SPECIAL EDITION - August 20, 2008

RCGA Honors Regional Legislative Champions with Lewis and Clark Statesman Award

Each year the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association recognizes Missouri and Illinois legislators who have distinguished themselves through outstanding leadership in support of economic development in the bi-state region by presenting them with a Lewis and Clark Statesman Award. This year's winners (see right box) are recognized for their work in job creation, plant and life sciences funding, and addressing the Metro-East levees. The award presentation occurred at a reception on August 18th at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown St. Louis.

The RCGA congratulates the following champions for our region!

Elected 2004
Chairman of the Department of Children and Family Services Committee

Rep. Beiser led a team effort for the region this year by sponsoring the Illinois levee bill in the House. Because of his efforts, businesses and homes in the Metro-East will be better protected from damaging floods and high insurance costs that could have threatened economic development in the area.

Elected 1995
Assistant Majority Floor Leader

Sen. Clayborne is always busy during session, and this year was no exception. In addition to his duties as Assistant Majority Leader, Sen. Clayborne helped advance a bill to create a New Market Tax Credit Program in Illinois, and also worked hard on the capital bill to kick-start essential infrastructure projects in the Metro-East.

Elected 2007, Missouri House 2000-2007
Member of the Economic Development & Tourism Committee

Sen. Dempsey was always a steadfast voice for the St. Louis business community in the House, so it is no surprise that he brought his willingness to tackle complex issues over to the Senate. This year he led the charge to lower health care costs for businesses through the Missouri Health Transformation Act.

Elected 2005, Missouri House 2002-2005
Assistant Majority Floor Leader

During Sen. Goodman's time in the Legislature, he has earned a reputation for hard work, integrity, and fairness. As Assistant Majority Floor Leader, he shepherded important legislation through the Senate this year, including an economic development bill that will help our region attract and retain quality jobs.

Elected 2004, Missouri House 1989-2002
Member of the Appropriations Committee

Sen. Green is known for his ability to work across party lines and bring diverse groups together to improve St. Louis' workforce and community. He understands the importance of educating and training our area's employees for the high-skilled jobs that strengthen our regional economy.

Elected 2002
Chairman of the Insurance Committee

Sen. Haine is a leader who can always be counted on to passionately represent Southwestern Illinois, which he proved yet again by sponsoring the region's levee bill, SB 2052. His efforts will ensure that the Metro-East business districts will be protected from damaging flood waters that would otherwise threaten the area's economic development future.

Elected 1991
Chairman of the Transportation Committee

Rep. Hoffman has been a great champion for our region over his many years in office, and this year was no exception. The Illinois levee bill, SB 2052, was the first bill signed this year by Gov. Blagojevich, in large part due to Hoffman's leadership. He is also a leading voice in support of a much-needed capital bill to improve infrastructure in the Metro-East.

Elected 1995
Chairman of the Environment & Energy Committee

Rep. Holbrook understood how the levee bill was vital to the economic development of our region. As Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee, Holbrook obtained a unanimous vote from his committee members to pass SB 2052, speeding its passage through the House.

Elected 2002
Chairman of the Budget Committee

Rep. Icet has been a champion of plant and life sciences research, recommending an appropriation of $25 million to the Life Sciences Research Trust Fund this session and agreeing to include medical research in the list of eligible projects. He also understands the need to train our region's workforce and invest in higher education.

Elected 2001, Missouri House 1996-2000
Member of the Economic Development, Tourism, & Local Government Committee

Sen. Kennedy wanted to end his Senate career on a high note, so he agreed to carry one of the main economic development bills this session, SB 718. His ability to build a coalition led to the bill's early passage in the Senate, and he worked tirelessly to make sure it ended up on the Governor's desk. Thanks to his efforts, Missouri will have expanded economic development tools to help create new jobs.

Elected 1995
Assistant Minority Leader

As Assistant Minority Leader, Sen. Luechtefeld was instrumental in bringing the downstate Republicans on board for the levee bill, which was vital to protecting future economic development in the Metro-East. He has also been a strong supporter of the capital bill, which would greatly improve the area's infrastructure.

Elected 2002
Vice-Chair of Higher Education Committee

As a member of the House Job Creation & Economic Development Committee, Rep. Pearce took it upon himself to lead one of this year's main economic development bills, HB 2058. This bill will become law next week, increasing the cap on the Missouri Quality Jobs program and the Enhanced Enterprise Zone program. He also introduced a $5 million Angel Tax Credit, part of RCGA "Grow Me State" initiative, which would help close the capital formation gap in Missouri.

