Community Leadership by Midtown’s Owner
May 24, 2011 — For the past twenty years, Midtown Printing owner and president Tom Auffenberg has not only been cultivating one of the finest commercial printing companies in the area, he’s also put ample time and energy towards a number of area causes and organizations.
Auffenberg is a founding board member and advocate for the developmentally disabled through Friends of L’ Arche St. Louis. He gives of his time and energy to the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, an organization that places semi-retired and retired individuals into service projects two days per week. In addition to these ventures, Auffenberg is an active board member of Loyola Academy, a school that educates 6, 7 and 8 graders from low-income families in an intensive academic program to prepare them for college prep high schools.
“In the dealings that I have had with Tom, both personally and professionally, he has always been the consummate professional. Three adjectives which first come to mind when I think of Tom are dedicated, goal oriented and responsible,” says Eric Clark, president of Loyola Academy of St. Louis.
This kind of dedication is nothing new for Auffenberg. He has been quietly active in his community for years, serving on boards such as St. Louis U. High, Catholic Charities of Saint Louis and the Life Skills Foundation.
Micki Keim, director of development at Life Skills says; “Tom’s dedication to Life Skills goes beyond our printing needs as he is a former board member and actively participates in many events supporting Life Skills and people with developmental disabilities.” Similar sentiments are echoed by SLUH president Dave Laughlin, “we have been very grateful for the personal care, integrity, interest and professionalism of Tom and the company.”
Auffenberg believes this kind of investment in his community is an integral part of owning a business. “It is vital to make sure the community in which we live and work thrives in conjunction with our local businesses” he says. It is this kind of integrity and commitment that has come to define Midtown as a leader in St. Louis’ commercial printing world and a pillar of the community as well.