Webster University has been recognized as one of the top businesses in the St. Louis region that has a positive impact on the community and other corporations. The university received the Greater St. Louis Top 50 Award for the sixth consecutive year.
On Nov. 14, the St. Louis Regional Growth Association (RCGA) and RubinBrown presented the award to the university at the Gala Awards Dinner at the Chase Park Plaza. This is the 16th year the awards have been given to top businesses and organizations in the St. Louis area.
“It’s a very nice recognition. Out of all the companies in St. Louis we were one of the 50 to be recognized, and for the sixth year in a row,” Susan Kerth, interim director of public relations, said.
Companies and organizations in the St. Louis region had to fill out a nomination form through RCGA to be considered for the Top 50 Award. Previous award winners were strongly encouraged to apply again this year.
The nomination said winners for the award were chosen based on positive economic impact and corporate citizenship within the business community in St. Louis. St. Louis Commerce Magazine’s December issue profiled all 50 corporate winners in 2011.
Webster’s distinction emphasizes its international education with more than 100 campuses worldwide. Webster is the only private, nonprofit university with military, online and international campuses to win the award.
The university’s yearly Webster Works Worldwide volunteer day also contributes to the school’s corporate citizenship. The service program is now in its 17th year and services many programs throughout the community.
Some other examples of economic impact are sustainable efforts and expansion and development of facilities. The Webster Students for Environmental Sustainability (WSES), as well as the Sustainability Coalition, are two groups upholding Webster’s environmental efforts. Last week the Sustainability Coalition organized a sustainability education week. WSES plans events for students to get involved in and has done things in the past like creating rain gardens and improving recycling.
“I think waste and living practices are improving, from what I’m hearing from students,” Kevin Chau, WSES treasurer, said. “There’s also been more emphasis on creating green buildings.”
The new building for the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology puts 87 percent of its construction waste toward recycling. Building the new facility also creates new construction jobs.
Growth in number of employees is a factor of community contribution as well. In 2009, the school employed 721 people, whereas in 2010 they had 679 employees. Webster also had $199 million in revenue for 2010 compared to $194 million in 2008, according to St. Louis Commerce magazine.
The benefit of receiving the award is acknowledgement from the business community in St. Louis. The organization provides positive media coverage, better networking opportunities with other top companies in the region, improved retention rates and a boost in employee pride.
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