St. Louis Missouri

President Obama has appointed Bob Clark, Clayco Inc

Saint Louis MO — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:46:00 GMT

St Louis MO - President Obama has appointed Bob Clark, chairman and chief executive of St. Louis real estate development firm and general contractor Clayco Inc., to a Committee for the Preservation of the White House.

Clark and other members will advise President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis on preserving the museum quality of the public spaces of the White House.

The committee, created in 1964, is tasked with the preservation and interpretation of the museum character of the public rooms on the ground floor and state floor of the White House and on additions to the permanent White House collection of fine art and decorative arts objects, the White House said this month.

It works closely with the executive residence staff, especially the White House curator, and with the White House Historical Association, a supporting non-profit organization that administers the White House Endowment Trust, and the White House Acquisition Trust used to support the refurbishing projects and finance acquisitions.

“One of our priorities has been to open the doors of the White House, invite more visitors in and truly make it the ‘People’s House,’” Michelle Obama said in a statement. “When people come here for public tours and events, we want them to have a truly educational and enjoyable experience. As a partner in this effort, the Committee for the Preservation of the White House will advise us on what modifications and acquisitions need to be made so that the White House remains an historically accurate, open, living museum.”

Clark served on the Obama campaign’s national finance committee, led his fundraising in Missouri, campaigned for him in Iowa and attended his inauguration.

Clayco is one of the nation’s largest, privately owned real estate, architecture, engineering, design and construction firms with $800 million in revenue in 2009. In addition to its headquarters in St. Louis, it has offices in Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis and Washington, D.C.

AC St. Louis soccer gets Nike sponsorship & Signs 12

Saint Louis MO — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:39:00 GMT

AC St. Louis, the new men’s professional Division II soccer team, has landed a sponsorship with Nike. he company will provide uniforms and footwear in a multi-year deal. Terms of the sponsorship were not disclosed.

“This is a huge step in creating the AC St. Louis brand,” said AC St. Louis Chairman Jeff Cooper.

Nike Inc. is based near Beaverton, Oregon. AC St. Louis plans to play its home games at the Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in Fenton beginning this spring.

AC St. Louis said Thursday that Nike will provide the team’s apparel and shoes. FC Edmonton, which will play with AC St. Louis in the North American Soccer League in 2011, already has announced its coaching staff and said it will play exhibition matches this summer. The Canadian team was an original member when the NASL formed in late 2009.

Club general manager Mel Kowalchuk told Inside Minnesota Soccer that Edmonton considered playing with the rest of the league’s teams in 2010, but delayed that to 2011 when club officials realized it could not put a team on the field in time for this season.

The coaches, announced Tuesday, are head coach Dwight Lodeweges and assistant Hans Schrijver. Lodeweges, a Canadian native born about 350 miles from Edmonton, played in the old North American Soccer and Major Indoor Soccer leagues in the 1980s. He quit in October as the head coach for the Dutch premier league’s NEC Nijmegen after a five-game winless streak. Schriver coached the Dutch U-21 men’s national team.

AC St. Louis announced the signing of nine new players on Thursday: defender Dillon Barna, midfielder Troy Cole, midfielder Manuel Kante, defender John Lesko, midfielder Wilfred Louizeau, forward/midfielder James McCarthy, defender Anthony O’Garro, midfielder Christopher Salvaggione and midfielder Brad Stisser.

Together with the earlier signings of Steve Ralston, Tim Velten and Zach Bauer, the new men’s professional soccer team now has 12 players under contract.

Barna most recently played for the United Soccer Leagues’ Premier Development League club Ventura County Fusion. Barna was a four-year starter at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif. The 6-foot-4 central defender played in all but two games of his collegiate career. Barna was a member of the Fusion team that won last year’s PDL national championship.

Cole most recently played for the FC Atlanta Blackhawks. Cole played collegiately at Mars Hill College in North Carolina where he also served as an assistant coach in 2009. Cole played two seasons for Mars Hill College, starting 37 of 38 games while recording seven goals and two assists.

Kante is a French midfielder with years of professional international experience. Kante has played professionally in Croatia, Greece, Portugal, and Scotland.

Lesko is a 6-foot-3 central defender from the University of South Carolina – Aiken. Lesko was an all-conference selection in his senior year. He scored three goals and added two assists from his defensive position.

Louizeau is 24-year old French midfielder with professional playing experience in the Czech Republic, Romania, Portugal, and Belgium. Louizeau most recently played for the FC Atlanta Blackhawks. He is also a product of the youth academies at French clubs Le Havre and Auxerre. Louizeau has played for France’s Ligue 2 side Creteil and for Paris FC, which was then in the Championnat National.

McCarthy is an 18-year old midfielder and winger who is a member of the IMG Premier Development Academy in Bradenton, Fla. McCarthy was a recipient of the Best Player Award at the U-15 level of Manchester United’s Soccer School, and has had a pro trial with English league side Scunthorpe United FC.

O’Garro is a 24-year old left back from Trinidad & Tobago. He played collegiately for Shorter College in Rome, Georgia. O’Garro proved to be an offensive minded defender in college, scoring 12 goals with nine assists.

Salvaggione is an attacking midfielder who played for the PDL Austin Aztex and DFW Tornados last year. Salvaggione played collegiately at UNC-Charlotte before being drafted by the New England Revolution in the third round of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. Salvaggione played professionally last year for Real Colorado in the PDL. He made 13 appearances with the Foxes and scored seven goals.

