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Tis the season to celebrate,
as we ring in the holidays say a fond farewell
to 2007 and dash headlong into 2008 and the
successes the new year promises for North
County. However, before we rush into next
year, let us take a moment and reflect on
the accomplishments of 2007. North County
has seen incredible business growth and investment,
such as the opening of Express Scripts, one
of the metro area's largest employers and
the addition of several new retail providers,
such as the Plaza on the Boulevard in Jennings
and Cabala's at St. Louis Mills. Also the
investment being made by Lambert-St. Louis
International Airport, their attraction of
two new airlines as well as major renovations,
which are making our traveling experience
better and our market more competitive. Our
airport's facelift has just begun, with even
bigger improvements scheduled for next year.
Major auto dealerships, such as Bommarito,
Lynch and Londoff have also invested in major
expansions to their businesses, making the
I-270 Corridor a car shopper's heaven. The
announcement's of a new plastics manufacturing
plant locating in Hazelwood and the retention
of the National Records Center were both good
news for North County.
Our healthcare providers spent
the year investing in the community by expanding
services to include, Christian Hospital's
new 64-slice CT scanner and a new Electrophysiology
Lab for the treatment of people with heart
rhythm disorders. SSM DePaul Health Center
added a dedicated unit for total joint replacement
care and begun a complete renovation of their
emergency room, which will include a 64-slice
CT scanner. Both hospitals also added several
new physicians and specialists to their staff.
Higher educational opportunities
also increased with the opening of the Vatterott
College campus in NorthPark and Fontbonne's
new larger facility located on Lindbergh.
Our community has also seen the opening of
several new school buildings as our schools
grow and student achievement continues to
improve in key subjects, such as science and
communications. Weekly, NCI receives news
from our schools about a local student or
teacher that has received national attention
for their skills and excellent performance.
This particular investment is one, which those
reading this article can probably relate to
the most, the investment in our children,
our future leaders and workforce.
Take pride in North County's
accomplishments this year. Remember the importance
of using the services that are located here,
knowing that those providers have invested
in you and the community you live in. North
County Incorporated's Board of Directors is
proud of the advancements occurring in North
County and thanks our organization's membership
and leaders, whom helped make 2007 an overwhelmingly
successful year for our community.
As you celebrate the reason
for the season, and gather friends and family
close please keep a kind thought in your heart
for our soldiers that are fighting so that
you can celebrate the holidays in peace.
Have a Safe Holiday
Season and Your New Year Be Filled
with Happiness and Success!
Rebecca Zoll
Executive Director, North County Inc.
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