Joe Holleman
Political correspondent/columnist
Every year, the St. Louis Regional Chamber picks a winner of its highest award, the Right Arm of St. Louis Award.
This year's honoree was monumental: Gateway Arch National Park.
The award is given annually, since 1975, to the person or entity that has made the most outstanding contribution to the St. Louis region in the last year.
After an extensive renovation and remodeling, the Gateway Arch grounds reopened July 3.
St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson, accompanied by her chief of staff, Steve Conway, made an appearance for the pre-dinner sipping and schmoozing portion of the event.
Among those speechifying at the soiree were Ameren topper Warner Baxter, the chamber's chairman; president Tom Chulick; executive veep Giselle Marcus and entrepreneur Ronke Faleti.
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The awards ceremony on Thursday was part of the chamber's 181st annual meeting held at the Chase Park Plaza and emceed by sportscaster Mike Kelly of KMOX (1120 AM).
Others among the 700 or so attendees were politico Jeff Rainford, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce leader Karlos Ramirez and KWMU (90.7 FM) general manager Tim Eby and his wife, Kathi Eby.
A die-hard Cardinal fan, Tim Eby said he is not ready to give up on our local nine just yet, and mentioned he would be attending games this weekend against the Cubs.
Clearly a glass-half-full type of guy, he said, "If we could just sweep this series ..."