Stisser is a native of Highlands Ranch, Colo., who played collegiately at Loyola Marymount University. Stisser played last season for the PDL Real Colorado Foxes. The 23-year old midfielder played two seasons for Loyola Marymount and one season for Coastal Carolina.

St Louis Blues beat Capitals 4-3 in shootout

Saint Louis MO — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:30:00 GMT

St Louis MO - St Louis Blues David Perron scored the lone goal in the fourth round of the shootout, lifting the St. Louis Blues to a 4-3 victory over the suddenly struggling Capitals. Washington lost a pair of 6-5 games earlier in the week before the loss to the Blues ended a run of five straight games with at least five goals.

Chris Mason stopped Alexander Semin, Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Brendan Morrison in the shootout and had 31 saves in regulation and overtime for the Blues, who have won three in a row while attempting to climb into playoff contention in the Western Conference.

Ovechkin, who leads the NHL with 42 goals and 89 points, came up empty on eight shots. The St Louis Blues’ home record is near the bottom of the NHL at 12-16-5, but they’ve won three in a row and are three points out of a playoff spot.

Jose Theodore made saves against Patrik Berglund, T.J. Oshie and Brad Boyes before Perron rattled a backhander home in the fourth round. Mike Knuble had two goals for the Capitals, who pulled one point ahead of San Jose for the overall NHL lead with 90 points.

Oshie had a goal and an assist and Mason started in goal for the second straight night, following a 4-0 shutout over Toronto. He was perfect in the shootout, stopping Semin with a brilliant sprawling butterfly save in the first round.

Knuble scored both of his goals on the Capitals’ top-ranked power play, while falling short of giving the franchise a fourth straight hat trick by four different players. Semin scored his 30th of the season and added an assist and Theodore made 33 saves.

St Louis Blues had three one-goal leads in the first two periods and each time the Capitals answered.

Berglund had an easy tap-in after Roman Polak’s wraparound attempt slid through the crease at 9:13 of the first for St. Louis. Knuble tied it less than two minutes later on a two-man advantage.

Oshie scored his 13th of the season, and second in two nights, converting a setup from Paul Kariya on a break midway through the second, but Semin’s shot from the right point made it 2-2 at 13:26.

Erik Johnson scored on a power play just under two minutes later, and Knuble countered by swatting in a rebound on the backhand for his 23rd of the season at 17:43. The Blues announced their 26th sellout of 19,150.

St. Louis Blues beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-0

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 05:25:00 GMT

St Louis Blues - Chris Mason made 30 saves for his second shutout of the season, and T.J. Oshie and Alexander Steen scored short-handed goals in the second period to help the St. Louis Blues beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-0 on Friday night.

Andy McDonald and B.J. Crombeen also scored. Coming off a shootout win over Detroit on Tuesday night, the Blues won consecutive games at home for the first time since Jan. 14-16.

St Louis Blues improved its home record to 11-16-5, still the worst in the NHL, while Toronto lost for the sixth straight time on the road to drop to 8-18-6 away from home, the league’s worst road record. The Maple Leafs are 2-13-2 on the road since Dec. 5 and were playing in their last game before the Olympic break.

McDonald opened the scoring with 5:38 remaining in the first period. On a 3-on-1 break, Erik Johnson’s initial shot was stopped by Jean-Sebastian Giguere, but Patrik Berglund grabbed the loose rebound and fed McDonald alone by the right post. McDonald jammed the puck past Giguere for his 19th goal of the season.

Mason faced his biggest challenges in the third period when Toronto peppered him with 15 shots, but he stopped them all for his 20th career shutout.

St Louis Blues made it 2-0 at 9:07 of the second period. With David Perron in the penalty box for interference, David Backes intercepted a Toronto pass in the Maple Leafs’ zone and tried to score on a wraparound. Giguere made the initial save, but the rebound came straight out to Oshie for his 12th of the season.

The Blues got their second short-handed goal of the period when Steen scored an unassisted goal, his 15th of the season. The former Toronto player circled behind the net and backhanded a shot through Giguere’s pads.

“Obviously (Oshie) capitalized on one,” Backes said. “And Alex Steen did a great job on winning two or three behind the net and comes around and stuffs one in their net.”

St. Louis hadn’t scored two short-handed goals in a game since Jan. 16, 2007, when it beat Anaheim 6-2.
The announced crowd of 19,150 was the St Louis Blues’ 25th sellout of the season.

St Louis Blues Hockey Tickets

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Project Is On Track

Saint Louis MO — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:25:00 GMT

St Louis MO - Next week will mark the one year anniversary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the start of construction on a bridge in Missouri that became the nation's first recovery act project.

Within minutes of President Barack Obama signing the recovery act into law on Feb. 17, 2009, the Missouri Department of Transportation made history by signing a contract and beginning construction on the replacement of a Depression-era bridge over the Osage River near Tuscumbia, Mo.

"Missouri is the Show Me State," said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn. "With this project, we showed the nation that investing in transportation would quickly create jobs and provide economic relief while improving the quality and safety of our roads and bridges."

