Since the first Labor Day celebration in the states in New York city in 1882, Americans have been observing the day of rest. We don't all always get to rest on that day but it's been a National Holiday since then nonetheless.  In light of this American holiday I thought I would share with you something I think is pretty amazing in today's economy. New Balance is the only athletic footwear company still making shoes in the United States! In fact at least 25% of New Balance shoes sold in North America are produced right here in the states. Keeping the home fires burning. I'll post a video next week with the styles that have American Pride! Everyone have a safe and happy Holiday Weekend! 

Okay so we're not the greatest photograpers. We know shoes, not cameras. But she was here! Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Sports Illustrated voted greatest female athlete of the 20th century, pictured above with fitting specialist Stephanie Hoth at New Balance Saint Louis II Creve Coeur location. Jackie Joyner-Kersee (born March 3, 1962 in East St. Louis, Illinois) is a retired American athlete, ranked among the all-time greates athletes in the women's heptathlon as wess as in the women's long jump. Jackie won three gold, one silver and two bronze Olympic medals in those two different events. Achievements best compared to "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias, rumored to be Jackie's original inspiration. In 1988, Joyner-Kersee established the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, which provides youth, adults, and families with the resources to improve their quality of life with special attention directed to East Saint Louis, IL. That's an amazing way to give back to the community. But that's not all! In 2007, Jackie along with Andre Agassi, Muhammad Ali, Lance Armstron, Jeff Gordon, Tony Hawk, Warrick Dunn, Andrea Jaeger, Mario Lemieux, Mia Hamm, Alonzo Mourning, and Cal Ripken, Jr. founded the "Athletes for Hope", a charitable organization. This particular organization helps professional athletes get involved in other charitable causes and inspires millions of non-athletes to volunteer and support the community. So I'm sure I don't have to tell you how amazingly privileged we feel to have met and assisted such an amazing role-model.
Thanks Jackie! And thanks to STLII for sharing the experience!