Business Awards

Business Award Logo 2018

Creve Coeur Business Awards


The Creve Coeur Economic Development Committee sponsors the Creve Coeur Business Awards Program to recognize Creve Coeur businesses and organizations. Award categories include:

Heart of the Community

- honors a Creve Coeur business or organization that has demonstrated a commitment to the community by making a positive impact in Creve Coeur or the St. Louis region.

Most Innovative Business

- honors a Creve Coeur business or organization that has demonstrated innovation, unique achievements or significant advancements in their field.

Favorite Restaurant

- honors a Creve Coeur restaurant nominated by its customers for its outstanding service and food quality.

Green Business Award

- honors a Creve Coeur business or organization that has made
sustainability (e.g., energy efficiency, recycling, composting, use of native landscapes, etc.) an
integral part of its business practices.

2018 Creve Coeur Business Awards

The City of Creve Coeur Economic Development Committee (EDC) recognized the winners of the third annual Creve Coeur Business Awards during a ceremony on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. at the Venture Cafe: 39 N located at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 N. Warson Road.

HEART OF THE COMMUNITY AWARD 2018:
Jon Tomas Salon and Spa
This year’s winner is a small business with a big heart. Jon Tomas Salon and Spa has devoted countless hours and resources year after year to raise money for local charities. This past October, they donated bright pink hair extensions in support of cancer research, donating proceeds to the Siteman Cancer Center, which has medical offices throughout St. Louis, including one right here in Creve Coeur. In total, they have raised over $10,000 for the Siteman Cancer Center while also matching more than $2,000 in contributions. The staff’s endless generosity and initiative to give back to the Creve Coeur community exemplifies what the Heart of the Community Award is all about.

Heart of the Community Award

Michael Donini (left), manager, accepted the award for Heart of the Community on behalf of Jon Tomas Salon and Spa from Creve Coeur Mayor Barry Glantz (middle) and Creve Coeur Economic Development Committee Chair, Sekhar Prabhakar (right).

MOST INNOVATIVE BUSINESS AWARD 2018:
Arvegenix
Arvegenix has been in Creve Coeur since 2013, located right here in the 39 North AgTech Innovation District. The Arvegenix team has been researching how to turn a common weed into a viable, profitable crop for Midwest farmers. This weed, called pennycress, can be grown during winter during a crop cycle when nothing else is able to grow. This company’s research shows that, by adding pennycress to their crop rotation, farmers could harvest the pennycress seeds as a new source for oil and animal feed while also preventing nutrient loss in their own soil that would otherwise happen during winter. 

Most Innovative Business Award

Jerry Steiner (middle), CEO, accepted the award for Most Innovative Business on behalf of Arvegenix from Creve Coeur Mayor Barry Glantz (right) and Creve Coeur Economic Development Committee Chair, Sekhar Prabhakar (left).

GREEN BUSINESS AWARD 2018:
Vanchi Properties, LLC
Vanchi Properties was determined to “go green” by incorporating environmentally friendly features into their office building design, making it one of the most energy efficient commercial buildings in the Creve Coeur area. Instead of a traditional HVAC system, the building has a geothermal system that heats and cools the building using 22 tons of geothermal units, reducing energy costs by 30 to 70 percent. The building’s solar power system has over 60 solar panels positioned on the roof, estimated to offset 38,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.

Green Business Award

Saji Jacob (middle), CEO, accepted the award for Green Business on behalf of Vanchi Properties from Creve Coeur Mayor Barry Glantz (right) and Creve Coeur Energy and Environment Committee Chair, Joseph Martinich (left).

FAVORITE RESTAURANT 2018:
Oishi Sushi
Oishi Sushi is a staple in the Creve Coeur community for lovers of Japanese cuisine. Although known for their sushi, this restaurant has a diverse menu that incorporates fresh, high quality ingredients into all of their dishes. In fact, the name of this restaurant is a Japanese word that translates to mean “delicious." The winner of the Favorite Restaurant Award is determined by popular vote, and Oishi Sushi received the most votes out of all nominated restaurants, earning the Favorite Restaurant Award for 2018.

Favorite Restaurant Award

Mek Mccoomb (left), manager, and staff members Jai Cordes (middle) and Somkiet Jaroenngarm (right) accepted the Favorite Restaurant Award on behalf of Oishi Sushi.