Announcements of new business ventures, real estate on an economic upturn and no tornado fatalities began yesterday’s Chamber of Commerce meeting at Andre’s on Telegraph on a positive note. Even the announcement of a member’s new grandchild signaled that South County is a tight knit area of growth. 

John Armengol Jr., owner of Andre’s and neighboring business A Bride to Be, welcomed the group, with following reports from St. Louis County Police 4th Precinct Captain Marion Monteleone and Mehlville Fire Protection District Chief Tim White, who commented on the recent tornado that swept Sunset Hills.

"It's a wonder that there were no fatalities ... there should have been in all honesty based on the devastation," White said. "It's really a testament to the knowledge of our people and hard work of the community."

Dr. Eric Knost, deputy superintendent of the Mehlville School District, spoke about how Project Engage is progressing and Lindbergh School District Superintendent Dr. Jim Simpson discussed an early childhood center ribbon cutting set for this morning.

County Councilman Steve Stenger served as a guest speaker. He spoke about how the majority of the county is in an unincorporated area, which is unique to St. Louis. Stenger also swore in the new Board of Directors, officers of the South County Chamber, the South County Economic Improvement Board and the new chamber president, David Storms of Meyer Insurance Services, who replaces departing president Cathie David.

"This is a different chamber meeting because all of these individuals get together in the community and where else can you get this kind of an update?" Stenger said. "It's great to be a part of this community and this luncheon."

The Board of Directors and officers act as the voice in governmental and social affairs, communication, and servicing the needs and interests of business, professional and service organizations in South County according to the chamber's Web site.

New members of the chamber each received certificates, Mehlville and Oakville Patch included. 

Instead of a 50/50 drawing, donations went to the Dec. 31 tornado victims in Sunset Hills. 

New Board of Directors

Brian Eyestone

Carl Hendrickson

Shan Herwig

Patty Iverson

Brian Lenhardt

John Meyer

Nancy Palazzolo

Craig Snavely

Diana Switzer

Lee Williams

Jim Silvernail

Captain Marion Monteleone

Captain Mike Dierkes

Dr. Eric Knost

Dr. Jim Simpson

Pat Beisel

Diana Switzer

New South County Chamber Officers

Fred Baras

Cathy Donze

Teresa Dorlac

Art Schuermann

Bruce Hopson

South County Economic Improvement and Advisory Board

Carole Baras

Greg Meyer

Larry Giesing

David Thompson

Steve Stenger

Neil Walkoff

Bruce Hopson

David Robert

Alan Schindler

New President

David Storms