Interview with Marty Lyons, CEO and President of Ameren Corporation

Dec 1, 2022

This year marks the 75th anniversary of The Salvation Army’s Tree of Lights campaign. The long-standing St. Louis tradition rings in the Christmas season throughout the region and raises funds for vital resources in the community. Joining them in this effort is a longtime community partner, Ameren Corporation. Marty Lyons Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer for Ameren Corporation, joins Cardinals Broadcaster, Rick Horton, as the 2022 campaign co-chairs of the 75th Tree of Lights. Ameren Corporation has been a top corporate supporter for the annual campaign, which raises millions in funds each year to support community programs year-round throughout the St. Louis Region.

Q) Ameren Corporation has provided long-standing and much appreciated support to the Tree of Lights campaign and Tree Lighting ceremony at Kiener Plaza over the years. Can you tell us what it means to the team at Ameren to be involved in this?

Marty Lyons: “At Ameren, giving back and investing in our communities is at the core of our mission, to power the quality of life for our customers in Missouri and Illinois. Our people not only serve our customers, but they are part of the community, supporting organizations like The Salvation Army, that are working hard to improve the lives of people in our communities. Community is central to who we are as a company.”

“The Tree of Lights is one of those annual milestones our co-workers look forward to each year. In fact, helping to illuminate the tree has been a tradition for a group of Ameren volunteers from our downtown operating center for 20 years. These Ameren volunteers help with the setup of the tree, and they all love being involved. You can visit this wonderful tree at Kiener Plaza anytime during the holiday season. In addition, our co-workers also participate and support The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program each year for families and children in need. Our volunteers also get involved in collecting donations and ringing bells at local Schnucks and Dierbergs store locations for those in need.”

Q) What does the partnership between The Salvation Army and Ameren Corporation mean to you?

Marty Lyons: “At Ameren we’re focused on providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy for our customers, and investing in nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to positively impacting the communities where our co-workers live and work. This helps build a strong and brighter future for all. The Salvation Army is one of those organizations that has repeatedly been there for those in need. We’re proud of our long-term partnership and the impact that it has made on so many lives across the region.”

“When you donate to The Salvation Army, every dollar goes toward helping those who need it most. What’s remarkable about the organization is that they provide such a wide variety of services that include combatting poverty, empowering youth, helping with disaster relief, fighting drug addiction, housing assistance, assisting seniors, supporting our veterans and so much more. Whether that’s assisting with recovery efforts from the flooding that happened this year which impacted so many of our neighbors, or providing so much support during the COVID pandemic, The Salvation Army is always there helping people who need it most.”

“The Salvation Army is dedicated to ensuring those who are struggling don’t fall through the cracks. Donating to The Salvation Army is easy and any amount you can provide will truly have a long-lasting impact on a person or family in need. Donations are always welcome, but there are so many ways that you can assist, from donating goods or clothing to volunteering your time and talents to impactful programs in your neighborhoods. There are so many ways to help The Salvation Army help others.”

Q) How important is it to get involved with the Tree of Lights campaign and how can people show their support?

Marty Lyons: “Supporting The Salvation Army’s Tree of Lights campaign is critical to help those most in need in our community. We have some extremely aggressive goals for the campaign this year. This includes raising $6.2 million dollars for the Greater St. Louis area and $12 million dollars overall for the Midland Division, which serves 150 counties in Missouri and Illinois. These funds go directly toward assisting individuals who need it most. The Midland Division does incredible work and supports so many people in the region. There are 19 Corps community centers, 17 thrift stores, eight shelters for the unhoused, five transitional housing programs, four social services sites, three low-income housing developments, and a gathering center known as the Kroc Center. This is an organization that does so much for so many.”

MARTY LYONS & AMEREN CORPORATION VIRTUAL RED KETTLE

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