Kimberly Ritter of St. Charles, a senior account manager at Nix Conference & Meeting Management, member of The Code in the United States, was honored today by the FBI for her efforts to protect children from sex trafficking. Dean C. Bryant, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the FBI St. Louis Division, presented the 2012 Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) to Ritter in a surprise ceremony today at the Millennium Hotel in downtown St. Louis.
Each of the FBI’s 56 field offices annually selects an individual or organization to receive this award, which honors efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America. Next spring, FBI Director Robert S. Mueller will present a plaque to Ritter and the other 55 recipients at a national ceremony to be held at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Violent crimes against children, including child prostitution, are among the top priorities for the FBI, according to FBI Special Agent Bryant. SAC Bryant said, “Raising awareness goes a long way to preventing sex trafficking or any crime.
By challenging their counterparts to raise awareness among the tourism industry, Ms. Ritter and Nix are creating a force multiplier that could eventually have a nationwide impact.”
Today’s ceremony was held at the Millennium Hotel St. Louis to acknowledge its commitment to the fight against child sex trafficking, which occurs at hotels across the country.
The Millennium is the first hotel in St. Louis to sign The Code. Hotel management educates employees on ways to spot red flags and empowers them to take action if they spot a potential incident of child sex trafficking.
Nix Conference & Meeting Management, based in St. Louis, has managed meetings, conferences and trade shows for associations, religious organizations, businesses and nonprofits since 1985. Nix has managed events on four continents and in 17 countries. For more information, call (314) 645-1455 or visit www.nixassoc.com.
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