Today, this recovery act project is a steady symbol of progress. According to a Roads & Bridges magazine article, the bridge is "a prime example of ARRA's intent." Design work was already in process to replace the bridge. Recovery act funds helped push the timetable up, and today the bridge is more than halfway complete. Crews have finished excavation work and built portions of the bridge deck and the approaches on both the north and south sides of the river. Work is under way on the foundation, and soon girders will be placed and the deck spanning the river will be constructed.

The new bridge will be finished this fall. It will provide a much wider and safer passage over the Osage River with two eleven-foot wide traffic lanes and three-foot wide shoulders.

The project also met ARRA's objective to quickly put people back to work and jumpstart the economy. "With a quick blast of an air horn, the project immediately began connecting people with jobs that are still being supported today by ongoing construction on the new span," Rahn said.

The project supports 240 direct, indirect and induced jobs, from employees building the bridge to companies providing concrete, steel and new equipment to local businesses providing amenities like fuel, meals and hotel rooms.

Overall, the $525 million in ARRA funds received by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission will complete work on 196 highway and bridge projects and bolster Missouri's economy by supporting more than 14,000 jobs in St Louis MO.

Charter Communications to launch EPIX

Saint Louis MO — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:35:00 GMT

St Louis MO - Charter Communications said Thursday it plans to launch EPIX, a television, video-on-demand and online service, in May.

Terms of the agreement between Charter and EPIX, a premium movie channel, were not disclosed.

The pay TV channel was launched in October by Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF).

Through its distribution partnerships, EPIX will be available for consumers in nearly 16 million homes by May, Charter said.

EPIX, led by President Mark Greenberg, is also has deals with Cox Communications and Mediacom Communications.

Last month, Charter President and Chief Executive Neil Smit, the highest-paid executive in St Louis MO, announced plans to leave the company at the end of February to oversee cable operations at Comcast Corp., the nation’s largest cable operator. His replacement hasn’t been named.

Missouri Big Brothers Big Sisters win tax credits

Saint Louis MO — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:30:00 GMT

St Louis MO - The Missouri Department of Economic Development said Thursday that two St. Louis organizations that offer various services to Missouri children have been approved for Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) tax credits.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, St Louis MO, has been approved for $250,000 in YOP tax credits. The group will use the tax credits to provide one-to-one mentoring services to at-risk youth in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and Cape Girardeau County.

Life Skills, St Louis MO, has been approved for $59,241 in YOP tax credits. It will use the tax credits for its Youth Employment Services program, which prepares at-risk teens with disabilities to find and keep competitive employment after graduation.

The Youth Opportunities Program, administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, provides tax credits to organizations administering positive youth development or crime prevention projects.

About DED
The Department of Economic Development will achieve its vision by stimulating and supporting economic security, opportunity, growth and a high quality of life in Missouri communities.

The Department of Economic Development administers a wide array of programs designed to enhance Missouri's economy in the 21st Century. It is composed of agencies that execute statutory requirements and department policy in the areas of community, economic and workforce development,.

St Louis Storm Watch: 6 inches of snow possible

Saint Louis MO — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

St Louis MO -- A St Louis Winter Storm Watch is in effect that includes all of the News 4 viewing area for Sunday night to Tuesday morning. The band of snow expected from this storm extends from Texas to northern Indiana and will pass right over St. Louis.

Snow is expected to start falling Sunday night (Super Bowl Sunday) and continue through Tuesday morning. The snowfall will intesify through the day Monday and into Monday night with some seeing more than six inches of snow.

Gusty winds and drifting snow could add to the headaches with this storm. Get the latest St Louis MO weather forecast.

The stlouismo.com has been tracking the weather system and says this snow will be different from what we saw on Friday. News 4 Chief Meteorologist Steve Templeton from Channel 4 says that the warmer temperatures and wet conditions kept our Friday snow totals low, however that will not be the case in this next round. Colder temperatures, windy conditions and the snow and ice already on the ground will mean that whatever falls over the next couple of days should stick.

stlouismo.com will have extended coverage of the winter storm. You can watch live coverage around the clock here and on our twitter.com/stlmissouri.com account. If there are school closings you can find those on KMOV.com and first thing in the morning.

Missouri Housing Commission Wins Two National Awards

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:25:00 GMT

St Louis MO - In recognition of its innovative approaches in serving the hard-hit housing market, Missouri Housing Development Commission is the recipient of two awards for excellence, presented at the 39th annual conference of National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA).

The national conference was held in San Antonio, TX October 3 though October 6. Housing Finance Agencies from numerous states were in attendance to learn about the latest programs and trends in the affordable housing industry. The conference hosted ten program focus areas including communications, finance, governance, homeownership, human relations, information technology, legal, management innovation, rental and special needs housing.

NCSHA hosted an awards ceremony on October 5, where housing agencies were recognized for excellence in six categories.

In the category of Homeownership: Empowering New Buyers, MHDC won the excellence award for its Tax Credit Advance Loan (TCAL) program, which monetizes the first time homebuyer tax credit for use as down payment and closing costs. MHDC was the first housing organization to implement such a program, and it has subsequently been used by numerous other housing agencies.

MHDC’s submission entitled Innovative Private Placement Provides Capital for Homeownership Program During Critical Economic Times won in the category of Management Innovation: Financial. In 2008, MHDC partnered with Federal Home Loan Bank Des Moines to develop a private placement of taxable bonds for its homeownership program. The arrangement has proven to be an imperative capital resource that has financed the MHDC homeownership program during exceedingly difficult times in the capital market.