Elected 1997
Chairman of the Agriculture and Conservation Committee

This year Rep. Reitz really stepped up to the plate to take part in the effort to improve the Metro-East levees, protecting local businesses and homeowners for years to come. He was an important part of a strong regional collaboration, bringing the support of Monroe County to the bill and helping to ensure its passage.

Elected 2002
Chairman of the Special Committee on Job Creation and Economic Development
Speaker-Elect of the House

Rep. Richard has been a great champion of economic development in all areas of Missouri, and this year was no exception. He played an active leadership role on the session's major economic development legislation, helping ensure its passage so that Missouri can continue to attract and retain quality jobs.

Elected 2006, Missouri House 2002-2006
Vice-Chair of the Transportation Committee and the General Laws Committee

Sen. Rupp has earned a reputation for strong leadership and compromise in the Missouri capitol, bringing people together and keeping a cool head when dealing with contentious issues. He has also been a supporter of innovative economic development incentives like the New Markets Tax Credit Program.

Elected 2002
Chairman of the Appropriations Committee for Transportation and Economic Development

As Chairman of the Missouri House Appropriations Committee on Transportation and Economic Development, Rep. Schlottach showed tremendous vision for the future of state's economy when he recommended full funding for the Life Sciences Research Trust Fund and the expansion of eligible research projects.

Elected 2002, Missouri House 1990-2002
Majority Floor Leader 

As Missouri Senate Majority Floor Leader, Sen. Shields is a guiding force for legislation and has been instrumental in passing economic development programs. This past session he worked especially hard as sponsor of the mega-project tax credit legislation, which showed that Missouri is willing to compete with other states and countries for quality jobs and a stronger economy.

Elected 2004
Member of the Budget Committee

Rep. Storch has been a great champion for the St. Louis region. This session she sponsored a bill to reauthorize the Research and Development tax credit, a measure that would help stimulate private investment into our region's bio-science companies. As a member of the House Budget Committee, the RCGA also applauds her active support for full funding of the Life Sciences Research Trust Fund.

Elected 2004
Majority Floor Leader

As Missouri House Majority Floor Leader, Rep. Tilley is known for shepherding important legislation through the legislature, including economic development legislation that helps keep Missouri competitive with other states. He also works with St. Louis business leaders to improve the business climate in the state.

Elected 2002
Member of the Special Committee on Workforce Development and Workplace Safety

As an active member of the Special Committee on Workforce Development and Workplace Safety, Rep. Walsh works especially hard to improve Missouri's workforce to provide the foundation for businesses to grow. Business leaders and legislators alike know that she is always willing to take time to discuss issues and find solutions.

Elected 1983, Illinois House 1979-1983
Republican Leader

Sen. Watson has been a passionate leader for the Illinois capital bill and the need to get important infrastructure investments going in Southwestern Illinois. He also worked hard on the levee bills and tax credit legislation that would help attract and retain biotechnology companies and research within the state.

Elected 2000, Served previous term 1974-1984
Vice-Chair of Ethics Committee

Rep. Villa has dedicated most of his life to public service. He served a total of 18 years in the Missouri House, with four as Majority Floor Leader. He also served eight years as the President of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen.

Widely regarded as the most knowledgeable House member on legislative procedure, Tom is frequently sought out by his colleagues to help them learn the ropes of the complicated system. He is so highly esteemed that former House Speaker Catherine Hanaway asked him to preside over the House a few times, despite their party difference.

When it comes to representing the best interest of his constituents, Rep. Villa's sincerity and compassion shine through. He has always put his own ambition second to what he believes is right, embodying what it truly is to be a "statesman."

To recognize Rep. Villa for his decades of contributions in public service to our region, the RCGA has awarded him its Lifetime Achievement Statesman Award.

Photos from the Statesman Awards Reception

MO Sen. Charlie Shields displays his award with presenter Steven Lipstein, RCGA Board Chair for Public Policy and President and CEO of BJC HealthCare.

Molly Tallarico of the University of Missouri System, Steve Ehlmann, County Executive of St. Charles County, and MO Rep. Gina Walsh enjoy the reception.

Christopher Brescia of Smurfit-Stone presents IL Sen. Frank Watson with his Statesman Award.

IL Sen. James Clayborne, Jr. pauses for a picture with Bruce Holland, RCGA Executive Committee Member and President and CEO of Holland Construction Services, which was the Special Event Sponsor for the reception.

MO Rep. Tom Villa accepting his Lifetime Achievement Award.

MO Rep. David Pearce and Bob Wiegert of Schnuck Markets enjoy the reception.