mark Tranel (Photo by Kent Miller)

Since 1955, Pat Watson has lived in Woodson Terrace, starting Airline Parks, which continues to operate after 50 years. She is a charter member of the Woodson Terrace Business Association and actively supports activities that benefit her city, such as the Woodson Terrace Days. The profits from this event help out-of-work residents with utility bills, food and disadvantaged children and their families during the holiday season. Watson belongs to the Northwest Chamber of Commerce, the Lambert Airport Rotary Club, the Overland Business Association, and North County Inc.

Public Service Awards were presented to outstanding individuals, elected, appointed, or employed by a public body whose long-time service has had a positive impact on the community and/or public body they serve. Councilman Thomas Schneider, City of Florissant, Thomas Zak, City Administrator for the City of Dellwood, and Nancy Otte, Business Representative with the Missouri Career Centers-North County, were given Public Service Awards.

Nancy Otte has been with the State of Missouri for almost 25 years. Since 1990, she has served the public as a business representative with the Missouri Career Center. She provides employment and training related services to businesses at low or no cost; helping businesses become and stay successful. Otte goes out of her way to help the chambers in North County and NCI serve their business members better and build stronger partnerships. Last month, she organized a Business Resource Forum, hosted by the Northwest Chamber of Commerce in partnership with NCI, the Florissant Valley and the Maryland Heights Chambers, and the Missouri Career Centers, which provided information for businesses on free and low-cost services from the State. Nancy serves on NCI, and the Northwest Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and their economic development committees.

NCI President Mark Tranel presents Public Service Award to Tom Schneider (Photo by Kent Miller)

Tom Schneider was elected in 1979 to the City of Florissant's council and has continued to serve Florissant ever since. Formerly a city engineer, his focus, when first elected, was on preserving and improving the infrastructure of the city. In the 1980s and 90s, he insisted that Florissant participate with MSD to share the cost of storm water improvements, supported a complete bridge and culvert replacement program, and played a role in campaigning for an ambulance tax for the Florissant Valley Fire District. In 1989, Schneider hosted the first of 19 annual Project Lift-Off Holiday Youth D.A.R.E. parties for 5th-8th grade children. He serves on the Executive Board of the St. Louis County Municipal League and the Board of Directors for NCI, he is also an active member of the Florissant Rotary and the Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce.

NCI President Mark Tranel presents Tom Zak with Public Service Award. (Photo by Kent Miller)

Tom Zak is our third 2008 public service award recipient. Zak has been an employee with the City of Dellwood for 25 years, the past 15 as their city administrator. He has identified the city's "neediest" residents so that immediate action can be taken to assist them in case of a major emergency. Zak has worked diligently on the redevelopment and revitalization efforts in Dellwood's commercial corridor. Success has come in the way of a new Save -A- Lot, Family Dollar and several restaurants. He obtained grants for the redevelopment of the Dellwood Soccer Arena and new pool and is currently working jointly with other municipalities on a grant for streetscaping improvements. The City of Dellwood is a long-time member of NCI.

EPC E-Scrap's Dave Beal accepts Special Recognition Award from NCI President Mark Tranel. (Photo by Kent Miller)

The Touhill Performing Arts Center's Volunteer Guild, the NCI Inclusion Taskforce under the leadership of Brenda Bobo-Fisher, and EPC E-Scrap received NCI's 2008 Special Recognition Awards for volunteerism, contributions to civic and charitable organizations, or for their betterment of the community.

Dave Beal, the Vice-President of EPC E-Scrap accepted the NCI Special Recognition award on behalf of E-Scrap. EPC E-Scrap Processing Center is an electronics-recycling center located in Earth City. E-Scrap has been a true leader in the State of Missouri, working with state and local governments to expand awareness of the importance of proper recycling of used electronics. Dave Beal has been instrumental in helping develop a workable electronics management hierarchy for electronics recyclers, called MOEST. E-Scrap provides responsible end of life handling of IT assets, while recycling all components and keeping them from being detrimental to landfills and the environment.

At the direction of NCI's Board of Directors, the organization's Inclusion Taskforce, chaired by Brenda Bobo-Fisher, spent the past two years developing an inclusion statement and principals for the organization, as well as, surveying our members on their inclusion interests and efforts. The statement and principals are now available online at www.NorthStLouisCounty.com and can be used as a guide for other area organizations and businesses. This taskforce took on a difficult task and did a great job completing the scope of work they were given in a strategic and responsible manner.

John Cattanach, Interim Director of the Touhill Performing Arts Center accepted an NCI Special Recognition award on behalf The Touhill Performing Arts Center Volunteer Guild.

NCI President Mark Tranel presents Touhill Volunteer Guild with Special Recognition Award. John Cattanach accepting for the Guild. (Photo by Kent Miller)

The Volunteer Guild was established in fall of 2003 and has 105 active volunteers who regularly staff the public performances that take place at the Touhill. They serve as ushers and greeters, welcoming event attendees to experience, appreciate and embrace the power of the performing arts. They have staffed over 1,000 events, giving willingly of their time and talents, to help the Touhill be a leading cultural partner in our North County community.

North County Incorporated is a regional development organization, which acts as a catalyst to define and advocate economic and community development for North St. Louis County. NCI was established in 1977. The Board is composed of community leaders and business owners. Dr. Mark Tranel is the current president.