Commemorating Juneteenth | Meetings and Events Convention Brings the World to St. Louis | Boys and Girls are the Future of St. Louis
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Commemorating Juneteenth
Tomorrow is Juneteenth, which honors the day in 1865 on which enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally received the promise offered by the Emancipation Proclamation, more than two years after its issuance.
As we acknowledge the historic significance of this day and the often painful history of both our region and our country, we must also acknowledge the work still necessary to bridge the opportunity gaps left behind – work that was brought into even greater relief by the tornado that struck St. Louis just over a month ago, saving its biggest wrath for neighborhoods and communities that have long struggled with disparity and disinvestment.
The tornado may have tried to widen those gaps, but it will not stop St. Louis. The mission of Greater St. Louis, Inc., as called for by the STL 2030 Jobs Plan, is and will continue to be inclusive economic growth — growth for everyone and every neighborhood in this region. Now more than ever, GSL stands with our community, and we will continue to help rebuild, brick by brick.
GSL will be closed Thursday, June 19, in honor of the Juneteenth holiday.
Juneteenth Celebrations Around St. Louis
18 ways to celebrate a full week of Juneteenth in St. Louis (STLToday.com)
To receive regular updates on tornado relief efforts throughout St. Louis, visit our webpage, sign up for emails, and follow our social media channels.
Community Hub Keeps Assistance Coming
4TheVille Emergency Hub was one of the first groups to organize short-term support for north St. Louisans after the impact of last month’s tornado. But they aren’t done yet: organizers say they will continue to fundraise, advise, and support the community. (St. Louis Public Radio)
Caring for the Caregivers
The St. Louis Early Childhood Tornado Response Team is raising money, collecting donations, supporting families, and helping childcare providers rebuild after a devastating tornado. (theSTL.com)
Meetings and Events Convention Brings the World to St. Louis
Meeting Professionals International, the world’s largest meetings and events trade association, this week will convene 2,000 meeting and event professionals in Downtown St. Louis for its 2025 World Education Congress. The event will give attendees a bold, immersive look at all St. Louis has to offer. Explore St. Louis estimates that 50 percent of attendees will have the opportunity to directly book their events in St. Louis — exponentially expanding opportunities to bring the world to St. Louis and increase economic impact.
The Bottom Line: “This is our opportunity to showcase to the world that there is a business case to book meetings and conventions in St. Louis,” said Jennifer Poindexter, Director of Meet St. Louis, the convention services department of Explore St. Louis. “If you come here, all the hospitality assets that you need are here in the city, the professionals you need, and the infrastructure. … We have it all.”
Advance STL: Boys and Girls are the Future of St. Louis
St. Louis native Brandon Williams, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, is back in his hometown, leading the charge to support more than 15,000 youth in St. Louis. “I believe that the Boys and Girls Club has its finger on the pulse of all those young people that (the STL 2030 Jobs Plan) was written for.” (STLToday.com)
MO Legislators Approve Pathway Program
A new bill approved by Missouri lawmakers helps high school graduates attend career-certificate programs for free. The new pathway program “will increase (the workforce) astronomically.” It heads next to Governor Kehoe’s desk. (St. Louis Business Journal)
This Week's Headlines
SWIC building $5.5M skilled trades training facility in Metro East town (St. Louis Public Radio)
UMSL's $110M transformation advances with two South Campus projects nearing completion (St. Louis Business Journal)
Metro East health care provider opens 16 affordable housing units in Cahokia Heights (St. Louis Public Radio)
Glittering Grace
Through outreach, advocacy, and action, Fourth City Sisters create community and make St. Louis a more vibrant, joyful, and inclusive place to call home.
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