SPECIAL EDITION - August 26, 2010
RCGA Honors Legislative Champions with Lewis & Clark Statesman Awards
Each year the St. Louis Regional Chamber & 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 the Lewis & Clark Statesman Awards.
This year the Missouri and Illinois legislatures faced unprecedented challenges; however, even as both states grappled with dramatic budget shortfalls, several legislators worked hard to improve the business climate, create new economic development tools and protect proven programs. These efforts continue to build on previous advances that have strengthened the bi-state regional economy, and are appreciated by the business community.
The awards presentation occurred at a reception on August 23rd at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch in downtown St. Louis.
The RCGA congratulates the following champions for our region: (presented in alphabetical order)
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Illinois Representative Dan Beiser (D-Alton)
Elected 2004
Chair of Transportation, Regulation and Roads
As Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, Rep. Beiser works closely with the Illinois Department of Transportation to implement regional infrastructure projects and programs. This year he was also the House's chief sponsor of the Flood Prevention District Act and supported a bill to expand the New Markets Tax Credit program and create an Angel Tax Credit.
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Illinois Senator James Clayborne, Jr. (D-Belleville)
Elected 1995
Majority Floor Leader
As Majority Floor Leader, Sen. Clayborne is charged with shepherding important bills through the Senate and brokering compromises on key issues. This year he took the lead on economic development legislation, sponsoring a bill that increased the cap on the New Markets Tax Credit program from $10 million to $20 million to help create jobs in low income areas.
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Missouri Senator Tom Dempsey (R-St. Charles)
Elected 2007
Chair of Job Creation 2020; Vice-Chair of Jobs, Economic Development and Local Government
Sen. Dempsey continued his efforts to create, attract and retain high-tech jobs in the state by again sponsoring the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act (MOSIRA). MOSIRA would help leverage the state's science and technology assets to foster entrepreneurship and commercialize cutting-edge research.
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Missouri Representative John Diehl (R-Town & Country)
Elected 2008
Chair of Redistricting, Member of Job Creation and Economic Development
Rep. Diehl was at the forefront of the tax credit debate this year as an active member of the House Job Creation and Economic Development Committee. His efforts to educate his fellow legislators on the merits of job-creating tax credits resulted in the protection of such programs from harmful cuts and restrictions.
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Missouri Senator Kevin Engler (R-Farmington)
Elected 2004
Majority Floor Leader
As Majority Floor Leader, Sen. Engler helps guide important legislation through the always challenging and sometimes treacherous policymaking process. This year he helped foster debate and broker compromises on bills that would benefit the St. Louis business community, including a telecommunications bill to lower intrastate access rates.
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Illinois Senator Bill Haine (D-Alton)
Elected 2002
Chair of Insurance
Sen. Haine has been a long-time champion of water safety issues in Southwestern Illinois, and this session was no exception. He sponsored the Flood Prevention District Act, which will allow part of the Metro East to avoid severe
restrictions on the use of state funds for the
development of critical care facilities, and was the driving force behind the bill's passage and signature into law.
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Illinois Representative Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville)
Elected 1991
Member of Transportation, Regulation and Roads
Rep. Hoffman continued to work tirelessly to ensure that Southwestern Illinois received its fair share of projects and funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation for the region's roadways and mass transit system. This year his work was particularly important with regard to the New Mississippi River Bridge project, which received the necessary funding for completion in 2014.
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Illinois Representative Tom Holbrook (D-Belleville)
Elected 1995
Chair of Environment & Energy
Rep. Holbrook worked closely with officials from Scott Air Force Base to pass the Military Children School Transfer law, helping to ease school transitions for approximately 10,000 children of military personnel. Rep. Holbrook also supported an expansion of the New Markets Tax Credit program and the creation of an Angel Tax Credit to increase entrepreneurial access to risk capital.
