Business Awards
Heart of the Community Award
Vincent's Jewelers (11733 Olive Blvd.)
This year’s winner is a locally owned jewelry store that believes being a part of the St. Louis community means supporting the community. Vincent’s Jewelers participates in many fundraising activities for civic, community, religious, and educational not-for-profit organizations each year. In the last six months alone, they have raised more than $60,000 for charities. Their participation at fundraiser events is not just sitting at a table eating dinner. You will find them selling raffle tickets for donated jewelry, running the jewelry prize wheel, and even cleaning up after the event. These philanthropic efforts are led by general manager Leo Anglo, who believes people are put on this earth to make a positive impact on other’s lives. He goes above and beyond to bring fun and excitement to charity events in order to boost donations. One of his latest twists is hosting bingo raffles, which has been a huge hit at fundraisers. Over the years, Vincent’s Jewelers has helped fundraise more than $1.6 million and has volunteered over 10,000 hours.
Pictured: Mayor Robert Hoffman presents the Heart of the Community Award 2023 to Vincent’s Jewelers, accepted by general manager Leo Anglo.
Most Innovative Business Award
Alliance Technologies (999 Executive Pkwy Dr.)
Originally founded in 2009, Alliance Technologies provides information technology and consulting services to meet the individual needs of their clients. Their services help reduce costs, streamline inefficiencies, and create an IT infrastructure that supports the client’s goals. Their robust list of strategic partnerships also allows them to provide top products and services. In 2022, Alliance Technologies was named one of the fastest-growing private companies in the St. Louis Metro area by the St. Louis Business Journal. They ranked #18 out of the top 50 companies listed, making it the second year in a row their company was named to this prestigious list. The St. Louis Business Journal’s 2022 list of the fastest growing private companies includes locally-based, independent, privately held businesses that had revenue of more than one million dollars in fiscal 2021. This company’s revenue has grown over 97% since 2019. They had sales of nearly 3.8 million dollars in 2021 and have grown their staff to 40 team members.
Pictured: Mayor Robert Hoffman (center-right) presents the Most Innovative Business Award 2023 to Alliance Technologies, accepted by (from left to right) Kirk Ross, Vice President of Talent Solutions; Jared Peno, CEO; and Curt Kinney, Vice President of Advisory Services.
Favorite Restaurant Award
Carretas Mexican Restaurant (11939 Olive Blvd.)
Carretas Mexican Restaurant has been a popular spot in the community ever since they first opened their doors in 2021. Whether you visit for lunch or dinner, you will find this restaurant’s spacious and inviting dining room full of guests. The décor makes this restaurant stand out—with unique elements such as the bold portrait paintings on the walls and the rustic wagon wheel chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Great service is one of many reasons why customers keep coming back. The staff is committed to creating a superb dining experience for their guests, providing attentive and efficient service from start to finish. Their chef has 20 years of experience, presenting a menu that has something for everyone. Their selection offers crowd favorites that are full of flavor—such as enchiladas, taquitos, tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and fajitas. Carretas Mexican Restaurant has had such a successful launch of their Creve Coeur location that they will soon be opening a second location this spring in Twin Oaks.
Pictured: Mayor Hoffman presents the Favorite Restaurant Award 2023 to Carretas Mexican Restaurant, accepted by managers Kathrene Aguirre and Melissa Aguirre.