The Soulard Business Association (SBA) was founded in 1987 to facilitate organization and communication between the diverse businesses within the neighborhood. The SBA strives to be a collective advocate for all businesses within the association; promote marketing and beautification initiatives; and support, fund, and organize community events that appeal to the locals and visitors. 

Historic Soulard, through our thriving business community, continues to attract new residents and entrepreneurs. It is our priority to work with our members, city government, and residents to continue the growth and development of our neighborhood, while celebrating its historic roots.

Current Initiatives

• Design and produce the annual publication of 10,000 full color 4-panel double gate fold brochures listing all active member businesses for the purpose of marketing to non-local visitors and new residents. Brochures are placed at the Lambert International Airport, the St. Louis Convention Center, business vestibules, waiting areas, and apartment complex move-in packets. Airbnb and Vrbo owners are encouraged to contact us to pick up pamphlets to place in their rental homes. 

• Facilitator of “Small Business Highlights.” Members are offered the opportunity to work with a professional photographer to obtain high-quality photographs for the members own marketing initiatives or work with our in-house marketing director to create a Tik Tok video to be uploaded on the SBA’s social media platforms.

• Organize and fund the Bastille Day Parade & Beheading in cooperation with the Soulard Restoration Group. Historic Soulard has hosted Bastille Day festivities for 35 years! The event begins with a “gathering of the mob” outside of the Soulard Farmer’s Market followed by the “King” and “Queen” leading participants throughout the neighborhood.

• Assist in organizing and managing Oktoberfest in Soulard Market Park.  Oktoberfest is the largest fundraiser for the SBA.

• Distributor of the Official Soulard Mardi Gras shirts, hoodies, and posters. Mardi Gras merch sales benefits member businesses directly as each business seller makes a percentage of each sale.

• Responsible for beautification of planters in the Soulard Market Park to benefit our Farmer’s Market member businesses.

• Communicate with Alderperson, City representatives, and other neighborhood organizations, as required, to address collective business owner needs or questions.

• Management of the neighborhood’s information center in the Soulard Farmer’s Market, outfitted with a great seasonal photo stand!  

• During the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, SBA remained active by providing financial grants to member businesses and fundraising through the “Soulard Stronger Together” initiative.

• Collaborate with the Soulard Community Improvement District (CID) for beautification initiatives. The CID is a political subdivision funded by a 1% sales tax via retailers within the district. Because the CID is funded by a tax collected by businesses, the SBA makes it a priority to work on collaborative projects. Beautification is a priority of SBA because the cleaner the parks and streets, the more enticing the neighborhood is for visitors and tourists.

• Provide active representation and comment on the Economic Development Strategic Plan for the Soulard and Kosciusko neighborhoods.

• Yearly sponsor of Soulard Pride and the Soulard Restoration Group Winter Parlor Tour.

When we meet

Meetings

• The SBA Executive Board meets monthly during closed sessions. However, members are welcome to email info@historicsoulard.com to be placed on the agenda of a closed session. 

• The SBA schedules Quarterly General Membership Meetings in which all members are invited to and encouraged to attend. General Membership meetings are a wonderful way to network and meet other business owners in the neighborhood and to keep you looped in regarding future events, City-projects or legislation affecting Soulard, and marketing initiatives.

• The NEXT General Membership meeting is on Monday, August 3, 2026, 5:30pm at Together Credit Union, 423 Lynch Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63118. SBA will send out a reminder e-mail to its members.

Who can join

General Membership

• Business located in Soulard are highly encouraged to join and attend our Quarterly Membership Meetings. Membership automatically includes you as a listed business in the SBA’s full color 4-panel brochures, which are placed at the Lambert International Airport, the St. Louis Convention Center, business vestibules, waiting areas, and apartment complex move-in packets.

• Non-Profits located in Soulard.

• Residents who live in Soulard.

• Join or renew your membership today by following the “Become a Member” tab.

Current 2025-26 Executive Board Members

Jim Lettau – President 

Mary Beth Wallace – Vice President

Cory Hammerstone – Secretary

Mike Crossno - Treasurer

Tom Gullickson – Director & Past President

Tom Murphy – Director

Patrick Webster – Director

Laura Leister – Director

Shawn Caruso – Executive Director (non-voting)