MHDC is an instrumentality of the state of Missouri, which constitutes a body corporate and politic. It is governed by a board of directors that includes the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, state treasurer and six commissioners appointed by the governor. The commission makes funds available for rental housing developments, preservation of affordable rental housing, home mortgages, home improvement loans, grants to neighborhood housing groups and other housing programs. MHDC functions as a bank, providing financing directly to developers or through a network of private lending institutions.

Missouri Agencies Receive $23 Million in Homeless Support

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:21:00 GMT

St Louis MO - The Obama Administration announced December 23, 2009, that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is renewing grant funding to keep thousands of local homeless assistance programs operational. Nearly $1.4 billion in renewal funding will help an unprecedented 6,400 programs continue to offer critically-needed housing and services to homeless persons and families.

Over 100 social service agencies throughout the state of Missouri are receiving $23 million for homeless services funding. The Balance of State Continuum of Care, which is a community plan to end homelessness that covers the 101 rural counties of Missouri, will be allocated $3.13 million of the $1.4 billion in funding from HUD. Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) is the lead agency for the Balance of State Continuum of Care and will manage the application and allocation process for the 2010 funding.

The $3.13 million received by the Balance of State Continuum of Care will be allocated to qualifying social service agencies. The agencies will use these funds for permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, supportive services and Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) costs.

In 2010, HUD will announce the allocation of funding for new projects that will serve homeless persons and families, a share of which Missouri is planning to receive. The application and allocation process for the new project funding will also be managed by MHDC.

For a complete list of agencies receiving funding through the Balance of State Continuum of Care in 2010, visit www.hud.gov.

The 14 counties of Missouri not included in the Balance of State Continuum of Care serve the more metropolitan areas of the state. These counties receive funding through their own continua, serving the St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles, Springfield, Joplin, Kansas City and St. Joseph areas.

Pete Ramsel has resigned as director of the MDHC

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:16:00 GMT

Pete Ramsel has resigned as director of the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC).

His resignation is effective March 1, 2010 and the MHDC plans to conduct a national search to find a replacement. Pete Ramsel was named director in June 2007 after serving as acting director since October 2005.

Ramsel joined the MHDC in 1995 as a senior loan underwriter and later served as chief underwriter and deputy director.

“Today, I am surprised by the sudden resignation of Pete Ramsel from MHDC,” said Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, who serves on the MHDC, in a statement Wednesday. “Pete has been a consummate professional during his tenure at the commission. Over the past 15 years, Pete has worked tirelessly with commissioners and public and private entities to help strengthen our state by providing affordable housing for low-income Missourians.”

The state housing agency uses tax credits and tax-free bonds to help finance construction of affordable houses and apartments.

Last summer, the MHDC passed ethics reform following a state audit that raised ethical concerns about commissioners’ business ties to developers.

The MHDC recently approved a plan to pay the first year of property taxes for some residents who buy homes this year. The MHDC normally sells $300 million in bonds a year and uses the money to make loans to first-time homebuyers.

http://www.mhdc.com/

Saint Louis, Missouri among most generous cities

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:06:00 GMT

St Louis MO is one of the most generous cities in the United States, a new study shows.

St Louis MO ranks eighth on a list ranking charity donations in 2009 among 273 cities with populations of more than 100,000.

The report ranks the cities based on per capita online giving and on the total amount donated online through Austin, Texas-based Convio.

St. Louisans gave $3.8 million, or an average of $60.26 each, in 2009, compared with $3.5 million, or $61.72 each, in 2008.

Despite a drop in average gift size in most cities, more than $284 million was donated by the 273 major cities in 2009, up from nearly $240 million in 2008.

Alexandria, Va., ranked as the most generous city. View the complete list here.

The rankings are based on the more than $921 million in online donations processed by Convio on behalf of thousands of nonprofit organizations during the calendar year 2009.

Most generous cities
1. Alexandria, Va.
2. Cambridge, Mass.
3. Arlington, Va.
4. Washington, D.C.
5. Minneapolis
6. Seattle
7. Berkeley, Calif.
8. St Louis MO
9. Bellevue, Wash.
10. Ann Arbor, Mich.

Missouri OKs $5M loan for One City Centre

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:03:00 GMT

The state’s finance board approved a $5 million loan for the planned overhaul of the One City Centre office building in downtown St. Louis.

The Missouri Development Finance Board approved the loan in a telephone conference call Tuesday.

The city’s St. Louis Development Corp. made the request in October.

The city is working with SCR Investments, a partnership led by Stacy Hastie, chief executive of Environmental Operations Inc., on the $29 million planned overhaul of the 25-story office tower. The planned improvements helped attract law firm Lewis Rice Fingersh to relocate in the nearly empty building.

One City Centre was sold at a foreclosure sale Wednesday. SCR Investments, an investor group led by Hastie, was the sole bidder with $12.7 million.

