President’s Column

As I write this column, the air is brisk, the fall foliage is at its peak color and the forecast is calling for our first hard freeze. At the Club, our fall traditions and events are in full swing and will continue as the end-of-the-year holidays approach.

I want to highlight two extraordinary events that I was privileged to attend and share a few introductory remarks at during the past month. The first is the Women of Distinction awards banquet, where the Club’s Women’s Initiative Group honored seven local women for their significant achievements in business, mentorship and community involvement. I would like to specifically thank my fellow Governor, Jodi Peterson, and the entire Steering Committee for hosting such a remarkable event. The event was a first-class experience and showcased the marvelous networking opportunities afforded by the Club and our “Clubs within the Club.” If you have not attended this event in the past, do yourself a favor and make sure to attend next year; you will not be disappointed.

The second event actually occurred at the end of September. As many of you may not be aware, the Veterans Room on the fourth floor at the Downtown Clubhouse is the “clubhouse” and regular meeting space for Post #4 of the American Legion. The American Legion is our nation’s largest veterans service organization. On Sept. 28, Post #4 hosted Mr. Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola, the recently elected National Commander of the American Legion. It was inspiring to hear from Commander Troiola and learn more about what he and the American Legion are doing to ensure that our Veterans receive the support and services they need and richly deserve. In keeping with the theme of recognizing and honoring our veterans, the Club’s annual Veterans Day Commemoration will take place on Nov. 10. This is an incredible event and an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the men and women who served our country with tremendous dedication and valor.

In addition to our Veterans Day Commemoration, there are several other outstanding upcoming Club events in the month of November. First, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, the MAC Speaker Series, co-sponsored by the Women’s Initiative Group and the Women Business Owners Roundtable, will host a breakfast meeting and presentation by Kathy Mazzarella, the Chairman, President and CEO of Graybar. Mazzarella will share her thoughts and perspectives on business innovation and longevity.

For those of you who want to get a head start on your holiday shopping, I encourage you to attend the Sip and Shop event at the Downtown Clubhouse on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. For music lovers, the Apollos Fall Concert will take place on Friday, Nov. 18, at the Downtown Clubhouse. Finally, for your turkey day celebrations, a Thanksgiving lunch buffet will be served at the West Clubhouse from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a Thanksgiving dinner buffet will be available at the Downtown Clubhouse from 1-4 p.m. To reserve a space at the West Clubhouse, you will need to do so via phone at (314) 539-4490. Reservations for Downtown may be made via phone at (314) 539-4470 or online.

In October, the Board of Governors visited the Union League of Philadelphia for our annual retreat. Frankly, it would take me two or three times the space afforded here to share all that we learned and gleaned from our experience. Like the MAC in St. Louis, the Union League of Philadelphia has a very prominent and historic building in the heart of Philadelphia. Their “League House” on Broad Street was built in 1864 and remains central to all that the Union League of Philadelphia offers its members. However, they have successfully acquired and integrated three (3) separate golf facilities and two (2) separate dining locations into their club as additional member amenities. The Union League of Philadelphia prides itself on long-term, strategic thinking. One message that certainly resonated and captivated the Board of Governors was the perspective that club leadership should always be thinking about “Building Your Granddaughter’s Club.” That is to say, we should always be thinking two generations down the line to ensure that the MAC is where future generations of the St. Louis community will want to be Members. I thank my fellow BOG Members who were able to attend the retreat, both in person and remotely, for their time and commitment to the MAC and our current and future generations of Members.

Finally, I would like to recognize a recent recipient of the distinguished employee award. This individual works diligently behind the scenes at the Downtown Clubhouse to ensure our Members, guests and staff can have an exceptional experience.

Diatra Sykes Title: Housekeeping Supervisor Start Date: 10/26/2018

Thank you for your service to the Club, Diatra! Your dedication to improving and enhancing our Club is one of many reasons that the MAC maintains its “Platinum Club” status. We are grateful to have you at the MAC!

Members, I wish you and your family a great Thanksgiving, and I look forward to seeing you at the Club this fall.

Brent Beumer, President Missouri Athletic Club