‘Press Releases’ Category

2/27/2024 – Registration Now Open for the Spring 2024 Session of Citizens for Modern Transit’s Ten Toe Express® Walking Program

Tuesday, February 27th, 2024

With the start of spring just weeks away and area residents eager to get back outside, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) and AARP in St. Louis have announced that registration is now open for the CMT Ten Toe Express® program. This award-winning program features weekly guided tours that mix walking and transit use to help older adults and other interested individuals lead healthier lives. The 12-week spring session will kick off Friday, April 5, with a special walking tour of CITYPARK Stadium in downtown St. Louis and will run through the end of June. Registration for the spring session is req uired and can be completed online at www.cmt-stl.org or at one of the many in-person registrations events being held community wide. There is a registration fee of $15 to cover a portion of the program costs.

The Ten Toe Express® program links activity, sociability and exercise with the use of MetroLink and MetroBus. Each weekly walking tour is led by a trained, volunteer walk leader and ranges in length from 0.3 to 5 miles, depending on the group and destination. Each tour starts from an area Metro Transit Center – including Brentwood I-64, Forest Park-DeBaliviere, Belleville and Shrewsbury-Lansdowne 44. Participants then take the MetroLink or MetroBus to Forest Park, downtown St. Louis, the Delmar Loop, downtown Belleville or other areas (depending on the week), where they explore local attractions and stop for lunch or a snack before heading back. Walking maps with instructions on how to utilize transit to get to many of the region’s cultural and entertainment hot spots are available online to assist those who want to explore areas independently.

All registrants receive a walking kit, which is valued at $50 and includes a CMT Ten Toe Express® belt bag, pedometer and MetroLink tickets. Any individual who opts into receiving information on AARP also receives a special gift, while supplies last. Registration can be completed at www.cmt-stl.org or at the following registration events being held in March and April:

  • Wednesday, March 6, from 10 a.m. to noon – Shrewsbury Community Center, 5200 Shrewsbury Ave. St. Louis, MO 63119
  • Friday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to noon – St. Clair County Office on Aging, 201 North Church Street Belleville, IL 62220
  • Tuesday, March 12, from 9 a.m. to noon – Belleville Transit Center, 718 Scheel St. Belleville, IL 62220
  • Wednesday, March 20, from 10 a.m. to noon – Shrewsbury Community Center, 5200 Shrewsbury Ave. St. Louis, MO 63119
  • Friday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to noon – St. Clair County Office on Aging, 201 North Church Street Belleville, IL 62220
  • Tuesday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to noon – Florissant Senior Resource Fair at JFK Community Center, 315 Howdershell Road Florissant, MO 63031

 

Special walks, like the April 5 walking tour at CITYPARK Stadium, home to St. Louis CITY SC, are scheduled periodically throughout the season and may include additional costs. This particular one-hour walking tour is two to three miles in length and will be led by a CITYPARK guide, giving walkers access to parts of the stadium typically not available to fans. After the tour, walkers will have the opportunity to explore the Pillars of the Valley monument, a tribute to Mill Creek Valley. Space for this special tour is limited, and registration – which can be completed online or at one of the in-person registration events – is required.

“Over the years, the Ten Toe Express® program has helped thousands of older adults maintain their independence and mobility by providing them with an opportunity to get moving, socialize with others and become familiar with our region’s transit system,” said Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “The spring and fall sessions attract hundreds of participants each year. While many of these are new registrants, there are dozens who have been participating in the Ten Toe Express program for years – a testament to how truly impactful this program really is.” To learn more about the Ten Toe Express® program, visit www.cmt-stl.org or call 314-231-7272.

About Citizens for Modern Transit

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is the region’s transit advocacy organization. It was established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis and works to develop, support and enhance programming and initiatives to ensure safe, convenient and affordable access to the region’s integrated public transportation system. CMT champions, challenges, encourages and advocates for public transit in an effort to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life in the St. Louis region.

About AARP in St. Louis

AARP in St. Louis is the local connection for AARP – the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people to choose how they live as they age. Locally this is done through virtual & in-person engagement opportunities, legislative efforts on the local, state and federal level, educational resources, and volunteer opportunities. Advocating for and supporting efforts that contribute to creating a lifelong community is at the core of what we do in the St. Louis region. www.aarp.org/stlouis

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Kelly Harris

The Hauser Group

314-436-9090

2/22/2024 – Tooth Fairy Giving Drops for First Time in 5 Years, According to Delta Dental Poll

Thursday, February 22nd, 2024

Feb. 22, 2024 — The slowing of U.S. inflation has trickled down to the Tooth Fairy.

