St. Charles, Missouri - March 6, 2006 Representative Sherman Parker has been named by the St. Louis Business Journal as one of the region's "Most Influential Minority Business Leaders."

The Business Journal will host an awards luncheon recognizing ethnic minorities who are making their mark on the St. Louis business community. Rep. Parker's chief concern is the "overall economic development of distressed communities in Missouri." Parker is a former vice chairman of the state house's small business committee. He currently is a member of the transportation and economic development appropriations committee, financial institutions committee and special committee on urban issues. This year, Rep. Parker sponsored House Bill 1487 in an effort to establish the Revitalization and Reconstruction Commission to fight urban decay.

"In order for our nation and state to enjoy the promised prosperity of the 21st century global economy, all of our citizens - especially those who thus far have been left out - need to be productive members of society. To succeed at this task, we must create entrepreneurial incentives to help propel the development of our older and distressed communities."