Mission
To unite and engage members to act on high-impact business, civic and philanthropic affairs for the betterment of the St. Louis region.
Vision
To engage a broad base of regional business leaders representing some of the region’s largest employers to orchestrate a unique transformation of the St. Louis business, civic and philanthropic community.
Carmen Jacob
President and Chief Executive Officer, NextGen Information Services, Inc.
The RBC allows our region’s companies to have a collective voice and to get things done. I am proud to be a part of a group of such passionate leaders.
Anthony Thompson
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kwame Building Group, Inc.
Investing in our region’s diversity is critical for our region’s future. When we all work together, we all win.
Jimmy Williams
Chief Executive Officer, Estel Foods Inc
I consider the YPN as one of the RBC’s most important investments in our region. The growth can be attributed in part to the outstanding professional development opportunities we provide and the dynamic social and professional network we have provided.
Jim Theiss
President and Chief Executive Officer, TKC Holdings, Inc.
RBC members are focused on outcomes, working collectively on issues such as transportation, infrastructure, K-12 education and workforce development to build a competitive world-class region.
John Stupp, Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Stupp Bros, Inc.
The Regional Business Council and the United Way of Greater St. Louis have developed a great working relationship that allows our member companies to make a real difference in the greater metropolitan area.
Scott Wilson
Chief Executive Officer, S.M. Wilson & Co.
Promoting diversity is everybody’s business. At the RBC, we’re taking action – not just talking – about goals!
John M. Tracy
Executive Chairman, Dot Foods, Inc.
The RBC is a unique organization. It is highly uncommon that 100 business leaders of significant companies would collectively speak as one. I enjoy contributing to an organization that has great meaning to our region's future. In addition to resources, members contribute time, energy and expertise to ensure the long-term sustainability of our initiatives, working every day for real results.
John Capps
President, Suntrup Kia of West County
The RBC is committed to putting its substantial talent, resources and determination behind business, civic and philanthropic priorities where members can make a substantive contribution. What the RBC has done so effectively is to engage and commit our business leaders into making St. Louis a better place to live, conduct and attract business, and to raise our families.
Sandra Van Trease
Group President, BJC HealthCare
Collaboration is the cornerstone in any successful endeavor. The RBC embodies that principle in all aspects through accessing individuals and organizations who work together towards common outcomes.
L.B. Eckelkamp, Jr.
Chairman and CEO, Bank of Washington
There is no question that what happens in any county or city in the metropolitan area affects the rest of us, and the RBC has always recognized this and worked for the benefit of the region as a whole.
About Us
In 2000, the Regional Business Council was launched with 50 business executives representing some of the St. Louis region’s largest companies. In recent years, the St. Louis region’s business community has seen an increase in highly successful companies that employ a large percentage of the region’s workforce.
Thus, this coalition is essential to enhancing the well-being and vitality of the region.
These companies, generous with their time and resources, include civic and philanthropic involvement as priorities within their companies. Brought together for the first time, these businesses can now leverage their corporate involvement and investment.
The collective effort of RBC members is dramatically expanding the breadth and depth of involvement and investment in the community. Realizing that it cannot lend its support to every worthy cause, the RBC is committed to putting its considerable talent, resources and determination behind business, civic and philanthropic priorities where RBC members can make a substantive contribution.
Today the RBC is composed of 100 CEOs representing some of the region’s largest employers. These companies have a tremendous impact on the economic health of the region, employing over 120,000 people and generating over $65 billion in revenue annually. Most RBC companies are headquartered in the region and all have a vested interest in the development of the region’s 16 counties.
Founding Assumptions
- The health of the region is a business issue.
- Business can be a catalyst for civic transformation.
- Partnerships are a key operating modality in the 21st century and, therefore, relationships and linkages with other business, civic, educational and cultural organizations are important.
- St. Louis can be a world-class community, combining a vibrant economy with a unique historical heritage.
- St. Louis’ regionally based companies, in collaboration with other entities, are the logical entities to support this regional development.
- The CEO of an organization is the prime catalyst for change within that organization.