Salute to Business co-Presenters announced

While the national political climate has resulted in an increase in hostility toward efforts in supporting equity and inclusion in the business sector, the storm of misinformation and ignorance that has created this wave of bias must be challenged and strongly resisted.

The St. Louis American Foundation will honor individuals and organizations dedicated to more inclusive and equitable growth during the 23^rd annual Salute to Excellence in Business Networking and Awards Luncheon at 11 a.m. Thursday Feb. 20, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis.

The 2025 Co-Presenters of the prestigious event are the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, the Regional Business Council, and Greater St. Louis Inc.

“The St. Louis American Foundation and these three organizations are determined to create more inclusive regional growth,” said Donald M. Suggs, St. Louis American Foundation founder and a member of its board of directors.

“Everyone should have a chance to succeed, so it is so appropriate that these groups come together because we all are committed to equity and inclusion, and share the belief that all communities in the St. Louis area should be included in the sustained economic growth we are working to achieve.”

“DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) success is essential to the success of the country,” said Urban League President and CEO Michael P. McMillan.

“Making sure that everyone has a seat at the table and is included means that we will maintain this country’s global dominance as the greatest economy in the world. Growing our economy with diverse businesses is good for everyone.”

Anthony “Tony” Thompson, founder, president and CEO of Kwame Building Group, and longtime Regional Business Council executive board member, said, “RBC remains committed to the minority business community.”

“We enthusiastically support the celebration of the 23^rd Salute to Excellence in Business and its recognition of Black excellence.”

Dustin Allison, Greater St. Louis Inc., interim CEO said the organization’s mission “is to drive economic growth so that everyone in the St. Louis region, regardless of race, zip code, or any other factor, has the opportunity to thrive.”

“We are proud to once again support the St. Louis American Foundation and this year’s award winners for their commitment inclusive growth.”

McMillan added, “The Urban League is proud to partner with the St. Louis American Foundation and the No. 1 African American newspaper in the country on its annual Salute to Excellence in Business.”

Edward Jones is the lead sponsor of the Salute to Business, and Larry Thomas, a retired Edward Jones partner, will be honored as the Lifetime Achiever in Business.

Rodney Boyd, a Nexus Group partner, is the 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year; Jeremy Williams, head of Climate LLC, Digital Farming and Commercial Ecosystems for the Crop Science division of Bayer, is Corporate Executive of the Year.

Michelle D. Tucker, United Way of Greater St. Louis president and CEE, will be honored as Non-Profit Executive of the Year, and Chris Krehmeyer, Beyond Housing president and CEO, is the recipient of the Excellence in Community Impact Award.

The luncheon emcee is Rene Knott, KSDK 5 On Your Side Today in St. Louis morning co-anchor.

VIP tables of 10 for the 23^rd Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Networking and Awards Luncheon are $2,000 and Tables of 10 are $1,500. General seating tickets are $150. Please visit www.stlamerican.com for additional information.

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