NCI NEWS

2011 Award recipients: 2011 NCI Award Recipients at Annual Breakfast Meeting (left to right-front row) Kim Bakker, SSM Health Care-St. Louis (past Chairperson of the Board of Directors for NCI), Mike Lonero, Ferguson Special Business Dist., Robert Lowery, Florissant, Jack Agnew, Dellwood, Marty Rudloff, Bellefontaine Neighbors, Bonnie Barczykowski, Curves, Vickie C. Wade, BJK People’s Health Center, (back row left to right), Chief William Karabas, Florissant Police Dept., Chris Krehmeyer, Beyond Housing, Bob Cerame, Paul Cerame Ford, Lincoln, Kia, Doug Brewer and Vickie Horst with SSM Rehabilitation Hospital, Carolyne Simpson, St. Johns Bank & Trust, Jeff Spiegel, Ferguson-Florissant School District, Diana Weidinger, Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, Gina Walsh accepting on behalf of Senator Timothy Green, Chief Carl Wolf, Hazelwood Police Dept.

As part of the organization’s 34th Annual Breakfast, North County Incorporated (NCI) recognized several area leaders for making a significant positive impact in North County. On Friday, May 13, 2011 more than 550 business, civic, and community leaders gathered to honor this year’s award recipients.

2011 NCI Chair, Patty Gould, with past NCI Chair, Kim Bakker

Kim Bakker, Network Director  of Community Affairs for SSM Health Care, was recognized for her service as NCI’s 2010 Chairwoman of the Board. NCI’s 2011 Chairwoman of the Board, Patty Gould, School/Business Partnership Director for Pattonville School District praised Bakker for her years of service and for helping strengthen the organization during such economically challenging times. Gould commended Bakker on the example she set for others as a community leader and volunteer.

Elmer Belsha Award recipient, Diana Weidinger, and 2011 Chairperson, Patty Gould

Diana Weidinger received the  prestigious Elmer Belsha Leadership Award. This award is presented annually to an individual who has made a long-term commitment to NCI and the North County region, and has had a positive impact on the community and/or public body that they serve. After 25 years of service, Weidinger retired this past winter as President of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce (GNCC). Under her leadership, the Chamber fostered a positive business climate, provided members with networking opportunities, and a connection between business and the public. She was the guiding force for growing the chamber from 115 members to more than 400 members and the budget from $23,000 to $258,000 annually. In addition to her work with the chamber, Weidinger has a long list of volunteer efforts to her credit, including co-chairing the Old Town Fall Festival since 2006 and helping to start the first Relay for Life in North County. She helped establish the Florissant Parks Foundation; serving as it’s treasurer since 2006. As an active member of NCI for more than 20 years, Weidinger was on the Executive Board for four years, the Board of Directors for 9 years. She played an instrumental role in the development of a joint Legislative Reception with NCI and other local chambers. Weidinger was one of only five chamber executives in 25 years to be honored by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce with their top level award for excellence.

Business Development Award Winner, Mike Lonero, with 2011 NCI Chair, Patty Gould

NCI’s Business Development Awards were presented to Mike Lonero, Paul Cerame Auto Group and SSM Rehabilitation Hospital. Business Development Awards are given to those whose efforts positively affect the economic development and business climate of the North County region.

Mike Lonero is the President of the Ferguson Special Business District (FSBD) and he owns and operates CORK Wine Bar and Vincenzo’s Restaurant in the City of Ferguson. As an active member of the FSBD for the past nine years, he has assisted with fundraising for a new waterfall, been involved with the installation of 15 decorative art bike racks and community development events designed to promote the central business district. City Manager John Shaw calls him a true advocate in Ferguson’s downtown revitalization efforts, significantly helping draw attention to the city’s dining and entertainment venues.” Lonero sponsors many other community events and he was involved with establishing the successful summer concert series at the Plaza at 501.