One City Centre was part of Pyramid Co.’s real estate portfolio before the development firm, led by John Steffen, closed in April 2008. The building is adjacent to the vacant St. Louis Centre mall.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Supports Children’s Heart Foundation

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:00:00 GMT

St Louis MO - Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, and its foundation will raise funds during the month of February for the Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF), an organization that works to advance research of pediatric congenital heart defects. Build-A-Bear Workshop Guests can support this cause by donating $1 at checkout registers in any Build-A-Bear Workshop retail location in the United States. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the purchase of each Bearville Outfitters™ Virtual Stuff Game Card through March 31, can also be directed by Guests to CHF when they activate the cards at buildabearville.com®, the company’s virtual world.

“Through the remarkable generosity of Build-A-Bear Workshop we are bringing health, hope and happiness to children impacted by congenital heart defects,” said William Foley, the Children’s Heart Foundation executive director. “By supporting promising research and raising awareness nationally, Build-A-Bear Workshop is helping the Children’s Heart Foundation with its goal of saving children’s lives - one heart at a time.”

Build-A-Bear Workshop believes in the teddy bear philosophy of being good people and good bears. Throughout its 13 year history, the company has shared the hug of a teddy bear wherever needed in local communities and abroad. Build-A-Bear Workshop has given Guests a voice in supporting the causes that are important to them and through its corporate donations and foundation grant programs, has given more than $25 million to children's health and wellness, animals, literacy and other important causes.

“Build-A-Bear Workshop strives to provide Guests with opportunities to assist causes that are important to them,” said Maxine Clark, founder and chief executive bear. “As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, it is fitting that we support this organization that is all about helping children. We are honored to partner with this great cause during this season of love to help families whose lives are directly touched by cardiovascular disorders.”

The Children’s Heart Foundation

Motivated by the needs of children, the goal of the Children’s Heart Foundation is to bring health, hope and happiness to children impacted by congenital heart defects, the number-one birth defect in the U.S. The CHF accomplishes this goal by funding the most promising research to advance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital heart defects. For information on the CHF, visit www.childrensheartfoundation.org.

About St Louis MO Build-A-Bear Workshop

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the leading and only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. Founded in 1997, the company and its franchisees currently operate more than 400 Build-A-Bear Workshop stores worldwide, including company-owned stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and France, and franchise stores in Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. In 2007, the interactive experience was enhanced - all the way to CyBEAR™ space - with the launch of buildabearville.com®, the company’s virtual world stuffed with fun. The company was named to the 2009 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list. Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) St Louis MO posted total revenue of $468 million in fiscal 2008. For more information, call 888.560.BEAR (2327) or visit the company’s award-winning Web site at buildabear.com®.

Parental permission may be required to access buildabearville.com. Visit buildabearville.com for details.

49 Teams Submit design improvements for Gateway Arch grounds

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:53:00 GMT

[stlouismo] - A total of 49 teams from the United States and seven foreign countries have entered the competition to design improvements to the Gateway Arch grounds and its connection to downtown.

The CityArchRiver 2015 Foundation announced Friday that the jury for the competition, known formally as "Framing a Modern Masterpiece: The City + The Arch + The River 2015," will meet next week to review the portfolios that were submitted by Thursday’s deadline.

On February 10, 2010 the jury expects to announce results of its review, including invitations to between eight and 10 entrants to assemble complete teams for the next part of the three-stage competition.

On February 18, 2010 an event for local contractors, minority, disadvantaged and women-owned businesses and others will be held at the Old Courthouse to meet with design teams to discuss their opportunities to take part in the project.

Other public events will include a chance to meet the designers in April and a public exhibition of the designs this summer.

Donald Stastny, manager of the competition, said he was "pleased by the level of interest we've received from very talented individuals and firms." Stastny is CEO of StastnyBrun Architects, Portland, Ore.

Attorney Walter Metcalfe, a member of the group that is governing the competition, added:

"We anticipated great interest in this competition, and we were right. The truly global nature of this competition is testament to Saarinen's masterpiece, the Mississippi River, St. Louis and the opportunity to weave it all together.

"Great design minds throughout the world were challenged to share their vision and imagination with us, and they were willing to do. I'm already looking forward to the ribbon-cutting on Oct. 28, 2015 - the 50th anniversary of the completion of the Arch."

Make the Right Call Super Bowl Sunday

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:42:00 GMT

St Louis MO - Make the right call this Super Bowl Sunday by designating a sober driver before kicking off your Super Bowl festivities.

Super Bowl Sunday is one of America's largest and most entertaining national sporting events. It is also one of the most dangerous days on the roads, due to drinking and driving. This year, make the right call and help prevent unnecessary deaths and injuries.

"Designating a sober driver should be on the top of everyone's Super Bowl party list," said Leanna Depue, chair of the executive committee of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. "It's just one of several easy steps to ensure everyone will Arrive Alive at their destination."

Young males, ages 21 to 34, are most likely to be involved in automobile crashes, to drive while impaired and be among those least likely to wear their safety belts. Research also shows that the same group is the core audience for major sporting events like the Super Bowl.

Be a responsible St Louis MO Super Bowl host or guest by following these tips:

•·         Make sure all guests have a designated driver.

•·         Serve plenty of food and include soft drinks, juice and water.

•·         Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game.

•·         Have the numbers of local cab companies at hand.

•·         Take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.

•·         Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age.

Remember, St Louis MO Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk. For more information, visit www.saveMOlives.com.

