by Michael Wells

communications director

Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Board Votes to Support Recommendations of Citizens Finance Task Force

At its March 4 meeting, the board of directors of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce voted to support the recommendations of the Citizens Finance Task Force.

Specifically, the two things supported by the Chamber board were the package of tax initiatives slated to be on the ballot in April and the recommendation from the Task Force that the entire package be reviewed in five years (and annually after that) so if economic conditions greatly improve, the City Council could take action to reduce or eliminate the taxes.

"From the discussion, it is clear the board saw this as an issue of taking action to make sure Cape Girardeau remains a regional center by providing for basic city needs and creating an attraction that will greatly benefit the local economy," said Chamber president and CEO John Mehner.

"In addition, the board recognized the importance of the local business climate by stressing the necessity of reviewing the entire package of taxes so that if revenue approaches the high-growth times of the early to mid '90s, action can be taken to reduce or eliminate the taxes," Mehner said.

The vote totals were 12 in support, three opposed and four members were absent.

For more information about this position contact John Mehner at 335-3312.

Student Leadership Approaches Graduation

The junior and senior classes of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce Student Leadership Program will hold their graduation ceremony on March 24 at the Drury Lodge at the Drury Lodge.

The Chamber looks forward to congratulating all the participants in this program on that special evening. This is the third year for the program that grew from one junior program to the current junior and senior programs. We are proud of the youth of our community and look forward to working with these and other upcoming students in the future.

Committees Working on Educator of the Year Selection

The Chamber's Education and Chamber-University Relations committees are in the final stages of decision for the Educators of the Year Awards. The Education Committee picks four educators to be honored from public, private and parochial schools in Cape Girardeau. The Chamber-University Relations Committee will pick one educator from higher education as an award recipient.

The Chamber of Commerce will release the names of this year's honorees at the April First Friday Coffee, held at the Show Me Center on April 4 at 7:30 a.m.

Business After Hours Set for N'Orleans

Don't miss the Business After Hours at the N'Orleans Restaurant on March 18 at 5 p.m. The N'Orleans is sponsoring and hosting the event. This is a great place for Chamber members to network and relax after work.

Record Crowd for March First Friday Coffee

How about that crowd at First Friday Coffee in March! It is safe to say that we set a record for attendance with 180 stopping by for the meeting. We would like to thank our sponsor the Southeast Missourian for their sponsorship and for a great video about their new $3 million investment in Southeast Missouri. They recently purchased a new press that they are calling affectionately "Big Blue." It is safe to say, the audience and the Chamber were im-PRESS-ed. Thanks to Rep. Jason Crowell for providing a mid-legislative session update. Thanks to Old Town Cape for giving their presentation on what Old Town Cape is doing to revitalize the Old Town Cape District.

Membership Tool Ready for May Drive

The Chamber's new membership brochures are in and they look great. But they'll look even better in the hands of business owners and professionals throughout the area. We're working to make that happen. These brochures will be sent out monthly to prospective members and will be used during the upcoming membership drive in May, but more on that in the next installment.

Help us Light the Bridge

We are also working on an informational brochure to coincide with our lighting of the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge campaign. More on that later as well, but here's a sneak peak -- you can buy lights on the bridge. When we have the brochures ready, you'll have all the particulars. You can also help light the bridge by purchasing a Eastern Access print, a wonderful painting of the forthcoming bridge by artist Eric Bryant. You can obtain your print at the Chamber for $200.

Cost of Living Index for Cape

We are awaiting the results of Victoria Rust's collection of area pricing data from ACCRA, a not-for-profit organization that determines the cost of living index for a community. The first quarter numbers should be in this June. This will be the first time a cost of living index analysis was performed for Cape Girardeau.

Your Input is Welcome

As always, we welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. Call us at 573-335-3312 or e-mail at info@capechamber.com or visit the Web at www.capechamber.com .

Michael Wells is the communications director for the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce. (335-3312 or mwells@capechamber.com)