On Thursday, April 26, 2018, the Community Builder’s Network of St. Louis (CBN) held its 6th Annual Awards Reception. The event was held at the Saint Louis University Center for Global Citizenship. The Annual Awards Reception is an opportunity for practitioners, community-based organizations, and residents to come together, reflect on how far we’ve all come in the past year, and imagine what’s next for the community development field.

This year, Stephen Acree, President of Rise, took home the award for Outstanding Achievement in Community Building.

The Outstanding Achievement in Community Building Award recognizes an individual who:

  • Demonstrates a long-standing commitment to the community building sector.
  • Exhibits leadership, vision, and a commitment to action and results.
  • Has achieved an outstanding impact in community building policy, investment, or community change.

Stephen has served on the Board of CBN from its beginning, filling the job of Treasurer for many years. Throughout his long and storied career in community development in St. Louis, he has continually used his skills, knowledge, and experience to promote diversity, inclusion, and growth.

Congratulations to all the honorees!

2018 Award for Excellence in Banking
Great Southern Bank

2018 Award for Excellence in Small Business
Taft Street Restaurant & Bar

2018 Award for Excellence in the Community Building Nonprofit Sector
Mt. Sinai Development Corporation

2018 Award for Excellence in Philanthropy
Gail Olson, Co-Founder of Women on Mission St. Louis
and Volunteer in the College Hill Neighborhood

2018 Award for Excellence in the Public Sector
Cheryl Lovell, Executive Director of the St. Louis Housing Authority

2018 Award for Excellence in Resident Leadership
Antwan Pope, Volunteer in the Wells-Goodfellow Neighborhood

2018 Rising Star in Community Building Award
Amanda Colón-Smith, Executive Director of Dutchtown South Community Corporation

2018 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Community Building
Stephen Acree, Executive Director of Rise Community Development

We would like to thank CBN for the honor and for continuing to produce a wonderful community development event!