The award recognizes businesses that make major expansions or improvements in our City, innovative new businesses that open in the City of St. Louis, as well as major City projects.

Ackerman needed to double its existing facility to meet national Toyota requirements. The company was considering leaving the City, but using City development incentives, was able to purchase adjacent land and expand at its existing City location.

"Ackerman Toyota is a shining example of an outstanding business and a great corporate citizen," Mayor Slay said. Instead of leaving St. Louis to meet their expansion requirement, they chose to work with us and chose to stay. It's been a win-win situation for both the company and the City. We appreciate Ackerman and congratulate them for exhibiting the true ‘Spirit of St. Louis.'"

Ackerman has completed a new drive-in showroom – the only one of its kind in Toyota's Missouri region where customers can shop for automobiles year-round in a climate-controlled weatherproof environment. The project, which includes two additional buildings, will cost $3 million when completed.

The project was assisted by the St. Louis Local Development Company (LDC), one of the City's development boards that provides low-interest loans to small businesses seeking to locate or expand in the City.

After presenting the award, Mayor Slay took a test drive in the American-made 2003 Toyota Corolla.

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