</a>As Devin James (side) sought to expand his portfolio of businesses (<a href="http://www.devinjamesgroup.com" target="_blank"><strong>www.devinjamesgroup.com</strong></a>), the native of Memphis, Tennessee, saw St. Louis as a larger, more centralized base in which to build up his clientele. “Louisville, Indianapolis, Chicago, and Kansas City are all just a drive or quick plane ride away,” explains the 28-year-old entrepreneur, whose companies focus on marketing, public relations, and brand and product development.“I found the business community very welcoming to new faces and new ideas,” he says. “They aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and help you along. It’s not a big city, but it has a lot of big-city offerings—a public rail system, three pro teams, museums, and rich architectural beauty. And it’s a very pretty city.” Click through the photo gallery for a roundup of highlights of the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/jeff/index.htm" target="_blank"><strong>Gateway to the West</strong></a>.
</a><strong>ACCOMMODATIONS:</strong> <a href="http://www.moonrisehotel.com" target="_blank"><strong>Moonrise Hotel </strong></a>(6177 Delmar in the Loop; 314-721-1111) is perfect for business and leisure travelers and has a rooftop terrace. Its Eclipse restaurant is rated one of the best in the city, and the hotel is centrally located in the Loop, St. Louis’ charming shopping district.
<strong>ACCOMMODATIONS:</strong> <a href="http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/STLRF" target="_blank"><strong>Crowne Plaza St. Louis — Downtown</strong> </a>(200 N. Fourth St.; 314-621-8200) provides 16,000 square feet of meeting room space including the Promenade Deck. Guest rooms are spacious, and dining options include the scenic Union Grill with three walls of floor-to-ceiling windows. For intimate meetings, ask about the private access Concierge Lounge.
<strong>DINING</strong>: <a href="http://www.exostl.com" target="_blank"><strong>Exo </strong></a>(3146 Locust St.; 314-534-1500) is a lounge open for late evening entertaining, special events, and dining. Their specialty: southern American cuisine they describe as “Our Comfort Soul Food.”
<strong>ATTRACTIONS</strong>: <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/brennans-saint-louis" target="_blank"><strong>Brennan’s</strong></a> (4659 Maryland Ave.; 314-361-9444) comes highly recommended by James, who is in a partnership with <a href="http://www.exhalewith style.com" target="_blank"><strong>Adan y Eva cigars</strong></a>, as a place to entertain clients and cigar aficionados. Located in Central West End, it is also a popular wine bar.
<strong>ATTRACTIONS</strong>: <a href="http://www.citygardenstl.org" target="_blank"><strong>Citygarden </strong></a>(8th and Market streets) is a 2.9-acre, open (nongated) botanical and art oasis marked by architectural fountains and a variety of perennials, grasses, and rain gardens in the middle of downtown St. Louis. Among its 23 pieces of sculpture is one by African American sculptor Martin Puryear.
<strong>ATTRACTIONS</strong>: <a href="http://www.slam.org" target="_blank"><strong>Saint Louis Art Museum </strong></a>(1 Fine Arts Drive; 314-721-0072) is located in Forest Park offering one of the most comprehensive art collections in the country. The free museum is committed to making fine art available to everyone.
Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement. It is because of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his favor and your support that keeps me going everyday.
St. Louis? Oh, that’s where you went, after skipping out on so many people in Memphis who trusted you to get their projects done. Man, you should clean up your mess first.
In regards to the previously listed post, it is unfortunate that the anonymity of the internet allows cowards to be even greater cowards. If I were going to disparage someone I would have the courage enough to let them know that it was me doing it. I digress from my point which is that Devin James is a friend and a former member of the 100 Black Men of Memphis and continues to maintain a positive relationship with our chapter and with clientele in Memphis that he represents. In fact I have had recent meetings and conversations with Devin regarding new business opportunities. I have known Devin for several years and have watched this young man grow, both personally and professionally. He has worked hard to earn the success he is now experiencing. Let me say that the previous post does not represent officially or unofficially the sentiments of the 100 Black Men of Memphis, Inc and I would ask that the person who made the post change their listing and utilize some other alias by which to hide.
Bernal E Smith, II President 100 Black Men of Memphis, Inc.
Mr. Smith, you have a lot of class! I will probably never meet you but for you to stand up for what is right is priceless! I am a friend of Tommy Dortch a man of integrity and class.
Continued success and prosper. As for the previous post – GET A LIFE! Learn to edify or hold your PEACE!
Your drive and motivation is inspiring for our young men. I wish you the best of continued successu
Way to go Devin. Such an article is what all young business men need to read and see that you too can make a difference. Nice article.
Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement. It is because of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his favor and your support that keeps me going everyday.
Great article! I’m so proud of you!!!
St. Louis? Oh, that’s where you went, after skipping out on so many people in Memphis who trusted you to get their projects done. Man, you should clean up your mess first.
In regards to the previously listed post, it is unfortunate that the anonymity of the internet allows cowards to be even greater cowards. If I were going to disparage someone I would have the courage enough to let them know that it was me doing it. I digress from my point which is that Devin James is a friend and a former member of the 100 Black Men of Memphis and continues to maintain a positive relationship with our chapter and with clientele in Memphis that he represents. In fact I have had recent meetings and conversations with Devin regarding new business opportunities. I have known Devin for several years and have watched this young man grow, both personally and professionally. He has worked hard to earn the success he is now experiencing. Let me say that the previous post does not represent officially or unofficially the sentiments of the 100 Black Men of Memphis, Inc and I would ask that the person who made the post change their listing and utilize some other alias by which to hide.
Bernal E Smith, II President 100 Black Men of Memphis, Inc.
Mr. Smith, you have a lot of class! I will probably never meet you but for you to stand up for what is right is priceless! I am a friend of Tommy Dortch a man of integrity and class.
Continued success and prosper. As for the previous post – GET A LIFE! Learn to edify or hold your PEACE!