RBC considers diversity ‘core’ issue
By Doug Albrecht
For the St. Louis American
The Regional Business Council is a consortium of 100 presidents and chief executive officers representing some of the largest privately and publicly held companies in the 16-county metropolitan area. Since nearly all of the member companies are headquartered in the St. Louis region, we have a vested interested in the growth of the region. As a business, civic and philanthropic organization, the RBC has identified five key focus areas as vital to the development of our region as a world-class economy: regional governance, higher education, K-12 education, quality of life and business diversity.
The RBC believes that diversity is a core business issue and for businesses to be successful in the 21st century companies must have a diversified workforce. The RBC works to create a vibrant, minority-friendly business community, both in helping to increase the hiring and promoting of minorities and broadening the pool of minority supplier contracts within RBC companies.
Developing and attracting diverse young talent to the St. Louis region is a key component to the continued growth of our region. To strengthen the connection between minority students and the region’s business community, The Regional Business Council has developed the RBC Mentor Network and the African-American Corporate Network.
Through collaboration with our region’s higher-education institutions, the African-American Corporate Network highlights the many professional and cultural opportunities that exist for minority students. To strengthen the connection between minority students and the region’s business community, RBC members have stepped forward to mentor the students. Through one-on-one discussions, students are provided practical, real-world knowledge and connections to the region’s cultural institutions and business leaders.
Through mentoring, panel discussions and networking events with other area young minority professional groups, students gain hands-on information on how to build a successful career, be successful in the St. Louis region and how to connect with the community to take advantage of the numerous cultural opportunities our region affords.
Diversity has been a focus of the RBC since our inception in 2001, and we are committed to diversifying the region both professionally and culturally.
Doug Albrecht is chairman, president and chief executive officer of Centric Group L.L.C. and chairman of The Regional Business Council.