06/11/2025
In the aftermath of the devastating storm and tornado that struck St. Louis on May 16—causing over $1.6 billion in property damage and affecting more than 5,000 buildings—the Advancing American Business & Contractors Association (AABCA) is stepping forward to assist in the city’s cleanup and reconstruction. The storm resulted in five fatalities and 38 injuries, leaving behind a path of widespread destruction across several neighborhoods.
As part of a citywide coalition of builders, contractors, engineers, St. Louis residents and local businesses appointed by Mayor Cara Spencer, AABCA will play a key role in accelerating debris removal, restoring essential infrastructure, rebuilding residential areas, and coordinating on the ground support services for impacted communities. The organization has mobilized its membership and reached out to volunteers, local contractors, corporations, nonprofits, and other advocacy partners to contribute to this vital effort.
“We continue to lift up the families and businesses affected by the recent storm,” said Makal Ali, president and co-founder of AABCA. “In the wake of this disaster is the true spirit of St. Louis—neighbors helping neighbors, communities coming together. I’m proud to be a part of the mayor’s citywide initiative. It means a great deal to stand alongside so many dedicated partners working to restore hope and stability where it’s needed most.”
He said, “While the tornado did damage to our infrastructure it could not fracture the sense of community and history we have in St. Louis,” he said. “My father was an independent residential painter who took my brother and I on his jobs as young as 11 and 12 years old during the summer months. He taught us to take pride in our work and to always be accessible and accountable to those who entrust us to do the job.
“Later we went to work for Ether Bledsoe who owned Alliance Painting, one of the biggest union painting sops in the state of Missouri,” he said. “Then in 1987 we started our own union painting shop.”
AABCA recently expanded its efforts in response to an increased demand for its services across sectors. The organization now operates beyond Missouri and is in the process of opening satellite offices in other markets to support an array of small business enterprises in need of resources, training, advocacy and guidance.
Mayor Spencer appointed Ali, who has been a successful painting contractor for nearly five decades, to the Demolition and Debris Removal as well as the Re-Building North St. Louis committees. Also appointed to both groups is AABCA Board Member Dorrie Harris, an award-winning business leader and contractor, to on both boards. Harris, president of D&K Welding Services Inc, which specializes in structural steel er****on and concrete reinforcement, has more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry.
“I’m honored to serve on the advisory board at such a critical time,” Harris said. “Our goal is to ensure that rebuilding efforts are efficient, community-driven, and inclusive of qualified local businesses that are ready to get to work. This is about restoring our neighborhoods with strength and integrity.”
ABOUT AABCA:
Founded in 2019, the Advancing American Business & Contractors Association (AABCA) is a St. Louis-based, national nonprofit organization committed to expanding opportunities for small business enterprises, contractors, and professional service providers. Its mission is to strengthen local economies, support job growth, and expand access to competitive opportunities across public and private sectors.