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Illinois Representative Eddie Lee Jackson, Sr. (D-East St. Louis)
Elected 2009
Vice-Chair of Consumer Protection
Rep. Jackson was instrumental in passing the Flood Prevention District Act, encouraging several of his House colleagues from Chicago to vote in favor of the bill. He also supported a bill that created an Angel Tax Credit to encourage risk capital investments in startup companies, as well as an expansion of the New Markets Tax Credit program cap from $10 million to $20 million.
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Missouri Representative Tim Jones (R-Eureka)
Elected 2006
Chair of General Laws; Co-Chair of the St. Louis Regional Legislative Caucus
Rep. Jones sponsored a number of bills this year to benefit the St. Louis region and business community, including bills to help attract major sporting events to Missouri, to lower telecommunications access rates, and to strengthen the state's employment laws. His ability and willingness to tackle complex issues have made Rep. Jones a recognized leader in his caucus.
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Missouri Representative Tishaura Jones (D-St. Louis)
Elected 2008
Member of Job Creation and Economic Development
Rep. Jones, while just completing her first term in the legislature, is already standing out as a champion for revitalization in the City's urban core. She has voiced strong support for the Historic Preservation program, touting its record of success in attracting private investment to projects that would otherwise go undeveloped.
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Illinois Senator David Luechtefeld (R-Okawville)
Elected 1995
Assistant Minority Leader
As Assistant Minority Leader, Sen. Luechtefeld helped garner Republican support for the Flood Prevention District Act. This important piece of legislation will allow the American Bottom flood plain in the Metro East to avoid severe restrictions and limitations on the use of state funds for the development of critical care facilities.
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Illinois Senator Kyle McCarter (R-Decatur)
Elected 2009
Member of Commerce
As a small business owner, Sen. McCarter has been a staunch advocate for state incentives that foster entrepreneurship and job growth. He actively supported the creation of an Angel Tax Credit to increase access to risk capital through private investments, and was also supportive of an expansion of the New Markets Tax Credit program to spur development in low income areas.
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Missouri Representative Jerry Nolte (R-Gladstone)
Elected 2004
Chair of International Trade and Immigration
Rep. Nolte sponsored and led the charge for passage of the Manufacturing Jobs Act, which provides incentives for auto-manufacturers and related suppliers throughout the state. The bill, which was passed during Special Session and signed by the Governor, will give Missouri an important tool to help it compete more effectively for new production lines and facilities.
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Missouri Senator David Pearce (R-Warrensburg)
Elected 2008
Chair of Education
Sen. Pearce has long been a champion for K-12 and higher education, advocating for critical funding needs in his role on the Appropriations Committee and for first-rate educational opportunities for Missouri students as Chair of the Education Committee. His efforts to prepare the State's future workforce for quality jobs will help Missouri attract and retain expanding businesses.
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Illinois Representative Dan Reitz (D-Sparta)
Elected 1997
Chair of Health Care Licenses
Rep. Reitz was a strong advocate for economic development legislation this year, working with legislators on both sides of the aisle to pass a Sales Tax and Revenue bonds bill that will help create a large retail and entertainment district in Southern Illinois. He also supported the Flood Prevention District Act, allowing the Metro East to avoid restrictions on the use of state money for the development of critical care facilities.
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Missouri Representative Ron Richard (R-Joplin)
Elected 2002
Speaker of the House
As Speaker of the House, Rep. Richard has been a vocal supporter of economic development, helping to strengthen and expand proven programs to create quality jobs. This year he helped defend the Historic Preservation tax credit, preventing drastic changes to the program that would have slowed redevelopment in main streets and downtowns across the state.
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Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Glendale)
Elected 2008
Chair of Healthy Missourians 2020
Sen. Schmitt continued his efforts to foster innovation in Missouri, sponsoring a "Proof of Concept" bill to provide small loans to high-technology startup companies. This program, which is part of the RCGA's "Grow Me State" initiative, would give entrepreneurs access to much-needed capital during the critical early stages of their development so they can mature and begin creation of quality jobs in the state.