BUD SELECT 55 - 55 calories and 1.9g carbohydrates

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:32:00 GMT

St Louis MO - Following its success in test markets, SELECT 55 - the lightest beer in the world - will launch nationwide on February 1, answering a growing demand among a segment of adult drinkers who are seeking lower-calorie alcohol beverages to complement their busy lifestyles.

Whether adult drinkers are looking for light refreshment after a busy day or if they simply enjoy delicious low-calorie foods and beverages, SELECT 55 offers an unparalleled clean, crisp flavor with fewer calories than any other beer currently available.

Hitting store shelves across the country as the football season draws to its dramatic close, SELECT 55 will receive a boost in initial awareness when it airs its first national TV ad during CBS' broadcast of Super Bowl XLIV.

"We'd be hard-pressed to find a better way to introduce millions of adult beer drinkers to the lightest beer in the world than to feature the brand as part of our Super Bowl ad lineup," said Keith Levy, vice president of marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. of St Louis MO "We've been encouraged by the positive response SELECT 55 has received in test markets and are pleased to now offer it to consumers nationwide. Our Innovations and brewing teams have once again successfully collaborated to give the consumer what they want."

A smooth, light golden lager with 55 calories and 1.9g carbohydrates per each 12-ounce serving, SELECT 55 is made with caramel malts and a blend of imported and domestic hopping. Brewed to complement the full flavor of Budweiser SELECT, SELECT 55 features a unique recipe that gives the beer its crisp finish with aroma notes of toasted malt and subtle hopping.

SELECT 55's launch will be supported by an all-new Web site -- Select55.com -- that will provide a unique online community for adult beer drinkers, with daily news and updates via "The Lightest Blog in the World," and a place for fans of SELECT 55 to interact.

Brewed at Anheuser-Busch's Los Angeles, St Louis MO and Williamsburg breweries, SELECT 55 is available in 12-ounce, clear glass bottles in 6-, 12- and 24-packs, and 12-ounce aluminum cans in 12- and 18-packs.

Based in St Louis MO, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 49.2 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world's largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser-Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired Global Companies list in 2009. Anheuser-Busch is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and one of the world's largest recyclers of aluminum cans. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or www.Select55.com.

SOURCE Anheuser-Busch

Lovie Smith hires Mike Martz as Bears offensive coordinator

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:24:00 GMT

The Chicago Bears hired former Rams head coach Mike Martz as their offensive coordinator on Monday.

Martz, who employed Bears head coach Lovie Smith as his defensive coordinator in St. Louis early last decade, replaces Ron Turner, who was fired after the season ended.

Martz was out of the NFL last year after serving as the 49ers' offensive coordinator in 2008 and the Lions' coordinator in 2006-07. He'll be tasked with tutoring Bears QB Jay Cutler, who disappointed in mounting a 7-9 campaign with an NFL-high 26 INTs in his first season after being traded from Denver.

His hiring comes after his former boss in St. Louis, Charlie Armey, said making Martz the Bears coordinator would be the "worst thing" that could happen to Cutler's development.

Mike Martz Bio -

Born: May 13, 1951, in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Age: 58 (Seven years older than his boss, Lovie Smith).

Family: wife, Julie, three sons, Chris, David and Tim, and a daughter, Emily.

Childhood: Moved with family to Stockton, Calif., at the age of 8 then moved to San Diego before the age of 10. Attended Madison High School in San Diego and played linebacker.

College: Played tight end for two seasons at San Diego Mesa Community College, then played at UC Santa Barbara in 1971 before transferring to Fresno State in 1972, when UCSB dropped football. Graduated summa *** laude from Fresno State in 1972.

First coaching job: Started as an assistant at Bullard High School in Fresno, Calif, in 1973.

Last coaching job: Was the San Francisco 49ers' offensive coordinator during the 2008 season but was fired after ex-Bear Mike Singletary was named the head coach. The two had clashes when Singletary was the interim head coach, although Martz helped resuscitate the 49ers' offense.

In between: (college assistant): San Diego Mesa 1974, 1976-77; San Jose State 1975; Santa Ana College 1978; Fresno State 1979; Pacific 1980-81; Minnesota 1982; quarterbacks and receivers coach at Arizona State from 1983-87 and Sun Devils' offensive coordinator in 1984, then from 1988-91.

(NFL): 1992-96, Rams: quarterbacks coach 1992-94, wide receivers coach 1995-96. 1997-98, Redskins quarterbacks coach. 1999-2005, Rams: offensive coordinator 1999, head coach 2000-05; 2006-07, Lions: offensive coordinator.

Head coaching record: 53-32 (six seasons with Rams).

Chinese ambassador to visit Missouri's State Capitol.

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:19:00 GMT

St Louis MO - Zhou Wenzhong's visit to Jefferson City is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri officials to promote the development of a U.S.-Chinese air cargo hub at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. The $40 million project includes plans to expand air cargo facilities at Lambert.

"I will continue to devote myself to this project, and I sincerely hope that this big idea will blossom into greater fruition at an early date," Zhou said at a press conference at Governor Jay Nixon's office.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon told reporters the proposed air hub would benefit the entire Midwest as well as Missouri.

"We're centrally located in the United States we're in a unique opportunity to be with the growing, emerging, fast-growing economy of China, to be the leading spot for exporting Missouri goods and opening up trade opportunities both ways," [nixo] said.

