JACKSON GROUP WORKS TO ATTRACT STORES

A special committee that hopes to attract retail businesses to Jackson has a lot to going its way, considering the city's growth over the past decade or so. Approached properly, the Small Business Recruitment Committee should have little difficulty accomplishing its mission simply by lauding the Cape Girardeau County seat's resources in the right places.

The group, formed two months ago, already has set the wheels in motion by compiling a brochure that outlines reasons for doing business in Jackson and a list of businesses Jackson merchants would like to see set up shop in the city. A survey it recently conducted showed that antique shops, shoe retailers and repair shops, small-appliance stores, restaurants and camera stores headed the list of businesses the merchants would like to see in Jackson.

Jackson is in the middle of significant population growth brought on by new-home construction. Its public school system, which has seen student enrollments swell, is considered top-notch. Many seek to live within the Jackson School District because of its excellent reputation.

The population of Jackson, which in 1990 stood at 9,256, is rapidly approaching 11,000. That has been brought on by residential construction to the tune of approximately 100 homes a year and annexation eastward toward Interstate 55. The city has undertaken water and sewer improvements and has others in the works. It stands ready to work with existing businesses to meet their infrastructure needs and to accommodate new industry.

Wal-Mart has announced plans for a new supercenter, and some new restaurants have recently opened. The widening of U.S. 61 through east Jackson a few years ago has helped development along that main thoroughfare, which makes the trip between Cape Girardeau and Jackson a short one. Easy access to Interstate 55 is a plus for any business that chooses Jackson as its home.

It is good to see that a group concerned with further development of Jackson has taken an active role in trying to promote its strengths. Jacksonians will be better off because of it.