The Emerson Center at Beaumont Scout Reservation

The dining hall and education center at Beaumont Scout Reservation will now be known as the Emerson Center.

During the Council’s Annual Meeting and Recognition Dinner on May 28, 2009, Executive Board member Robert Cox, senior vice president of administration at Emerson, announced the naming of the facility as part of the current capital campaign.

“Emerson pledges to continue being Scouting’s partner to make sure we continue to develop character and values in young people,” Cox said.  “Emerson will fulfill an earlier commitment and will retire the remaining debt on the center.  Emerson is honored to continue its relationship with Scouting.”

Emerson’s legacy of supporting Scouting began in earnest in 1985.  Chuck Knight, the Chief Executive Officer of Emerson who would become Council president, led a $6.5 million capital campaign.  Emerson was one of the first companies to sponsor the Scouting for Food Good Turn.

David Farr, the current CEO of Emerson, continues supporting Scouting as a member of the council’s Executive Board.  Emerson sponsored the Annual Meeting and Recognition Dinner.

“Scouting is a great organization and has been important to Emerson and its employees for a very long time,” said Cox.  “The camp experience is such a big part of that legacy and is a key element in Scouting’s ability to deliver the life lessons taught to our young people.”

In 2005, the facility, formerly known as Wright Lodge, was rehabbed and expanded to meet increased demand for space and services during the summer camp season and throughout the year.  A new full-service kitchen and cold storage space were installed.  A theatre area and meeting room and additional meeting spaces were added to the lower level.

“We know how important this facility is to the success of council programs,” Cox said.  “Meals are served to Scouts morning, noon and night during the summer camp season.  It serves as a meeting center for unit, district and council functions.  It offers a location for training for all Scouts.”

John M. Primrose, Scout Executive and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater St. Louis Area Council, thanked Cox and Emerson for the generous gift.

“The Emerson Center will continue to be critical in fulfilling our mission,” Primrose said.  “We will exercise good stewardship practices with this tremendous resource.  Every time I pass through the doors, I will remember the goodness and generosity of the people at Emerson.”

John Primrose, Scout Executive, thanks Executive Board member Robert Cox, Senior Vice President of Administration at Emerson, for the generous gift to the capital campaign.