The St. Louis Area Business Health Coalition's (BHC) mission is to support employer efforts to improve the well-being of their enrollees and enhance the quality and overall value of their investments in health benefits. The BHC was created over 35 years ago to give area employers a collective voice on health care issues. Employers realized health care costs were rising fast. They founded the BHC as a forum to discuss why and find opportunities to improve health and health care. The BHC has evolved to offer innovative products and services, provide in-depth research on local health care trends, and help foster a culture of wellness in the community. The BHC uses the power of its membership to negotiate optimum benefit opportunities and ensure the employer perspective is heard. The BHC, a member of the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, remains the only St. Louis area business group focused solely on health care issues. Employers have a responsibility to their employees and their communities to work toward a sustainable, value-driven health care system. The BHC understands this responsibility and supports employer efforts to inspire excellence in health care.