Events

2023 What’s Right with the Region Awards

2023 What's Right with the Region Awards Each year, FOCUS applauds the efforts of the individuals, organizations and/or initiatives making a positive difference in the St. Louis region with our What’s Right With the Region Awards.

Over the past 25 years, FOCUS has had the privilege of celebrating the accomplishments of more than 500 honorees.

Our 26th Annual Awards Celebration is set for Thursday, May 11, 2023, at The Sheldon, and nominations are now open through Jan. 31.

Submit A Nomination

Nominations

Nominations are now open for our 2023 What’s Right with the Region Awards!

All in our community are invited to nominate organizations, individuals and initiatives in the following categories:

Demonstrating Innovative Solutions: Nominee has demonstrated innovation, creativity and vision in making the St. Louis region a better place to live, work, invest or visit.
Enhancing Regional Prosperity: Nominee is dedicated to the growth of the region and building a stronger workforce and economy for the benefit of all.
Improving Equity and Inclusion: Nominee has shown a strong commitment to promoting diversity, access, inclusion, opportunity for all.
Promoting Community Health & Well-being: Nominee is working to improve the collective health and wellness of our region’s residents, as well as addressing the social determinants of health.
Emerging Initiatives: Nominee is a promising new business, organization or initiative (in existence for 3 years or less) that is already serving as a catalyst for change.

All nominations are due by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which category should I choose? It’s not uncommon that a nominee might fit in multiple categories. Please choose the one that best fits the nature of your nomination and their efforts. All entries will be reviewed by staff prior to judging, and if needed, category adjustments can be made.
Can I nominate the organization where I’m employed? Yes, self-nominations by organizations are welcome.
Will multiple nominations increase the chance of being selected? No, one thorough nomination is best. Additional weight is not given based on the number of nominations.
I submitted a nomination in a past year that was not selected – should I submit again? Absolutely! With so many great entries each year, it’s always a difficult choice for our judges and often a close call. We welcome resubmissions!
Can I nominate an organization/individual who has been recognized before? All submissions will be considered by the judges, but they will take into account the length of time since last recognition and whether substantial changes have occurred since then (i.e. change in mission, new programs, etc.) Entries recognized in the past five years are unlikely to be selected again.
How do I know if a nominee has been recognized before? Check out the list of past honorees here.

If you have additional questions regarding nominations, please contact Becky Rasmussen at beckyr@focus-stl.org or (314) 657-4027.

Judging

Help select our 2023 What’s Right with the Region honorees!

We’re seeking 40-50 volunteer judges to serve on our Selection Committee. As a judge, you will be assigned to one of the five categories and will be provided with instructions and entries to review/score the week prior. Committee members will then come together virtually on Feb. 16 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. to finalize the award recipients.

FOCUS members, alumni and community members are all welcome to participate! Sign up here.

If you have any questions regarding judging, please contact Becky Rasmussen at beckyr@focus-stl.org or (314) 657-4026.

Awards Celebration

Save the date for the 26th Annual What’s Right with the Region Awards Celebration!

Thursday, May 11, 2023
5:00-8:00 p.m.
The Sheldon

Tickets for this inspiring event will go on sale in late February.

As a nonprofit, this event represents FOCUS’ most important fundraising event of the year, and your ticket purchase helps to support our ongoing mission to educate and connect leaders and facilitate important conversations in our community.

Sponsorships

What’s Right with the Region has a tremendous impact on FOCUS St. Louis and on the organizations and people we honor each year, and meaningful partnerships make all the difference.

WRWR sponsorship is a unique opportunity to build stronger community ties, promote your business, and be intimately associated with one of the most well-known civic leadership organizations in the country.

Sponsorship opportunities are offered at a range of levels and with a variety of benefits. Learn more by contacting FOCUS Development Director Michelle Stevens at michelles@focus-stl.org or (314) 657-4029.

Past Honorees