New Delta Dental findings from its 2024 Original Tooth Fairy Poll® revealed the average value of a single lost tooth during the past year declined by 6% from $6.23 to $5.84. This represents the first year-over-year decline in Tooth Fairy giving in five years.

While the loss of a first tooth typically commands a premium, the poll also found the Tooth Fairy is minding her pennies in celebration of this milestone with the average value dropping from $7.29 to $7.09 over the past year.

“Delta Dental has tracked U.S. Tooth Fairy giving trends for 26 years as a timely way to spotlight the importance of children’s oral health,” said Gabriella Ferroni, Senior Director, Strategic Communications, Delta Dental Plans Association. “It is not a surprise to see she tightened her purse strings following last year’s record high. Despite the more economical reward, Tooth Fairy giving is a fun conversation starter to encourage good oral hygiene habits at an early age.”

The worth of a lost tooth and the economy

Historically, the Original Tooth Fairy Poll® has typically mirrored the economy’s overall direction, tracking with the trends of Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500). However, in 2023, the value of a lost tooth went in a different direction, and it continues in 2024. The average value of a single lost tooth decreased 6% over the past year, while the S&P 500 experienced a 20% increase during the same period.

U.S. regional ranking for the average value of a lost tooth

  1. West ($8.54): Surged ahead of the pack to lead U.S. regions with the highest monetary gift for a lost tooth, marking a 37% increase since last year’s results.
  2. Northeast ($6.87): Increased 12% and surpassed the national average by more than $1.00.
  3. South ($5.51): Dropped below the national average, after leading last year with $6.59 for a lost tooth.
  4. Midwest ($3.63): Significantly trailed the national average with a 36% drop, returning close to its 2021 average of $3.66.

 

About the poll

The Original Tooth Fairy Poll® was conducted between Jan. 3, 2024 and Jan. 17, 2024, among 1,000 parents of children ages 6 to 12. The margin of error is +/- 3%.

The January 2023 S&P 500 average was 3,942 and increased to an average of 4,746 for January 2024, consistent with the timing of the Original Tooth Fairy Poll®.

For more information about the Delta Dental-sponsored survey and oral health tips for infants to pre-teen, visit the Original Tooth Fairy Poll®.

 

About Delta Dental Plans Association

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Delta Dental Plans Association is the not-for-profit national association of the 39 independent Delta Dental companies. Through these companies, Delta Dental is the nation’s largest dental benefits provider, covering more than 89 million Americans and offering the country’s largest dental network with approximately 152,000 participating dentists. Over the last decade, Delta Dental companies and their foundations invested over $1.9 billion to improve the oral and overall health of our communities.

Visit deltadental.com for information on individual dental benefit plans and group dental benefit plans.

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2/22/2024 – Winners Revealed in UScellular’s 7th Annual Black History Month Art Contest

Thursday, February 22nd, 2024

PEORIA, Ill. (February 22, 2024) – Today, UScellular revealed the winners of its 7th Annual Black History Month Art Contest with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria.

Public voting for the finalists’ art was available online, and the winning artists from each Club were awarded gift cards. Winners from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria received gift cards in the following amounts:

  • Karina W. received $250 for 1st Place for the portrayal of Mary Jackson
  • Aryn W. received $150 for 2nd Place for the portrayal of James Andrew Harris
  • Liam W. received $100 for 3rd Place for the portrayal of Mae Jemison

“The Black History Art Contest at the Boys and Girls Clubs is a groundbreaking opportunity for our young members to merge creativity with the principles of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” commented Stephanie Rohrer, Program Director for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria. “This innovative contest not only celebrates the rich contributions of Black individuals to these fields but also encourages our youth to explore the intersection of art and STEM disciplines. Through their artistic expressions, these children are not only honoring the legacy of Black innovators but also forging new pathways for future generations. This contest embodies the spirit of ingenuity, resilience, and inclusivity, empowering our youth to become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.”