Zhou is spending the night at the Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City. On Tuesday, he's scheduled to meet with Lt. Governor Peter Kinder and legislative leaders in St Louis MO.

Steve Ralston has signed with AC St. Louis

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:10:00 GMT

St Louis, Missouri — Steve Ralston has signed with AC St. Louis of the new North American Soccer League after a 14-year career with Major League Soccer.

The 35-year-old St. Louis native signed Monday, becoming what the new league said was the first MLS player to join a non-MLS team. He will also serve as the club's assistant coach.

Team spokesman Tony Hubert said Ralston was an unrestricted free agent after eight seasons with the New England Revolution. Ralston is first in MLS games played with 378.

Ralston went to Oakville High School and Forest Park Community College in St. Louis before going to Florida International University.

The NASL was established in November with nine teams.

AC St. Louis is part of the North American Soccer League (NASL), which was established in November 2009 by the following teams: Carolina Railhawks, Crystal Palace Baltimore, Miami FC, Minnesota (name to be determined later), Montreal Impact, Rochester Rhinos, AC St. Louis, Tampa Bay Rowdies and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

In 2010, the NASL's nine teams will partner with three teams from the United Soccer League (Austin Aztex, Portland Timbers and Puerto Rico Islanders) to form a second division league administered by the United States Soccer Federation.

UAW protests St. Louis Auto Show

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:00:00 GMT

St Louis, Missouri - United Auto Workers protested outside the St. Louis Auto Show, which started today at the America’s Center downtown, after a judge denied their request to hand out fliers inside.

The United Auto Workers had wanted to protest inside the convention center and hand out fliers but was denied permission from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (CVC), which operates the convention center.

The union is protesting Toyota's plans to close the last auto plant in California this spring. The protest also coincides with Toyota's recent recall of eight models for sticking accelerator pedals.

The United Auto Workers then sought a temporary restraining order to pass out the fliers but a federal judge rejected that request so members protested outside. “They want to gain access to the building and say it’s a public building but when we have lessees, it becomes private and they can’t be disrupted,” said Donna Andrews, a spokeswoman for the CVC.

People are buying tickets and paying for the right to come in, said Kitty Ratcliffe, president of the CVC. "The license agreement provides for the quiet enjoyment of the space," she said.

St. Louis Francis Slay told the UAW that he supports the union’s — and every other group’s — right to protest lawfully, spokeswoman Kara Bowlin said. Slay also told the CVC that he supports their decision to exclude protesters from demonstrating inside the America’s Center complex or harassing their clients, she said.

The St. Louis Auto Show runs from today through Sunday and was organized by the St. Louis Auto Dealers Association and JD Events. About 400,000 people attended last year's show, said Chris Adelmann, executive vice president of the St. Louis Auto Dealers Association. "We're happy that we are not going to have any distractions," he said.

On Wednesday, St Louis, Missouri-based Enterprise Holdings said it was removing all of the Toyota cars affected by the recall from its North American rental fleets.

Six Flags in Eureka, Missouri hiring 3,000

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:28:00 GMT

Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka, Missouri, is hiring more than 3,000 employees to fill positions for the 2010 season, which kicks off April 2, 2010.

The theme park said it saw a record number of applicants last year and is already seeing that trend continue this year with 40 percent more 2009 employees returning — the highest rate in nearly a decade and should boost the number of [jobs.

And it’s not just teens. Six Flags is seeing more adults who have been laid-off or are looking for second jobs, said spokeswoman Elizabeth Gotway.

Six Flags is hosting job fairs at the theme park February 6, 20, 27; March 6, 13, 20 and April 3, 10 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - New York-based Six Flags is working to exit bankruptcy in March.

The park offers St. Louis Jobs ranging from entry-level to seasonal management, including operators, lifeguards, cashiers, landscapers, front gate ticket takers, first-aid attendants, security officers, marketing/sales internships, finance, food service and retail positions.

There's no shortage of job opportunities at Six Flags St. Louis this season. Six Flags St. Louis has many exciting employment opportunities throughout the park. As a Six Flags Team Member, you'll be sure to enjoy a new adventure each and every day.

Washington University wins $13 million Gates Foundation health grant

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:00:00 GMT

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has received a five-year, $13 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help eliminate elephantiasis and river blindness. The parasitic diseases belong to a group of infections known as neglected tropical diseases, which collectively have a health impact comparable to HIV and malaria.

"This project will work to optimize treatments that already are being used to help hundreds of millions of people," says principal investigator Dr. Gary Weil, professor of medicine and of molecular microbiology at the School of Medicine, in a statement. "We have simple and cost-effective treatments for many neglected tropical diseases, and for a cost of about 50 cents per person we can alleviate a tremendous amount of human suffering and disability and potentially eliminate some of these diseases permanently."

The new project is informally called "Death to Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis" (DOLF), after its two primary targets. It is believed to be the largest global health grant so far to the university.

Washington University School of Medicine's 2,100 employed and volunteer faculty physicians also are the medical staff of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's hospitals. Through its affiliations with Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's hospitals, the School of Medicine is linked to BJC HealthCare.

High Speed Rail St. Louis to Chicago at 110 mph

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:56:00 GMT

St Louis, Missouri - The White House today will announce the awarding of $1.1 billion in stimulus money for a high-speed rail corridor providing three round trips daily between St. Louis and Chicago at 110 miles per hour along most of the route.