2011 NCI Chair, Patty Gould, with Paul Cerame Auto Group's Bob Cerame

Paul Cerame Auto Group was  established in 1976. It is a long-standing family owned and operated business in North County with a reputation for excellent customer service. The Cerame family was born and raised in North County. They opened their first Lincoln-Mercury dealership in 1981 and in 1997 added a Ford dealership. Late in 2010 they added a new Kia dealership. Over the past couple of years they have invested nearly a million dollars in a new showroom and new additions to their facilities to ensure that they are running the most customer friendly and efficient business possible. Cerame had been honored 13 times with the Ford President’s Award based on sales and customer satisfaction achievements. They provide employment for 120 people at their dealerships. Deeply rooted in the community, they believe in giving back. Bob Cerame is a past board member for Marygrove; through the “Drive One for School” program they have generated nearly $15,000 in donations for McCluer High School; they have sponsored numerous fundraisers for the Florissant Police and St. Louis County Police Departments and Back Stoppers; as well as hosting a holiday charity event for employees of the Veterans Home.

The SSM Rehabilitation Hospital partnership between SSM Health Center-St. Louis and Select Medical Corporation was created to build the new SSM Rehabilitation Hospital located on the campus of SSM DePaul Health Center in Bridgeton. When this new asset to our community opens later this year, it will provide comprehensive inpatient medical rehabilitation care to patients with stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation and neurological and orthopedic conditions. This $23 million investment will bring an additional 250 employees to the DePaul campus and provide an optimal environment in which to support healing and recovery.

2011 NCI President CEO, Rebecca Zoll, with Beyond Housing's Chris Krehmeyer

Community Development Awards were presented to Beyond Housing, Carolyne Simpson, Chief William Karabas and Chief Carl Wolf. These awards are presented to those whose efforts go beyond their normal duties, benefiting youth, residents, and/or civic organizations in North County.

Beyond Housing provides support and services that assist low-income families as a means to strengthen neighborhoods. The organization produced observable successes in Pagedale and over ten years ago began developing a strategic plan to expand its programs and services throughout the Normandy School District. Beyond Housing has built or rehabbed over 115 homes in the City of Pagedale, opened a family support center that provides youth and senior programs. Under the leadership of Chris Krehmeyer, the organization has brought a new Save-A-Lot grocery store to the community and secured a 5 year 3 million dollar grant to provide staffing for the 24:1 Initiative. 24:1 is a comprehensive community development model that will enable the success of all families and children living within the 24 inner-ring suburban communities located in the Normandy School District.

Community Development Award Winner, Carolyne Simpson, with NCI President CEO, Rebecca Zoll

Carolyne Simpson is the Business Development Officer with St. John’s Bank & Trust where she has been a loyal employee for the past 39 years. Simpson is the volunteer every organization dreams of having involved with them; she is genuinely dedicated to supporting and creating a better community. She has served on the Northwest Chamber of Commerce Board since 2006. In 2009, she received the chamber’s Betty O’Keefe Volunteer of the Year award. Simpson has served on the board of directors and multiple committees for the Overland Business Association and the Rotary Club of Overland. She is the Vice-President of the Woodson Terrace Business Association and works tirelessly to make Woodson Terrace Days successful every year. In 2008, Simpson was named an Honorary Citizen for Woodson Terrace.

Community Development Award Winner, Chief Bill Karabas from the City of Florissant

Chief William Karabas with the City of Florissant’s Police Department has worked tirelessly for more than a decade to secure the approval of a unified radio and data communications system so that all public and safety agencies could communicate with each other in an emergency. He was appointed by Gov. Holden to serve on the Missouri Advisory for 911 Service in 2002 and was elected the Chairman of the St. Louis Community Emergency Communications Commission in 2003. He spent hundreds of hours explaining the need for a unified system and worked to secure the necessary support to implement this critical infrastructure improvement in the St. Louis region. By extensively involving the community, he and the E-911 Committee secured a victory at the polls when voters approved a sales tax increase to fund the E-911 system. Karabas also implemented the first Drug Abuse Resistance Education program in Missouri, belongs to many professional organizations including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Florissant and the Knights of Columbus.