Boys & Girls Club members were encouraged to create original pieces of artwork representing influential Black STEM icons. These included historical figures, world leaders, scientists and educators who have made vital contributions to the world of science, technology, engineering and math.

Ten finalists were chosen by representatives from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria and local UScellular leaders based on creativity, quality, interpretation, clarity of theme and overall impression. Public voting for the finalists was made available online from February 1-15 and the finalists’ artwork was digitally displayed at the local UScellular stores at 3517 N. University, 4221 N. Sterling Avenue and 8809 N. Allen Road.

Since 2009, UScellular has invested more than $47 million in monetary donations, technology resources and countless experiences to nonprofit organizations across the country. For more information about UScellular’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, please go to newsroom.uscellular.com/community.

No Purchase Necessary. Entrants who are minors must have parental consent to participate in the Contest. Official Contest Rules, including full entry details and Finalist and Winner selection criteria/voting are available by email request to USCDLMediaRelations@uscellular.com.

 

About UScellular

UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has pledged to provide hotspots and service to help up to 50,000 youth connect to reliable internet. Additionally, UScellular has price protected all of its plans, promising not to increase prices through at least the end of 2024. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.

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For more information, contact: Kelly Harris, Public Relations Counsel, 314-898-8116, Kelly@HauserGroupPR.com

2/21/2024 – Citizens for Modern Transit to Host “Candid Conversation with Commuters,” Allowing Transit Officials to Engage Directly with the Public

Wednesday, February 21st, 2024

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2/15/2024 – Allegiant Adding Nonstop Service to Knoxville from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport

Thursday, February 15th, 2024

Service to Knoxville will begin in June 2024

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) today announced that Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is adding new, nonstop service between the Mascoutah, Ill.-based airport and McGhee Tyson Airport in Acola, Tenn. (TYS), providing individuals with direct access to Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains. Beginning June 13, flights between the two airports will be offered twice weekly – on Sundays and Thursdays. The new route marks the only nonstop service currently available between St. Louis and Knoxville.

“Knoxville is a terrific complement to the other existing low-cost flights offered by Allegiant out of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, and we’re confident passengers will appreciate the added choice as much as they appreciate the hassle-free experience of flying from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport,” said St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern.

The new route between BLV and TYS will be the 11th nonstop destination currently available via MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and the first destination in Tennessee offered by Allegiant from the St. Louis region. Other nonstop destinations currently served by Allegiant out of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport include Ft. Lauderdale, Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, Jacksonville, Sanford/Orlando, Sarasota/Bradenton, Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers and St. Pete/Tampa in Florida, as well as the destinations of Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Savannah, Ga.

“The new service to Knoxville is a great addition to the routes currently available,” said Darren James, director of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. “We know area travelers will enjoy having a friendly, low-cost, convenient option for travel to the city of Knoxville and Great Smoky Mountain National Park.” Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found at flyMidAmerica.com or AllegiantAir.com.

About MidAmerica St. Louis Airport

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is located in Mascoutah, Illinois, in the eastern portion of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Passenger service to a variety of popular destinations is offered by Allegiant. Major multimodal rail and inland port centers are located within 22 miles of the airport, which also enjoys easy access to five interstate highways via I-64. With parallel runways of 8,000 and 10,000 feet, the airport can handle simultaneous take-offs and landings in all conditions, minimizing delays. It has an annual capacity of 200,000 operations. Tenants include Boeing, which has a manufacturing facility at the airport and North Bay Produce, an international, grower-owned, year-round, fresh produce marketing and distribution cooperative headquartered in Traverse City, Mich. MidAmerica is a Joint Use Airport partnering with Scott AFB, the home to US Transportation Command, a multi service organization, and Air Mobility Command, the USAF’s component command for airlift. MidAmerica and the 375th Air Mobility Wing operate Scott AFB/MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.

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Contact:

Pamela Powell

314-436-9090

2/14/2024 – Partners Launch “Match with Metro Transit” Campaign to Encourage Drivers to Get Better Acquainted with MetroLink and MetroBus

Wednesday, February 14th, 2024

Partners will be handing out Valentine treats to current riders on Feb. 14 and are offering Free Monthly Transit Passes for First-Time Transit Users

WHO: Representatives of Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), Metro Transit and St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD), and hundreds of morning commuters

WHAT: Effort to thank current transit riders, while encouraging them to help friends, family members and coworkers who currently commute by driving get better acquainted with MetroLink and MetroBus

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.

