This morning, we were at the Ready Rating SMT or “Satellite Media Tour,” which is a series of live interviews from St. Louis that appear on TV and radio stations across the country. Joe White (American National Red Cross) and Laura Reeves (Anheuser-Busch) did a great job promoting the Ready Rating™ Program. Because they had to be on the air for morning shows on the East Coast, it was an early wake-up call (my alarm went off at 3 a.m.!). But Joe and Laura didn’t show any signs of sleep deprivation. A big thanks to Washington University in St. Louis for being our 150th Ready Rating Member, and allowing their campus to be the backdrop of the SMT.

This SMT comes one day after the official announcement of the national launch of Ready Rating. What has been years in the making here in St. Louis is finally a reality – thanks to our friends at Anheuser-Busch. The St. Louis Area Chapter has spent a year and a half helping businesses, organizations and schools in our area during the pilot phase of this program. Because of the overwhelming success, the Red Cross decided to expand to 16 other chapters. Anheuser-Busch, as the National Founding Sponsor, has provided $2.1 million to make it happen.

Here's a video that aired on KSDK this morning about how the Ready Rating Program is working at Trautwein Elementary!

Soon, we’ll post pictures from yesterday’s press conference, and links to local stories in the media. Be sure to watch KSDK today for even more stories about how Ready Rating is making such a difference in St. Louis’ schools, businesses, and organizations.

Katie Nagus is the communication coordinator for the St. Louis Area Chapter.