The St. Louis Business Journal has honored a collaborative effort that included IBEW Local 1 and NECA contractors to restore power in tornado ravaged areas of North St. Louis. In April, the business publication will present an Innovation in Philanthropy Award to the ReConnect STL team orchestrating a pioneering community recovery initiative.  That team includes Guarantee Electrical Co.; ArchKey Solutions; RJP Electric; the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1; the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA); St. Louis Home Repair Network; Graybar; Ameren Missouri; and the City of St. Louis Tornado Recover Program.

In announcing the award, the St. Louis Business Journal reported, “After the catastrophic May 16, 2025, tornado that tore through areas of St. Louis, many homes were left without electricity. ReConnect STL, consisting of both private and public entities, was formed to tackle safe and reliable electrical reconnection for many St. Louis families. The city of St. Louis coordinated enrollment, safety assessments, and connected residents to services, while other entities, like Guarantee Electrical Co. and ArchKey Solutions, donated labor, materials and services.”

When Reconnect STL was launched on July 1, 2025, St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer noted, “While the city will administrate the recovery program, we are grateful that the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection, Guarantee and ArchKey have agreed to do all the heavy lifting with their generous donation of service and materials

“Our neighbors are in jeopardy,” said Rich Ledbetter, CEO of Guarantee Electrical, at the ReConnect STL launch. “Their power grid has returned, but connecting to their houses requires safe installations.  We have the resources and expertise through our partnership with IBEW Local 1 and fellow contractors like ArchKey to expedite the restoration of electrical services.” 

The St. Louis Business Journal’s Innovation in Philanthropy awards honor local partnerships for going above and beyond standard philanthropic practices in new and creative ways. ReConnect STL partners and five other winners will be honored at a celebration on April 16, 2026, at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac. Learn more about the awards.

-end-