WHERE: Select Metro Transit locations, including: –

    • North Hanley Transit Center, 4300 N. Hanley Rd., St. Louis, MO 63134
    • Cortex MetroLink Station, located at 270 Duncan Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110
    • Central West End Transit Center, 410 S. Euclid, St. Louis, MO 63110
    • Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 Transit Center, 7201 Lansdowne Ave, St. Louis, MO 63119
    • Belleville Transit Center, 800 Scheel Street, Belleville, IL 62221**
    • 5th & Missouri Transit Center, 150 N. 6th St., East St. Louis, IL 62201
    • **Spokespersons will be available at the Shrewsbury-Lansdowne 1-44 Transit Center

 

SIGNIFICANCE:

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) – in conjunction with Metro Transit and St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) – is encouraging motorists to get better acquainted with MetroLink and MetroBus this month through its “Match with Metro Transit” campaign. Those new to the public transit scene can get a free monthly transit pass for their school or workday commute during the month of March by registering before Thursday, Feb. 29, at www.cmt-stl.org. March passes are available to the first 250 individuals who register. Current riders will also receive a free, limited-edition, transit T-shirt if they get a new rider to register. Street teams will be at six Metro Transit locations during the morning commute on Valentine’s Day, handing out valentines and candy to thank riders and educate them about this effort. Taking MetroLink and MetroBus is convenient and cost-effective. It can also save commuters money on gas, parking and vehicle wear and tear. According to the American Public Transit Association, a two-person household can save as much as $10,000 annually by downsizing to one car and using public transit.

“Match With Metro Transit” is part of the partnering organizations’ ongoing efforts to interact with riders, strengthen relationships and reinforce their collective commitment to a safe, comfortable, customer-focused transit experience. To learn more, visit www.cmt-stl.org.

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2/8/2024 – Newly Released Report Reveals Overall Economic Impact of Transit in Missouri at $4.05 Billion Annually

Thursday, February 8th, 2024

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Feb. 8, 2024) … Findings of a six-month study commissioned to quantify the economic impact of public transit services in the state of Missouri were released yesterday during a panel discussion hosted by Citizens for Modern Transit’s (CMT) and the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA). More than 60 CMT and MPTA members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others attended the virtual forum, underscoring why transit matters to Missouri and state investment must be a priority. To view the discussion in its entirety, visit www.cmt-stl.org or www.mopublictransit.org.

Those in attendance first heard from Robert M. Lewis, FAICP, CEcD, the independent consultant and assistant professor of Urban Planning & Development at Saint Louis University who led the “2023 Economic Impact of Public Transit in Missouri” study. He outlined how data was collected and conclusions were made, before presenting the statewide impacts of public transit, as well as information on how transit influences urban and rural areas of the state and the respective economies.

Overall highlights of the study as it relates to accessibility, employment and economic impacts and are as follows:

• There are 32 transit providers in Missouri that collectively promote personal mobility in every single county by providing a total of 40.1 million rides annually. For some, transit is the sole means by which they can gain access to work, school, healthcare facilities, pharmacies, grocery stores and other needed goods and services. Others have personal vehicles but like to use public transit because it offers a safer, more cost-effective and convenient means for getting to places for work or play.

• Transit gets thousands of Missourians to and from their place of employment every day. It also directly employs more than 3,800 individuals, with an annual average salary of $86,400, and indirectly adds more than 22,000 jobs to the state each year.

• Transit yields an overall economic impact of $4.05 billion annually, including $481 million in spending by transit riders. Over the last five years, transit agencies spent an average of $401 million annually on capital investments. The state government collects an estimated average of $51 million in annual taxes because of the direct and multiplier effects of transit.

-more-

Economic Impact of Public Transit in Missouri
First and Final Add

Hyper-local numbers are also outlined in the report, including the economic impact of public transit in Greene County via City Utilities of Springfield’s service area. City Utilities Transit employs 65 individuals and provides 1,009,000 rides each year. The direct annual spending of those riders is $7.9 million, with another $12.1 million attributable to their in-direct spending. The total economic impact of City Utilities of Springfield is $48.3 million each year.

