On May 16, 2008, in the closing hours of the Missouri State legislative session, lawmakers came together to pass House Bill 1790. The ground-breaking legislation creates a statewide “Time Critical Diagnosis System” for stroke and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a particularly fatal type of heart attack. Missouri is the first state in the nation to legislatively create a STEMI and a stroke statewide system of care. The passage of HB 1790 represents the culmination of more than five years of work from hundreds of dedicated professionals, under the passionate and motivating leadership of Dr. J. William “Bill” Jermyn.

Dr. Bill Jermyn passed away on May 15, 2008, the day before his unwavering dedication came to fruition in the passage of House Bill 1790. Dr. Jermyn was a teacher, an inspiration and a friend to many. His legacy is the Time Critical Diagnosis System, and Missouri will benefit from his passion and conviction. His leadership and vision will continue to guide this process.

TVG is proud to have worked with Dr. Jermyn and to be a part of the move toward quicker treatment of loved ones having severe strokes or heart attacks.

St. Louis hasn’t seen a development of this grandeur open in the heart of downtown in a very long time, and The Vandiver Group, Inc. was tasked with generating attention for this monumental event.

Since 2003, TVG has been working to build buzz in St. Louis, around the Midwest and across the country for the opening. After breaking ground and major announcements such as the project’s name, hotels and restaurants to be included, TVG focused its attention on a truly grand night. TVG created buzz by building suspense and not releasing any interior photography until opening day.

TVG wanted to open the doors to this crown jewel for the City of St. Louis and have a wow factor. Everyone across the region saw a skyscraper rising over the past two years; TVG wanted to save the best for last. The response opening night was overwhelmingly positive, drawing some of the regions biggest names and most prominent figures.

On opening day, media rushed to the entertainment complex to begin live coverage at 5 a.m. By 11 p.m. that night TVG had generated more than 100 broadcast, print and web placements including all of the local Print, radio and TV outlets, along with several regional and national outlets including the AP, ABC, the Chicago Tribune and Forbes. To increase their media presence, TVG opted to hire a full TV crew and put the largest rooftop fireworks display in St. Louis history, live on satellite, along with a video news release. At the event TVG used a crew of four people to work with the media, providing tours, accessing interviews, handing out media packets and operating a full media center in the lobby of the new casino and hotel.

The opening was an event to remember for St. Louis and The Vandiver Group. Through its communications plan of strategic suspense building in the media and general public TVG was successfully able to generate media coverage and casino crowds.

Contact us at tvg@vandivergroup.com or send comments to blog@vandivergroup.com.

After enjoying pleasant weather for the Taste of Soulard, Beggin Strips Pet Parade and PetSmart Weiner Dog Derby the snow rolled in Thursday afternoon just in time for the weekend’s Lumière Place Grand Parade. With 8 inches of snow on the ground in downtown St. Louis, the City streets department and Mardi Gras Inc volunteers scrambled to push aside the snow banks and dust off the snow boots for the long-time St. Louis tradition.

This year marks the 29th official year of Soulard Mardi Gras, and each year revelers keep their fingers crossed that Mother Nature will be kind on Grand Parade Day. However, things don’t always work out that way and often St. Louis residents and guests are met with a blistery winter day. Instead of staying indoors or flying south, hundreds of thousands continue to line the streets of Soulard as the attendance levels consistently grow year in and year out.

Despite the winter weather, TVG’s Mack Bradley noted that, “We draw people from all over the country to St. Louis in the middle of February for an outdoor festival. So it’s a great party.”

TVG has served as MGI’s Information Ministry since 2004. Throughout the Mardi Gras season TVG works to notify the media and community of upcoming events as well as answering questions. Since 2004, the Soulard Mardi Gras (SMG) press coverage has increased by over 100%. This year alone, television and radio clips totaled over 130 during the month long celebration, reaching an audience of close to 10 million.

Contact us at tvg@vandivergroup.com or send comments to blog@vandivergroup.com.

Contact us at tvg@vandivergroup.com or send comments to blog@vandivergroup.com.