Angela has been instrumental in providing member services, bringing new members to the Chamber, and organizing events during her time as Member Services Director since 2009.  She has a passion for helping small businesses reach their goals.  In 2011, she was named Business Person of the Year by the Hancock Alumni and Community Association.  She attended Truman State University and Fontbonne University, majoring in Business Administration with a focus on Sales and Marketing.

“Angela has shared with us her goals for the Chamber and they are ambitious; her enthusiasm for all of the good things happening in the Lemay Chamber is infectious,” said Randy McArthur, President of the Lemay Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.  “We look forward to seeing the good things started under Barb Hehmeyer’s leadership move on to completion.”

Let us all congratulate Angela on her promotion and wish her continued success at the Lemay Chamber of Commerce!  Contact Angela

Lemay Chamber of Commerce Accomplishments

• Increased Membership from barely 100 to over 230 members
• Established many Member benefits, including a monthly newsletter and leadership scholarships
• Established Chamber events such as the golf tournament, trivia night, and outstanding educator recognition

Lemay Development Corporation Accomplishments

• Worked to bring Pinnacle Entertainment to the National Lead Site, resulting in a $380 million multi-use complex and over 1,000 permanent jobs; Advocated for the Community Reinvestment Fund, which will result in at least a $15 million direct investment in the Lemay Community
• Led the LDC as it engaged in economic, workforce and youth development activities, provided services to residents and spearheaded neighborhood beautification efforts that resulted in the investment of over $1.8 million in the Lemay Community; Led redevelopment of 9417 S. Broadway and 400 Lemay Ferry Road sites
• Helped to organize and oversee Lemay Charting for Change, which generated nearly $1 million in grants for economic development, housing, beautification, youth and other human and social service programs
• Partnered with Lemay Child & Family Center, BJC School and Community Outreach, the Hancock Place School District, Salvation Army, the Carondelet YMCA, and the St. Louis Community College to implement the improvements for Lemay Charting for Change
• Participated in a Flood Benefit Auction in the Lemay community, which raised over $70,000 for homeowners
• Administered multiple Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded programs including the Neighborhood Assistance Plan to help Lemay businesses make façade improvements

Please attend the June 13th Luncheon in her honor to help us thank her for her years of service to our community and to wish her the best of luck in her retirement!  Contact Barb

At the May 2012 Board Meeting, the following Directors were voted onto the Executive Board: Randy McArthur of McArthur’s Bakery, President; Danny Pogue of Midwest BankCentre, Vice President; Steve Weinmann of Kenrick’s Meats & Catering, Secretary; Bill Cocos of Wm. G. Cocos Plumbing Co., Treasurer.

Thanks to all who serve on the Lemay Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

“I’m excited to get this moving, because it is going to provide so much enjoyment to residents of all ages in South County,” said St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley, “we spent a lot of time in this process listening to citizens and what we heard over and over again is that a community and aquatic center is tops on their list.  This will be a great addition to the neighborhood.”

Dooley envisions the center as a focal point of the Lemay neighborhood. Perched atop the most visible corner of Jefferson Barracks Park, at Kingston and Broadway, the center will have a multi-generational appeal.

Residents helped choose the amenities and the design through a two-year planning process that included resident’s surveys and town hall meetings.

As part of the lease and development agreement between Pinnacle Entertainment and St. Louis County Port Authority, Pinnacle provided $5 million to the Port Authority for construction of a community and aquatic center in Lemay.  The center will cost $12 million to construct with additional funding allocated for future site costs and furnishings.

FUNDING

• $5 million from River City Casino
• $475,000 federal allocation (towards design of the Center)
• $8 – $10 million in County bonds issued, to be paid by St. Louis County Port Authority through revenue generated by lease payments from River City Casino.

“We could not have done this without the great partnership we have with River City Casino.  They are committed to helping us every step of the way and they continue to be outstanding neighbors in Lemay.  Thanks very much to Neil Walkoff, Executive Vice President of Regional Operations at Pinnacle Entertainment, which includes River City Casino in South St. Louis County,” said St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley.

“We have had a lot of input from the residents and I think this plan delivers on exactly what they want.  The County Executive made it clear to us that getting a community and aquatic center built in Lemay was one of his top priorities.  The whole team will be excited to see dirt moving on this project next spring,” said Denny Coleman, President and CEO, St. Louis County Economic Council.

Now, East-West Gateway is looking at “articulated buses”, which could impact Lemay.  This form of bus rapid transit is a cross between traditional bus service and commuter rail.  These long buses present a viable, less-costly alternative in heavy use areas.  They run at higher speeds, with fewer stops on dedicated lanes that serve as “busways.”

Recently, the East-West Gateway Council of Governments approved a $250,000 study of transit options on Interstate 55 between St. Louis City and Arnold.  Separate from the study, Metro has ordered four buses that will debut soon on the Grand Boulevard bus line as a pilot project.

