Paul McKee, Jr.

Paul McKee, Jr., was honored with the 2008 Individual Community Betterment Award. McKee is responsible for building businesses, such as Paric Corp and adding Environmental Management to the McEagle Properties trio. WingHaven® and BaratHaven are also examples of McKee’s work and incorporate his Live, Learn, Work and Play philosophy.

Even more impressive, McKee has generously offered his time to the St. Louis community, serving on numerous Boards from the Boy Scouts to BJC.

“Paul’s energy seems endless when it comes to his family and his community,” said MGA President Larry Chapman. “Now, he has turned those energies toward making St. Louis the Midwest cargo hub for the Chinese airlines. We thank him for those efforts.

Great Rivers Greenway District

The Great Rivers Greenway District, formerly known as the Metropolitan Park and Recreation District, was honored with the Organizational Community Betterment Award.

The Great Rivers Greenway District was established in November 2000 with the successful passage of Proposition C in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County in Missouri. This was the first step toward the organization’s efforts to achieve a region-wide system of interconnected parks, trails and greenways known as The River Ring. At its completion, The River Ring will be a 600-mile web of greenways and trails in Missouri and Illinois.

“Communities are recognizing that the benefits of developing an interconnected system of greenways, parks and trails goes far beyond the lifestyle incentives of their recreational use,” said MGA President Larry Chapman. “The River Ring inevitably stimulates economic growth, increases property values, improves tax bases, develops new business, increases community and neighborhood pride, preserves our regional eco-system and encourages healthier lifestyles. So what some might think of as a small feat truly has long-term effects on the viability of the entire St. Louis region and beyond.”