In addition, Missouri will receive $31 million for eight projects intended to upgrade passenger rail service between St. Louis and Kansas City.

The announcement will be made in St Louis, Missouri this afternoon by Ed Montgomery, White House executive director for auto communities and workers. He is to be accompanied by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, Rep. Russ Carnahan, D-St. Louis, and other political and transportation leaders.

The outlay is part of White House plans to award $8 billion for high-speed rail and related improvements across the country. President Barack Obama was to travel to Tampa, Fla., today to announce the grants, one of his administration's key initiatives.

The White House said in a statement Wednesday night that the government planned to fund 13 new large-scale, high-speed rail corridors across the country, likening the spending to President Dwight Eisenhower's commitment to interstate highways.

The $1.1 billion award for the St. Louis-to-Chicago line was a significant victory for the Midwest, achieved after months of fierce competition. The award covers the first phase of the project; the entire cost is estimated at about $4 billion. In addition, Illinois was scheduled to receive $134 million for smaller passenger rail improvements.

"This is a huge deal," Sen. *** Durbin, D-Ill., said in an interview. "It will be a real boost for economic development along the St. Louis-to-Chicago corridor, and we need it. Downstate Illinois has been struggling with 11 percent unemployment, and this comes at a great time."

Carnahan called the awards "big news" for St Louis, Missouri.

"Soon, area workers will be put to work building high-speed infrastructure connecting the two great cities of St. Louis and Chicago and dramatically improving the rail system between St. Louis and Kansas City," Carnahan said. "By connecting Missouri’s two largest economic engines to the rest of the Midwest with faster, more-efficient rail travel, we are making a down payment on the economic future of our region."

The outlay, however, may provide Republican critics more opportunities to complain about the administration's spending decisions.

Illinois officials did not have an immediate estimate on construction time for the entire project. Some segments will be completed first, meaning that trains will be able to achieve the maximum speeds only on portions of the St. Louis-to-Chicago route. A White House release said that the 110-mile-per-hour route ultimately would extend from Alton to Dwight, Ill., 75 miles southwest of Chicago.

The $31 million Missouri award is designed to prevent delays that are interrupting service in the St. Louis-to-Kansas City corridor. As it stands, passenger trains often must give way to freight trains along the route, leading to uncertainties in rail travel between Missouri's major cities.

"What this will do is create an integrated rapid-transit commuter service between Kansas City, St. Louis and Chicago that can yield economic development and jobs both short-term and long-term," said a congressional aide who requested anonymity because the award had not been officially announced Wednesday.

The awards mark a lobbying success for elected officials in Illinois and Missouri. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and Missouri Governor Jay Nixon worked in tandem to persuade the White House, saying that high-speed rail and other improvements would bolster the economies of the two states.

Late last year, Quinn pressed the case in meetings with Obama and top White House aides. And Carnahan, a member of the House Transportation Committee, lobbied Vice President Joe Biden and made personal appeals to Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Szabo and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

By November, the federal government had received nearly 50 applications from 24 states requesting more than $50 billion for high-speed rail awards in addition to more than 200 requests for billions in smaller projects.

White House officials said that in its first 40 years of construction, the interstate system increased the nation's productivity by one-fourth and accounted for more than 7 million jobs.

"This is a long-term venture in which states will need to plan projects, purchase and lay track, build and assemble equipment and construct or upgrade train stations, tunnels and bridges," the White House said in a release, noting that Spain spent two decades and $35 billion to build its high-speed rail system.

After learning of Illinois' award, Durbin was asked if having an Illinoisan in the White House was helpful. "Doesn't hurt," he said.

Source: stltoday.com

Missouri was awarded $31 million for high-speed rail projects

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:30:00 GMT

St Louis, Missouri - Missouri was awarded $31 million for high-speed rail projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"We are very pleased. This is the best news we could have hoped for given the extreme competition for rail funding," said Brian Weiler, director of Multimodal Operations at the Missouri Department of Transportation. "We are excited to have funding for additional projects that will support jobs and carry on the momentum of building a faster and more reliable passenger and freight train service in Missouri and a stronger rail corridor across the Midwest."

The recovery act funding will be used for three shovel-ready projects that will support approximately 190 direct jobs:

•· a second rail bridge over the Osage River that will eliminate delays caused by a bottleneck, plus additional crossovers
that will reduce maintenance flexibility;

•· a universal crossover near the Kirkwood Amtrak station that will ease the flow of passenger train into and out of the St.
Louis area; and

•· safety improvements at several rail crossings, primarily west of Sedalia.

It will also fund preliminary engineering on six future improvement projects worth approximately $100 million, including double tracks between Lee's Summit and Pleasant Hill, a passing siding at Kingsville, a grade separation at Strasburg, a passing siding extension at Knob Noster and universal crossovers - a device that allows trains to crossover to another track in either direction - at Bonnots Mill and Hermann.

Missouri's success was part of a larger Midwest regional effort that, as a whole, captured $2.6 billion of the $8 billion in ARRA funds available for high-speed rail corridor improvements. The state consortium, known as the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative, is involved in an ongoing effort to develop and expand access to an improved passenger rail system in the Midwest. Besides Missouri, other participating states are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Nebraska and Wisconsin.