Community Development Award Winner, Chief Carl Wolf, with NCI CEO, Rebecca Zoll

Chief Carl Wolf has been with the City of Hazelwood’s Police Department since 1985. He was recently honored with the 2010 Corrigan-Wiesman Partnership Award from the St. Louis County Juvenile Justice Association for his role in developing the Hazelwood Youth Leadership Academy along with several community partners and the Hazelwood School District. This academy is a 12-week program designed to help at risk youth. Wolf was named the Missouri Police Chief of the Year in 1994 and received the Missouri Police Chiefs Association’s Distinguished Service Award for 2000. He is on the Board for the Major Case Squad. He is serving his third term as the Vice President/Treasurer of the International Association of Chiefs of Police; this organization honored him with the Excellence in Victim Services Award in 2010. In the past, he has served as the President of the Florissant Valley Kiwanis, Emerson Family YMCA, and the Northwest Chamber of Commerce. He is currently the Chairman of the Valley Industries Sheltered Workshop Board. In 2005, Wolf received a Special Recognition Award from NCI and in 2007 a Volunteer of the Year Award from the Northwest Chamber.

Public Service Award winner, former Mayor of the City of Dellwood, Jack Agnew, with 2011 NCI Chair Patty Gould

Public Service Awards were  presented to Jack Agnew, former Mayor of the City of Dellwood; Senator Tim Green, State of Missouri; Robert G. Lowery, former Mayor of the City of Florissant; Marty Rudloff, former Mayor of the City of Bellefontaine Neighbors; Jeff Spiegel, Superintendent of the Ferguson-Florissant School District. Public Service Awards are given to 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.

John “Jack” Agnew has served the City of Dellwood since 1969, first as City Collector, then as an Alderman from 1984-1995. In 1995 he was elected Mayor and has served the residents of Dellwood until his retirement this year. As Mayor he saw the implementation of an on-going, aggressive street improvement project and 12+ acres of commercial redevelopment at the intersection at Chambers and W. Florissant Rd., where there is now a new grocery store, pharmacy and gas station. Agnew’s service to the community also extended to several civic organizations, including the North County Labor Club, Ferguson Township Democratic Club, the Lion’s Club, and the Boy Scouts. He also served on the Riverview Gardens School District Superintendent’s Advisory Committee. Agnew is a long-time board member of NCI serving since 2000, from 2004-2008 he was on the Executive Board and has served as the organization’s Transportation Committee Chair.

Former State Representative, Gina Walsh, accepting Public Service Award for Senator Tim Green with 2011 Chair, Patty Gould

For the past 22 years Senator Timothy Green has served the citizens of North County as a state representative from 1989-2002, and has been the state senator for District 13 since 2004. Green dedicated his service to protecting working families and the most vulnerable of our citizens. His accomplishments include securing funding to keep the Bellefontaine Habilitation Center open. On behalf of Missouri veterans, he secured funding to help build and staff a new wing at the Veteran’s Home for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. As a member of the SSM DePaul Health Center Community Advisory Board, Green recognized the importance of maintaining trauma services in North County and in partnership with DePaul and other community leaders, found alternative funding and options to keep trauma services available. Green is a member of IBEW Local #1, the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, DePaul Health Center’s Community Advisory Board, Spanish Lake Community Association, and is the president of the Missouri State Building & Construction Trades Council (AFL-CIO).

Public Service Award winner, former Mayor of Florissant, Robert Lowery, with 2011 NCI Chair Patty Gould

Robert G. Lowery, Sr. has a long  career in public service, serving the people of Florissant for more than 50 years, first as a police officer, then as Police Chief and until his retirement in April as the city’s mayor for the past 10 years. Under his leadership, Florissant has seen a spurt of economic development with the addition of hundreds of new businesses, and the major redevelopment of Cross Keys Shopping Center. The city has benefitted tremendously from a major streetscaping project along Lindbergh Boulevard, the addition of the Behlmann/ Zykan Nature Lodge in Sunset Park, and other city-wide improvements. Dedicated to the advancement of NCI, he has served on the Board of Directors since 1997 and was on the Executive Board from 2001-2005. He has been recognized by dozens of organizations for his service, receiving more than two hundred awards for excellence in the field of law enforcement, being named “Man of the Year” by the Old Jamestown Association, and the United States Jaycees has presented him an “Outstanding Leader” award. He served in a leadership capacity on more than 15 different boards for area-wide civic and business organizations over the years, including the Emerson YMCA, the Rotary Club of Florissant, Lindenwood University, the Major Case Squad and many more.

