Strong companies need strong communities. More than 1,100 local companies partner with United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) because they know investing in the region is more than philanthropy, it’s an investment in the people, neighborhoods, and support systems that help the St. Louis region thrive.
As co-chairs of this year’s UWGSL Community Campaign, Chris Zimmerman, president and CEO of Business Operations for the St. Louis Blues, and Ryan Davis, Office Managing Partner of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s St. Louis office, are encouraging fellow business leaders to invest in the programs, services, and nonprofit partners that help local families and communities thrive.
“Every business leader understands a fundamental truth: A strong economy requires strong people and strong communities,” said Chris and Ryan. “Businesses need workers who can build stable lives and care for their families. Our region needs children with opportunities to succeed, families that can weather unexpected challenges, older adults who can live with dignity and a strong safety net when people need help.
“These priorities are connected. The well-being of our people and the strength of our economy go hand in hand.”
Their leadership comes at a critical time. Nearly 40% of households across the region struggle to meet basic monthly expenses, including food, transportation, healthcare, and utilities.
UWGSL’s annual community campaign gives business leaders a practical way to respond. By bringing companies together around proven community resources, UWGSL helps more than 1 million people each year access the support they need to stay stable, overcome challenges, and build brighter futures across Missouri and Illinois.
“Give. Engage. Bring others with you,” Chris and Ryan continued. “Strong communities are everyone’s business. When our people thrive our businesses, our economy and our entire region move forward.”
Chris and Ryan are part of a long tradition of business leaders who have used their influence to strengthen the region through UWGSL.
Across industries including finance, healthcare, technology, and energy and utilities, corporate leaders help drive growth and innovation while also championing efforts that strengthen communities and expand opportunity throughout the St. Louis region.
For many companies, that commitment extends beyond philanthropy. Investing in the community helps strengthen the workforce, build stronger relationships with employees and customers, and contribute to a more competitive region for everyone who calls St. Louis home.
Like Chris and Ryan, former campaign chair Marty Lyons, president and CEO of Ameren, has seen firsthand how collective action through UWGSL can help address community challenges.
He credits UWGSL’s ability to unite and strategically direct community resources as a key reason businesses continue to invest in the organization’s work.
“United Way is great at taking all of the resources from around the community, like business, financial, and human resources, to prioritize and allocate them to the community in a way that people can most benefit from them,” said Marty. “A lot of businesses look forward to working with United Way because of the valuable services that they provide throughout our region.”
For more than a century, this collective impact has connected millions of local neighbors with resources that have helped them stay safe, healthy, and supported, strengthening families, communities, and the region as a whole.
Lal Karsanbhai, president and CEO of Emerson and a former UWGSL campaign chair, reflected on how fellow CEOs can use their influence and personal passions to create lasting change.
“What I would encourage other CEOs to do is find a community-focused initiative that they would be passionate about and engaged in,” said Lal. “Time can be effortless if it’s something you can truly care about and have passion around.”
Company leaders can bring employees, peers, and partners together in support of UWGSL’s work. By using their influence and resources, they can help more households meet essential needs, expand opportunities, and strengthen the future of the St. Louis region. Together, through one community, one campaign, and one collective impact, that leadership can create lasting change across the St. Louis region.
As a business leader, you have the opportunity to make a powerful impact. To learn more about how you can donate, volunteer, become a Leadership Giver, or contribute to UWGSL’s campaign, please visit Helpingpeople.org.
Take action now:
- Make a donation to UWGSL.
- Find out how more participation in our community campaign can revitalize our region.
- Share this story with family and friends.
