2022 What’s Right with the Region Awards

Nominations are now open for our 2022 What’s Right with the Region Awards! 

We are seeking nominations of organizations, individuals or initiatives in the following categories:

1) 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.
2) Enhancing Regional Prosperity: Nominee is dedicated to the growth of the region and building a stronger workforce and economy for the benefit of all.
3) Improving Equity and Inclusion: Nominee has shown a strong commitment to promoting diversity, access, inclusion, opportunity for all.
4) 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.
5) 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 online by noon on Monday, Feb. 7, 2022!

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 any additional questions, please contact Becky Rasmussen at beckyr@focus-stl.org or (314) 657-4027.

Save the date for the 25th Annual What’s Right with the Region Awards Celebration on Thursday, May 12, 2022!

All What’s Right with the Region nominations are reviewed by a committee of community leaders and FOCUS alumni.

Selection Day is set for Feb. 16, 2022, and we’re currently seeking volunteer judges. 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 Selection Day to finalize the award recipients.

Learn more and sign up to volunteer.

For 25 years, FOCUS St. Louis has honored the individuals, initiatives and organizations helping to shape and improve our region.

View Past Honorees

You can also check out videos of recent award recipients on the FOCUS YouTube channel.

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.

This 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.

Learn more about becoming a sponsor for our 25th Annual What’s Right with the Region Awards by contacting Director of Development Michelle Stevens at michelles@focus-stl.org or (314) 657-4029.