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Missouri Representative Mike Talboy (D-Kansas City)
Elected 2006
Minority Leader-Elect
As Co-Chair of the Biotechnology Caucus, Rep. Talboy has been a champion for the creation of 21st Century jobs, advocating for programs that foster high-tech entrepreneurship and the commercialization of cutting-edge research. He has been an active supporter of the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act, as well as the RCGA's "Grow Me State" initiative.
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Missouri Representative Steven Tilley (R-Perryville)
Elected 2004
Majority Floor Leader, Speaker-Elect
As Majority Leader, Rep. Tilley is charged with shepherding important bills through the House, as well as blocking pieces of legislation that leadership views as harmful to the state. This year he played a key role in preventing drastic cuts to important economic development programs, including the state's Historic Preservation tax credit program.
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Lifetime Achievement Award
Missouri Senator John Griesheimer (R-Washington)
Elected 2002, Missouri House 1992-2002
Chair of Jobs, Economic Development and Local Government
Sen. Griesheimer has been a long-standing and
outstanding supporter of economic development programs and policies that have helped
position the St. Louis region and State of Missouri to attract
and retain jobs. During his nearly 30 years of service in the General Assembly, he has earned a well-deserved reputation for rolling up his sleeves on tough issues and working to hammer out compromises to get the job done. His legacy of honesty, fairness, and willingness to listen to both sides of an issue will not be soon forgotten in the Missouri Senate. The RCGA thanks Sen. Griesheimer for his decades of commitment to economic development.
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Lifetime Achievement Award
Missouri Representative Allen Icet (R-Wildwood)
Elected 2002
Chair of Budget
As House Budget Chair for the past four years, Rep. Icet has had a unique opportunity to shape the State's fiscal priorities in some of the toughest economic times in recent memory. His steadfast leadership and ability to work with legislators on both sides of the aisle has allowed him to secure funding for critical programs and projects, including the Life Sciences Research Trust Fund, emergency funding for METRO, capital improvement projects and higher education. During the recent national recession, Rep. Icet helped lead the legislature through the
daunting challenge of crafting a balanced budget despite severe revenue shortfalls. The St. Louis RCGA thanks Rep. Icet for his years of leadership in prudent spending and his dedication to public service.
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Lifetime Achievement Award
Missouri Representative Rachel Storch (D-St. Louis)
Elected 2004
Member of Budget
Throughout her tenure in the Missouri General Assembly, Rep. Storch has been a vocal supporter of many programs and policies critical to the St. Louis region's growth and success. For several years she has championed the re-establishment of a tax credit for research and development to encourage the creation of jobs in science and technology. She has also been a strong advocate for transit funding, helping to secure an emergency appropriation for METRO in 2009 to restore service after drastic cuts were made in many areas. The RCGA appreciates Rep.
Storch's willingness to carry the flag on important regional issues, and thanks her for her dedication to public service.
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2010
Lewis and Clark Statesman Award
Winners
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2010 Award Winners
- IL Rep. Dan Beiser
- IL Sen. James Clayborne
- MO Sen. Tom Dempsey
- MO Rep. John Diehl
- MO Sen. Kevin Engler
- IL Sen. Bill Haine
- IL Rep. Jay Hoffman
- IL Rep. Tom Holbrook
- IL Rep. Eddie Lee Jackson
- MO Rep. Tim Jones
- MO Rep. Tishaura Jones
- IL Sen. David Luechtefeld
- IL Sen. Kyle McCarter
- MO Rep. Jerry Nolte
- MO Sen. David Pearce
- IL Rep. Dan Reitz
- MO Rep. Ron Richard
- MO Sen. Eric Schmitt
- MO Rep. Mike Talboy
- MO Rep. Steven Tilley
Lifetime Achievement Awards
- MO Sen. John Griesheimer
- MO Rep. Allen Icet
- MO Rep. Rachel Storch
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Snapshots from the Statesman Awards Reception
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RCGA Public Policy Council member Leann Chilton, Director of Government Relations for BJC HealthCare and Presidential Sponsor of the RCGA's Government Affairs program, presents IL Rep. Tom Holbrook (D-Belleville) with a Statesman Award.
