NCI to recognize 30 outstanding young professionals
Suburban Journals
September 14, 2010
By Carolyn Marty
Siblings Jeremy and Anna Gettemeier never strayed far from their North County roots. He lives in Ferguson, she in Bel-Nor.
They also remain committed to making a difference in the communities where they live and work.
The Gettemeiers will be among the young professionals to receive the 2010 "NCI Salutes 30 Leaders in their Thirties" Award during a luncheon Sept. 24 at Norwood Hills Country Club.
North County Inc. (NCI) will recognize these 30 outstanding individuals for their contributions to their profession and community.
"These young business, civic and community leaders are impressive," said Rebecca Zoll, president and CEO of NCI, a regional development association. "They are excelling in their professions, as well as, volunteering for area civic and charitable organizations and making a difference in our community. 'NCI Salutes 30 Leaders in their Thirties' is our way of saying 'thanks for your contributions.'"
Since its inception in 2007, Gateway Television News Network and the North County Suburban Journals have partnered with NCI in this event.
"GTN is proud to be a media sponsor for an event that promotes exactly what we have stood for over the last 15 years, and that is promoting the positive attributes and people of North County," said Randy Gardner, GTN news director. "I was very honored in the initial year of the awards program to be recognized as one of the 30 leaders. It makes you feel great that others appreciate your efforts in promoting the North County community."
The awards acknowledge more than past achievements, they single out individuals whose leadership will enhance North County for years to come, Dave Bundy, publisher of the Suburban Journals of Greater St. Louis, said.
"These 30 leaders have already made a mark on North County, but they represent a bright future as well," Bundy said. "The Journals are proud to honor them for what they do and for the example they set."
This year's recipients are Demetrius Adams, Ferguson-Florissant School District; Samuel Anselm, City of Ferguson; David Bahrenburg, IESI Corporation - MO District; Nathan Bennett, Hendel's Market Cafe; Kimberly Braddy, Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce; Sonya Brooks-White, City of Ferguson; Jon Caron, SSM DePaul Health Center; Kimberly Cooper, Community Volunteer (City of Ferguson); Renee Copithorne-Klyn, Schnucks Pharmacy - Cross Keys; Amy Dittmar, Hazelwood School District; Anna Gettemeier, Save-A-Lot Food Stores; Jeremy Gettemeier, Handyman Hardware; Joe Gibson, Edward Jones; Jim Hessel, Missouri Department of Natural Resources; Jim Hieger, North Technical High School; Johnny Luter, U.S. Bank; Casey McKnelly, Christian Hospital; W Samantha Newman, Sunti Designs; Sean Orear, Commercial Bank; Sgt. Ray Rice, St. Louis County Police Department; Anthony Robinson, Ritenour School District; Andrew Roth, Express Scripts, Inc.; Lisa Sisco, Boeing Leadership Center; Tiffany Slater, Hazelwood School District; Natissia Small, University of Missouri at St. Louis; Gene Stephens, Ferguson-Florissant School District; Darrell Strong, Hazelwood School District; Jason Van Beers, Pattonville School District; Edgar Velazquez, St. Louis County Economic Council; and LaRhonda Wilson, St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley.
EDGAR VELAZQUEZ, 34, is project manager for St. Louis County Economic Council's Real Estate and Community Development Division.
One of his main objectives is to help improve the economic conditions and quality of life for North County residents.
In 2009, Velazquez spearheaded the planning efforts for the redevelopment of Jamestown Mall. He assisted in planning the community-interaction meetings to solicit input and to assist the Urban Land Institute as it studied the mall's current challenges and suggested redevelopment opportunities. Planning efforts are ongoing.
He also acted as an advocate and Economic Council representative in a number of projects in the community of Wellston, which included a small business incubator, the creation of trails and parks, and a youth baseball association.
He is a member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis.
He graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago, with a Bachelor of Arts, and a Master of Arts in Urban Planning & Policy.
St. Louis County Economic Council is a member of North County Inc.
