Reinvest North County :
A Celebration of Progress
Two years , three partners , four school districts , 50 businesses and more than $ 950,000 later !
The St . Louis Regional Business Council ( RBC ) is pleased to recognize the progress and impact of the Reinvest North County Fund . To date , there have been 10 rounds of funding , totaling more than $ 950,000 . Initially organized as an immediate business response to the August 2014 civil unrest in Ferguson and surrounding communities , the Reinvest North County Fund has proved to be a vital vehicle for providing critical support . This final allocation of funds brings the conclusion of a successful effort to make an immediate and impact-full difference when the civil unrest occurred . Not only will the RBC continue to help as part of their ongoing agenda , but a number of other initiatives are also in place to help carry this important work forward .
In partnership with North County Incorporated ( NCI ), the Fund was created to raise money to help numerous area small businesses and four school districts . The RBC and NCI also partnered with the Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation to provide administrative support for the Fund .
“ I could not be more proud of the collective power of the St . Louis business community , as well as individuals and foundations that stepped up to respond to a desperate situation ,” said Kathy Osborn , Executive Director of the St . Louis Regional Business Council . She added , “ Supporting educational opportunities and a diverse business environment are deeply held core values , and we believe in quality of life investments that make our region a better place to live , work and grow . The Reinvest North County Fund exemplifies the kind of impact we can have when everyone understands what ’ s at stake and pitches in to make a difference .”
Funding to help the children , families and staff was provided to four school districts : Riverview Gardens School District , Jennings School District , Ferguson-Florissant School District , and the Normandy Schools Collaborative . From food pantries , clothing and transportation , to robotics equipment , science books and supplies , meeting the needs in school has been top priority .
About RBC :
In 2000 , the Regional Business Council was launched with 50 mid-cap business executives , the first effort in the St . Louis region to bring together the leaders of mid-cap companies . In recent years , the St . Louis region ’ s business community has seen an increase in highly successful mid-cap 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 , that are 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 .
Fifty-five businesses received crisis assistance to repair and rebuild , as well as support for owners to attend capacity building workshops in finance , human resources , law , insurance , marketing and public relations . Fifty businesses remain in operation .
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 .
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