CEO
is a not-for-profit organization that was founded
by the mayor of the city of St. Louis, the
St. Louis County executive and key organizers
of the Miss Universe Pageant, held in St. Louis
in 1983. That event, which had a significant
economic impact on the metropolitan area and
televised worldwide, was recognized as a prototype
for establishing the image of St. Louis as
a "world class" community while promoting
economic development locally. In
order to be able to manage similar future events,
it was determined that an organization was
needed that could provide the funds and volunteer
resources necessary to ensure success. CEO's
first event, "A Taste of St. Louis" was
held in Forest Park in 1985.
Since
that time, CEO has worked to improve the
St. Louis community through a variety of
civic, artistic, professional and sports
related venues. CEO's members,
representing an array of businesses and organizations,
work hard to promote the health and vitality
of the region and have a vested interest
in the future of our community. The
organization is responsible for bringing
the Missouri Valley Conference to St. Louis
and for the initiation of events such as
the Saint Louis Art Fair, The Spirit of St.
Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend,
and First Night, St. Louis.
In
addition to providing seed money and resources
to launch projects, CEO also presents a spring
forum and fall economic forecast event each
year. These programs are carefully
planned by CEO committees to educate and
entertain the business community.
In
1991, CEO established the CEO Foundation
to sponsor charitable and educational activities
and national or international amateur sports
competitions. The CEO Foundation currently
suports CEO's Arts Education Program in St.
Louis City Schools and the establishment
of a National Architectural Arts Center as
well as the Gateway to Health Challenge and
Gateway Dragon Boat Festival.
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