Wedding bells and business boosts Good news and vibes from STL spread to Motown, Vegas and beyond.
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Vol. 83 No. 11
CAC Audited JUNE 16 – 22, 2011
COMPLIMENTARY
stlamerican.com
Nixon stalls on calling special session
Aloha for the cure
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
Lessons from my father Michael Kennedy Jr. reflects on Michael Kennedy Sr.
Aerotropolis advocates say the time to act is now
By Michael Kennedy Jr. For The St. Louis American
By Rebecca S. Rivas Of The St. Louis American On May 13, the last day of Missouri’s 2011 legislative session, the so-called “Aerotropolis” proposal died when legislators couldn’t resolve their differences on tax credit reforms to a larger economic development bill. “It’s time for Aerotropolis had been bundled as part us to act to of that development bring this thing package. Advocates of home. It’s real. Aerotropolis claim We are well its tax incentives positioned at would spur the crethis moment.” ation of 23,000 construction jobs and – State Sen. 13,800 new permaEric Schmitt nent full-time jobs. They also say it would put St. Louis in a better bargaining position to attract major new cargo and passenger landings at the airport, which could attract other kinds of business development by making Lambert a more accessible and competitive air hub. For any of this to be possible, legislators need to come to a resolution soon, said See NIXON, A6
Photo by Wiley Price
Aloha Mischeaux warmed up with about 64,000 other runners before the start of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Saturday morning in downtown St. Louis. The race is the largest annual fundraiser for the St. Louis Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Last month the local affiliate awarded more than $3.1 million to fund breast cancer screening, treatment, education and support programs in its service area.
As I mentor young kids who have charisma, athletic talent, intelligence and musical gifts, but no father figure, I hear my dad’s voice speaking to me as I was growing up. As president of the company he founded, KAI Design & Build, the wisdom he gave me throughout my life prepared me for today and I am proud to pass it on. “If you can’t Michael Kennedy Sr. communicate, and Michael then you can’t Kennedy Jr. of KAI lead, sell, borrow Design & Build or trade,” says my dad, Michael Kennedy Sr., even to this day. I interpreted “communication” as talking to my classmates, until I ended up in the hall for disrupting a class. I communicated, but without purpose other than to entertain. “There is a time and place for entertaining your friends” was another lesson. My dad has a gift of gab and a great sense of humor. He is a purposeful communicator, which is See KENNEDY, A7
HOMEGOING FOR REV. DR. WILLIAM G. GILLESPIE Pallbearers bring the body of the Rev. Dr. William G. Gillespie, civil rights leader and longtime pastor of Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church, to the hearse outside the church with his family following close behind after services on Saturday.
‘He lived his life as a servant who loved to the utmost By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American The sanctuary, both overflow corridors and the basement of Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church were all at capacity Saturday morning for the final services for the Rev. “We are not here to say goodbye to Rev. Gillespie, we Dr. William Gillespie. Rev. Gillespie are here to celebrate his life.” passed away Friday, June 3, 2011 at the age – Martin Mathews of 80 after more than a half-century of service to his parishioners and the St. Louis community. At his Homegoing service, he was praised by leaders of the See GILLESPIE, A7 Photo by Wiley Price