Spirit of America nominee: Kent Zickfield

Nominated by Old Town Cape

Kent Zickfield is deserving of the Spirit of America award because of his strong dedication, leadership and determination as he has worked in our community and especially in downtown revitalization efforts.

Kent owns and operates Zickfield's Jewelry and Gifts, established in 1939 by his parents. He grew up downtown and started working in the business in 1967, taking over complete operation in 1980.

His constant concern, presence and interaction with other downtown business owners led to his active involvement in the development of the Special Business District and the Redevelopment Corporation, a self taxing development tool used over the past 30 years in revitalization efforts in the riverfront area of Cape Girardeau. He is working to expand the impact through development of a larger Community Improvement District.

Additionally, he was a driving force for years with the Downtown Merchants Association, serving as president and helping usher in the merger between the association and Old Town Cape. He has served as a leader and member of the Old Town Cape Board since the merger in 2004.

But amazingly, his investment in the community hasn't been limited to downtown. Kent has, at the same time, been active in leadership positions in many other areas of our community -- doggedly working on behalf of youth and youth sports, his church and its school.

Kent Zickfield is a true reflection of Spirit of America. His hard work and leadership in this community have helped preserve our history as well as build our future.

Community involvement

* Eight-year member of the Missouri National Guard (1971-1978)

* Board of directors of Old Town Cape since 2005, serving as president in 2010

* Chairperson for the annual Downtown Christmas Parade of Lights for the past eight years

* Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, since May 2005

* Noon Optimist Club member

* Chairman of Re-Development Corporation

* Past president of Downtown Merchants Association

* Board of directors for Special Tax District

* Member of Water Street Streetscape Committee

* Member of International Jewelry Organization

* Member of American Gem Society

* Member of the Independent Jewelers Organization

* Active sponsor, supporter and coach of the following youth sport activities: indoor soccer, girls and boys volleyball, girls softball, boys baseball and girls volleyball

* Member of the Shawnee Sports Complex Advisory Board

* Boy Scouts of America: Merit Badge counselor and Troop 8 leader

* Girl Scouts of Missouri Heartland

* Member of the Southeast Council for the Arts

* Member of Trinity Lutheran Church

* Trinity Lutheran Day School Board member four years

* Current chairman of Trinity Lutheran Day School Board of Education

* Supporter of Lutheran Family and Children's Services