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(from left) RCGA Public Policy Council member Tony Reinhart, Regional Government Affairs Director for Ford Motor Company and Ambassador Sponsor of the RCGA's Government Affairs Program, MO Rep. Jerry Nolte (R-Gladstone), MO Rep. Allen Icet (R-Wildwood), MO Speaker of the House Ron Richard (R-Joplin), and RCGA Board member Scott Zajac, Senior Managing Director for Advantage Capital Partners,
which was an Event Sponsor for the Statesman Awards reception.
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(from left) RCGA Public Policy Council member Ray Wagner,
Vice President of Government Affairs for Enterprise Holdings and
Presidential Sponsor of the RCGA's Government Affairs program, presents MO Rep. Tim Jones (R-Eureka) with his first Statesman Award.
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(from left) IL Senate Majority Leader James Clayborne (D-Belleville), RCGA Public Policy Council member Steve Hoven, Corporate Vice President of Public Affairs for SSM HealthCare, IL Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville), Jordan Clayborne, and Kevin Cahill, Director of Investment Banking for Edward Jones, a Presidential Sponsor of the RCGA's Government Affairs Program.
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MO Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Glendale) poses with RCGA Board member Dr. Zelema Harris, Chancellor of St. Louis Community College and Ambassador Sponsor of the RCGA's Government Affairs program, after receiving his award.
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(from left) Craig Unruh, Vice President of External Affairs for AT&T Missouri, MO House Minority Leader Mike Talboy (D-Kansas City), and RCGA Public Policy Chairman John Sondag, President of AT&T Missouri.
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MO Rep. John Diehl (R-Town & Country) receives his Statesman Award from RCGA Board member Maggie Campbell, President & CEO of the Partnership for Downtown St. Louis, one of the evening's Event Sponsors.
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(from left) MO Sen. John Griesheimer (R-Washington), who received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the RCGA, poses with RCGA Board member L.B. Eckelkamp Jr., Chairman & CEO of the Bank of Washington.
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(from left) MO Rep. Tishaura Jones (D-St. Louis) proudly displays her first Statesman Award, which was presented by RCGA Public Policy Council member Marilyn Bush,
Senior Vice President of Public Finance for Bank of America Merrill
Lynch, which is an Ambassador Sponsor of the RCGA's Government Affairs
program.
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(from left) IL Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-Decatur) receives his first Statesman Award from RCGA's Illinois Public Affairs Committee member Dennis Wilmsmeyer, General Manager of the Tri-City Regional Port District and one of the evening's Event Sponsors.
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(from left) RCGA Board member Fred Kratky, Executive Vice President & CEO of the St. Louis Association of Realtors, MO Speaker of the House Ron Richard (R-Joplin), and MO Sen. David Pearce (R-Warrensburg) pose for a picture.
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THANK YOU!
The RCGA thanks the Presidential and Ambassador Sponsors who generously support our government affairs program throughout the year, as well as the Event Sponsors for the 2010 Statesman Awards.
Presidential Sponsors:
- AmerenUE
- Anheuser-Busch Companies
- AT&T
- BJC HealthCare
- Edward Jones
- Enterprise Holdings
- Monsanto
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation
Ambassador Sponsors:
- Bank of America Merrill Lynch
- Bryan Cave LLP
- Ford Motor Company
- St. Louis Community College
- University of Missouri-Columbia
- University of Missouri-St. Louis
Event Sponsors:
- Advantage Capital Partners
- Holland Construction
- Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois
- Partnership for Downtown St. Louis
- Tri-City Regional Port District
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