Former City of Bellefontaine Neighbors Mayor, Marty Rudloff, with 2011 Chair, Patty Gould

For the past three decades Marty Rudloff has given of his time and expertise to the City of Bellefontaine Neighbors. He started his public service on the Youth Commission in 1980 and was elected Alderman in 1981. In 1991, he was elected Mayor. Under his leadership the city was the first to respond to the state program to help cities during the Flood of 1993, started the Family Festival, and hosted the Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall. Several new businesses came to Bellefontaine Neighbors, including a White Castle and the busiest QuickTrip in the region. He helped start a senior transportation service was started, recreation facilities updated and added, and a 5.5 million dollar bond issue was passed for street repairs. He is a member of the Holy Name of Catholic Church’s Parish Men’s Club, the Knights of Columbus, Santa Cruz Council 1215.

2011 NCI Chair, Patty Gould, with Jeffrey Spiegel of Ferguson-Florissant School District

Jeffrey R. Spiegel has served the  children of this community for the past 35 years. Spiegel is an educational leader who has dedicated his career to maximizing opportunities for children to reach their full potential. Spiegel has spent his career in the Ferguson-Florissant School District (FFSD), beginning as a mathematics teacher and since 2004 has served as the district’s Superintendent. During his tenure he began an incentive program to promote academic achievement and student discipline that remains in use today and facilitated the development and implementation of a K-12 alternative education program serving at-risk students. In 2007, Spiegel was honored with the St. Louis Region New Superintendent of Schools award by the Missouri Association of School Administrators for demonstrating exceptional educational leadership. Spiegel stays active in the community as well, being appointed to NCI’s Board of Directors in 2004 and the serving on the Executive Board from 2006 to 2010. He co-chairs the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce’s Partners in Education Committee. Spiegel’s commitment to children rests firmly on his belief that public education is the foundation of democracy.

Award Winner, Bonnie Barczykowski, with NCI President CEO, Rebecca Zoll

Special Recognition Awards were presented to Bonnie Barczykowski, business owner of Curves, and Vickie C. Wade, Vice-President of Clinical Services for Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers. Special Recognition Awards are presented to outstanding individuals who through their business and volunteer services exemplify leadership and service to the North County community, are dedicated to helping others, and improving the business environment and/or lives of those they serve.

Bonnie Barczykowski, owner of four Curves fitness facilities in the North County area and six total facilities region-wide, had a dream that went beyond the doors for her business. She wanted to help fight the growing obesity problem, encourage people to take charge of their lives and become healthier. About two years ago, she designed and spearheaded the North County Lose to Win Challenge, which to date has touched the lives of more than 800 people, helping them begin their road to fitness success. After great initial success, this program has been extended beyond the North County boundaries into West County, St. Charles and Fenton and now is helping thousands learn to live a healthier life. She received the 2011 North County Journal Award for enriching the lives of others. Bonnie is a past Board of Director’s Chairperson for the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce and is on the Board for Child Center-Marygrove.

Award winner, Vicke C. Wade

Vickie C. Wade is the Vice- President of Clinical Services of the Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers, St. Louis County’s largest federally qualified health center provider of pediatric services. Under her leadership the health center has seen tremendous growth. She sets high standards for staff performance, training and services for each client. It is well-known that caring for patients is her first love. Wade started working for People’s Health Center in 1984 as a part-time LPN and now plays an instrumental role in their leadership team, she is committed to providing quality care to North County residents. Most recently helping increase services for women, infants and children with the opening of a newly renovated and expanded pediatric suite. During her career with People’s she has been an ambassador for adolescent health and safety, helped train dozens of future nurses and nurse practitioners and is an adamant patient advocate. Trying to reach even more of the community than those who come through the doors of the clinic, she is also involved with more than 20 health fairs annually.