Kimberly Cella, the executive director of both CMT and MPTA, who served as the moderator for the event noted, “Transit is undoubtedly delivering for Missouri. The impacts extend beyond the ride, and it is imperative that continued investment is made by the Missouri legislature.”

Cella went to on to explain that transit systems across the nation receive approximately 40% of their annual operating budgets from their respective states, but this is not the case in Missouri. Despite significant wins in recent years – including the 2023 investment by the state of Missouri that represented a 34% increase over 2022 and a more than 580% increase since 2021 – Missouri is still trailing other states. In fact, transit providers across Missouri get less than 3% of their annual operating budgets from the state. “More must be done, and Governor Parson proactively including $11.7 million for transit in this year’s recommended state budget – which maintains the 2023 investment level – is a solid start,” Cella stated.

The forum concluded with a panel of stakeholders – including Adam Kazda, Vice-President of Government Relations with Greater St. Louis, Inc.; Frank White, CEO of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority; and Denny Ward, Executive Director of Southeast Missouri Transportation Service – weighed in on the findings, before the forum opened up for questions from attendees.

After the forum was over, Matt Crawford, Director of Transit at City Utilities of Springfield commented, “I believe this helps tell the story of the value of public transportation in Springfield. This insight is crucial as we make decisions regarding our service in the near future.”
The complete “Economic Impact of Public Transit in Missouri” report, which includes service area specific information, can be accessed at www.cmt-stl.org or www.mopublictransit.org.

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is the region’s transit advocacy organization. It was established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis and works to develop, support and enhance programming and initiatives to ensure safe, convenient and affordable access to the region’s integrated public transportation system. CMT champions, challenges, encourages and advocates for public transit in an effort to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life in the St. Louis region.

Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) was established in 1980 as a Missouri non-profit corporation. It was formed to provide a unified voice for public and specialized transportation providers in Missouri and to work toward elevating the status of public transit as a national priority.

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2/8/2024 – Newly Released Report Reveals Overall Economic Impact of Transit in Missouri at $4.05 Billion Annually

Thursday, February 8th, 2024

City Utilities of Springfield’s Service Area Contributes $48.3 Million to this Total

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Feb. 8, 2024) … Findings of a six-month study commissioned to quantify the economic impact of public transit services in the state of Missouri were released yesterday during a panel discussion hosted by Citizens for Modern Transit’s (CMT) and the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA). More than 60 CMT and MPTA members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others attended the virtual forum, underscoring why transit matters to Missouri and state investment must be a priority. To view the discussion in its entirety, visit www.cmt-stl.org or www.mopublictransit.org.

Those in attendance first heard from Robert M. Lewis, FAICP, CEcD, the independent consultant and assistant professor of Urban Planning & Development at Saint Louis University who led the “2023 Economic Impact of Public Transit in Missouri” study. He outlined how data was collected and conclusions were made, before presenting the statewide impacts of public transit, as well as information on how transit influences urban and rural areas of the state and the respective economies.

Overall highlights of the study as it relates to accessibility, employment and economic impacts and are as follows:

  • There are 32 transit providers in Missouri that collectively promote personal mobility in every single county by providing a total of 40.1 million rides annually. For some, transit is the sole means by which they can gain access to work, school, healthcare facilities, pharmacies, grocery stores and other needed goods and services. Others have personal vehicles but like to use public transit because it offers a safer, more cost-effective and convenient means for getting to places for work or play.
  • Transit gets thousands of Missourians to and from their place of employment every day. It also directly employs more than 3,800 individuals, with an annual average salary of $86,400, and indirectly adds more than 22,000 jobs to the state each year.
  • Transit yields an overall economic impact of $4.05 billion annually, including $481 million in spending by transit riders. Over the last five years, transit agencies spent an average of $401 million annually on capital investments. The state government collects an estimated average of $51 million in annual taxes because of the direct and multiplier effects of transit.

 

Economic Impact of Public Transit in Missouri

First and Final Add

Hyper-local numbers are also outlined in the report, including the economic impact of public transit in Greene County via City Utilities of Springfield’s service area. City Utilities Transit employs 65 individuals and provides 1,009,000 rides each year. The direct annual spending of those riders is $7.9 million, with another $12.1 million attributable to their in-direct spending. The total economic impact of City Utilities of Springfield is $48.3 million each year.