A number of years ago, an East-West study recognized the need for extending MetroLink to Lemay, but the suggested route was not chosen for development.  Metro has indicated they are still exploring additional MetroLink extensions.

Meeting participants, mostly residents and people who work in Lemay, shared in interactive key-pad polling.  They were able to electronically answer and see the results of questions posed by facilitators.

Participants were asked, “If land becomes available in Lemay, how should it be used?”  An overwhelming majority chose “A combination of business, residential, and open space.”  When asked what types of businesses they would like to see come into Lemay: Restaurants, Light Manufacturing/Warehouses, and Retail Stores were the most popular answers.

Watch your email updates to learn about upcoming Lemay Community Meetings.

In today’s tough economy, Americans age 62 and older are realizing that a reverse mortgage can be an important part of their financial plan.  With limited or dwindling retirement savings, concerns about outliving their assets or just the desire to live more comfortably, increasingly savvy seniors are realizing the benefits reverse mortgages can offer.

A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows homeowners age 62 or older to tap into the equity that’s been built up in their home.  The homeowner can then use the cash they receive in a variety of ways, such as paying for monthly living expenses,home improvements and healthcare.  The borrower continues to own and live in the home without making monthly payments, and the loan doesn’t become due until the last surviving borrower passes away, sells the house or leave it for more than 12 months.

For those considering a reverse mortgage, getting all the facts is important for making an informed decision.  Metlife Bank offers a free educational video and information kits that explains all the benefits, eligibility requirements and cost implications.  To request this FREE, no-obligation material, please contact me at the telephone number or email below.

Diane Quitmeyer
Metlife Reverse Mortgages
314-220-3918
www.DianeQuitmeyer.com
fourquits@aol.com

Patrik offers a variety of services and products for his clients including auto insurance, life insurance, AAA Travel Club memberships and Homeowners, Condo and Renters insurance.  One of the best ways Patrik and AAA can save you money is by bundling your car and home insurance into one comprehensive package.

AAA Missouri is a not-for-profit motor club serving AAA members throughout Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Southern Illinois, Southern Indiana and Eastern Kansas. Originally founded in 1902 by 13 prominent St. Louisians as the Automobile Club of St. Louis, the Club has grown to more than one million members.

It is easy to take advantage of AAA Missouri’s extremely competitive rates.  Chances are, Patrik can save you hundreds of dollars per year on the insurance products you already need.  During the month of April, Patrik would like to offer a special

incentive to Lemay Chamber members.  Just call for a free quote and Patrik will give you a $10 gift card to the restaurant or store of your choice*.  Be sure to mention that you are a Lemay Chamber Member.

Please give Patrik a call today!  AAA Missouri is located in the St. Louis Bread Company Shopping Center across from St. Anthony’s Hospital.

*  One gift card per household, valid for Missouri residents only who are not currently insured by the Auto Club Inter Insurance Exchange

Patrik Englund

AAA Missouri

9960-D Kennerly Center

St. Louis, MO  63128

Cell:314-369-2855

Office: 314-849-6663 x102

Fax: 314-849-5032

penglund@AAAmissouri.com

Hours:
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Monday-Friday
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Saturday

The Lemay Chamber of Commerce honored eleven south county teachers at its 12^th Annual Outstanding Educator Recognition Night this past Thursday.  Sponsored by Montgomery Bank, the event recognizes teachers for professional excellence in the classroom and their dedication to area youth.

Over 100 people were in attendance, including State Senator Jim Lembke, Representatives Cloria Brown and Scott Sifton, and County Councilman Steve Stenger, who each gave resolutions to the honorees.

Upon his retirement in 1998, Mr. Ross sold the company and its goodwill to three employees — Frank H. Haase, Vincent J. Mannino II, and Scott Kirn — who have carried on the Ross tradition of superb quality construction and service to our clients.

From its beginnings in two small rooms over a local pharmacy, Ross Construction has maintained strong and steady growth to become one of the premier general contractors in St. Louis.

The company’s accomplishments lie in its versatility and dexterity, and it boasts considerable experience in many fields of construction, including retail, institutional, light industrial, ecclesiastical, and medical, as well as multi-family and unique upscale projects. R.G. Ross prides itself on its expertise in ground-up, turnkey construction, as well as add-on building modifications and complete rehabilitation projects.

With a full staff of dedicated project managers/estimators, experienced field force, an efficient accounting department, top-notch support personnel, and a growing list of satisfied clients, R.G Ross Construction has built a strong foundation for its future.

Kevin Bohnenstiehl

R.G. Ross Construction

4079 Bayless Ave.

St. Louis, MO 63125

Phone: 314-638-9255

Fax: 314-638-3021

www.RGRoss.com

KevinB@RGRoss.com