During the event, NCI was presented with a financial gift of $10,000 donation from the US Bank Foundation to help develop an economic community profile for the North County area.

NCI’s 34th Annual Breakfast  presenting sponsors were: HDR Engineering, Inc. and SSM DePaul Health Center. The corporate plus sponsors for this event were: Lindenwood University; ManorCare Health Services and Walmart Stores, Inc. Corporate sponsors for this event were: Bommarito of Hazelwood, Nissan Honda, Volkswagen and Ford; Commerce Bank; Favazza & Associates, LLC; IESI Solid Waste Services, Johnny Londoff Chevrolet, Inc.; North County Suburban Journals, Paul Cerame Ford-Lincoln-Kia; St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, St. Louis County, St. Louis County Economic Council, U.S. Bank 

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. Patty Gould is the current Chairwoman of the Board of Directors.

	Chair Patty Gould with SSM DePaul Health Center President, Dr. Pat Komoroski
	Chair, Patty Gould, with Favazza Associate Mike Favazza
	Monsignor Jack Schuler
	Guests at NCI's 34th Annual Breakfast
2011 Sponsors: NCI’s 34th Annual Breakfast major sponsors: (back row left to right) SSM DePaul Health Center’s Pat Komoroski, HDR’s Barry Rolle, Otis Scott, with Walmart, Lindenwood University’s Jim Jump, IESI Solid Waste Services’ Don Zykan, Commerce Bank’s Kevin Bray, Bommarito of Hazelwood’s Jerry Eickel, Monika Kleban with the Suburban Journals, ManorCare Health Services’ Anita Martinez, Favazza & Assoc.’s Mike Favazza, not pictured are representatives for Johnny Londoff Chevrolet, St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley, St. Louis County, St. Louis County Economic Council and U.S. Bank   2011 Board – Front Row: Carolyn Marty, Kim Bakker, Dr. Pat Komoroski, Brenda Bobo-Fisher, Mayor Kyra Watson, Dr. Carolyn Pryor, Lillie Dumas, Sandy Weber, Anita Martinez, Patty Gould, Karen Pierre and Kim Braddy; Back Row: Rebecca Zoll, David Reed, Jeff Spiegel, Dr. Rance Thomas, Dr. Stanton Lawrence, Mayor Norm McCourt, Mayor Matt Robinson, Karen McKay, Dan Boyle, Ron McMullen, Dr. T.R. Carr, Dr. Cheryl Compton, Dr. Steve Price, John Cary, Former State-Rep. Gina Walsh, Milt Bischof, Chief Mike Gantner, Dr. Mark Tranel, Fletcher E. Wells II, Jim Hessel, Terry Proffitt, John Shaw, Kevin Hall, and John O’Mara

Presenting Sponsors:

Corporate A/V Presentation Sponsors:

ManorCare Health Services
Lindenwood University
Walmart Stores, Inc.

Corporate Sponsors:

Bommarito of Hazelwood, Nissan, Honda, Volkswagen & Ford
Commerce Bank
Favazza & Associates, LLC
IESI Solid Waste Services
Johnny Londoff Chevrolet, Inc.
North County Suburban Journals
Paul Cerame Ford, Lincoln, & Kia
St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley
St. Louis County
St. Louis County Economic Council
U.S. Bank

Supporting Sponsors:

AT&T, Christian Hospital, , City of Bellefontaine Neighbors City of Ferguson, City of Woodson Terrace, Emerson, Ferguson-Florissant School District, Florissant License Office, Incarnate Word Academy, Independent News, Kent Miller Photography, Nelson McBride Development, Pattonville School District, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562, Public Policy Research Center, School Business Partnership Organization, Serenity Women’s HealthCare, St. Louis Airport Marriott, St. Louis Community College Workforce & Community Development, Trinity Catholic High School and the University of Missouri – St. Louis

Other Donors:

CH2MHill, Commercial Bank, HDA Inc., White Auto Body

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