Kimberly Cella, the executive director of both CMT and MPTA, who served as the moderator for the event noted, “Transit is undoubtedly delivering for Missouri. The impacts extend beyond the ride, and it is imperative that continued investment is made by the Missouri legislature.”

Cella went to on to explain that transit systems across the nation receive approximately 40% of their annual operating budgets from their respective states, but this is not the case in Missouri. Despite significant wins in recent years – including the 2023 investment by the state of Missouri that represented a 34% increase over 2022 and a more than 580% increase since 2021 – Missouri is still trailing other states. In fact, transit providers across Missouri get less than 3% of their annual operating budgets from the state. “More must be done, and Governor Parson proactively including $11.7 million for transit in this year’s recommended state budget – which maintains the 2023 investment level – is a solid start,” Cella stated.

The forum concluded with a panel of stakeholders – including Adam Kazda, Vice-President of Government Relations with Greater St. Louis, Inc.; Frank White, CEO of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority; and Denny Ward, Executive Director of Southeast Missouri Transportation Service – weighed in on the findings, before the forum opened up for questions from attendees.

After the forum was over, Matt Crawford, Director of Transit at City Utilities of Springfield commented, “I believe this helps tell the story of the value of public transportation in Springfield. This insight is crucial as we make decisions regarding our service in the near future.”

The complete “Economic Impact of Public Transit in Missouri” report, which includes service area specific information, can be accessed at www.cmt-stl.org or www.mopublictransit.org.

 

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is the region’s transit advocacy organization. It was established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis and works to develop, support and enhance programming and initiatives to ensure safe, convenient and affordable access to the region’s integrated public transportation system. CMT champions, challenges, encourages and advocates for public transit in an effort to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life in the St. Louis region.

Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) was established in 1980 as a Missouri non-profit corporation. It was formed to provide a unified voice for public and specialized transportation providers in Missouri and to work toward elevating the status of public transit as a national priority.

 

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For more information, contact: 

Kelly Harris 

(314)436-9090 

kelly@hausergrouppr.com

2/6/2024 – Delta Dental of Missouri Awards $75,000 to DAEOC to Provide Vital Dental Care

Tuesday, February 6th, 2024

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2/5/2024 – Three Mizzou Athletes Join Forces with UScellular on Official Sponsor of Timeouts NIL Campaign

Monday, February 5th, 2024

Columbia, Mo (Feb. 5, 2024) – For the 2023/2024 college athletic season, UScellular is partnering with three prominent Mizzou student-athletes on Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals. UScellular’s Official Sponsor of Timeouts campaign emphasizes the value of authentic connections over constant digital engagement and is led by student-athletes, Noah Carter (basketball), Julia Crenshaw (softball) and Keegan O’Toole (wrestling).

The NIL relationship with these student-athletes draws attention to the company’s Built for US brand campaign using the theme, Official Sponsor of Timeouts. The program includes student athletes’ sharing videos and still photos on their social media channels. The content calls attention to healthier digital habits, including themes of taking a timeout for people and passions that are most important to them. In addition, in-person appearances from each athlete will take place throughout the UScellular footprint. The athletes can found on Instagram at @noah3carter, @julia.crenshaw and @keeganotoole165.

“NIL partnerships provide UScellular a unique opportunity to create a program that aligns to its values and gives a platform for student-athletes to tell their individual stories,” says Mike Burwell, Director of Sales and Operations for UScellular in Missouri and Illinois. “While using technology can help us feel connected when watching a game, it shouldn’t be a distraction that keeps us from enjoying the experience. As the Official Sponsor of Timeouts, we’re encouraging everyone to focus on the game and life experiences with the people who matter most.”

The company is working with 23 student-athletes at eight universities, including University of Illinois, University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Maine, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska, West Virginia University and University of Wisconsin. The athletes compete in a variety of sports, including baseball, basketball, cross country, football, gymnastics, ice hockey, soccer, softball, volleyball and wrestling. Fans can get in on the action by following UScellular social media accounts or the student-athletes’ Instagram, TikTok or YouTube accounts.

 

About UScellular

UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has pledged to provide hotspots and service to help up to 50,000 youth connect to reliable internet. Additionally, UScellular has price protected all of its plans, promising not to increase prices through at least the end of 2024. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.

 

For more information, contact: Kelly Harris at 314-436-9090 or Kelly@HauserGroupPR.com