United Way is recognized for service by chamber

Typically, the identity of the winner of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce's annual Commitment to Excellence Award is withheld until after the presenter's description of the company, its origins and achievements. But this year, the uniqueness of that company's services and history made it obvious in the first few sentences.

As presenter and chamber board chairman Janet Esicar revealed within minutes at Wednesday's chamber industry appreciation dinner at the Plaza Convention Center, for the first time in its 16-year history, the award was given to a social service organization. This organization was founded 50 years ago through a survey conducted by the chamber.

"Suffice it to say that this organization has come a long way and built a tremendous tradition in the last 50 years," Esicar said. "It is focused on making this a better community and committed to positive results."

United Way of Southeast Missouri director Nancy Jernigan and past director Dorothy Klein accepted the award.

"This might as well be the United Way industry appreciation dinner because we're here with so many of our supporters," Jernigan said. "Ninety-nine percent of you are contributors and you share in this beautiful award with us. For the other one percent, Marla (Mills) and Gail (Shy) will be waiting at the door with your pledge cards."

The award was started in 1988 to honor local businesses that play a significant role in the Cape Girardeau area. However it was initially reserved only for those in the manufacturing industry. The United Way of Southeast Missouri is the third winner outside the manufacturing sector to win the award since it was expanded to include other areas in 2002.

The criteria for the award is a company with a facility in the local area that provides a service to that area. The winner must also make an economic contribution, show community involvement, show leadership, have longevity and demonstrate a commitment to excellence.

Since it was formed in 1954 as the Cape Girardeau United Fund, the United Way of Southeast Missouri has expanded to serve Jackson, Scott City and Perryville and has raised over $14 million to help fund community organizations such as the American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Salvation Army. It currently funds over 30 programs and over 30 different agencies in the Cape Girardeau area.

In terms of leadership, the United Way of Southeast Missouri is active in assessing community problems. Over the past year, the United Way teamed with the Community Caring Council to conduct an extensive community assessment to identify and address the most prevalent social issues facing the community.

Jack Schultz was the keynote speaker. Schultz is the CEO of Agracel Inc. and author of the book "Boomtown USA, The 7 1/2 Keys to Big Success in Small Towns." He identified those keys as having a "can do" attitude, shaping a vision, leveraging the town's resources, raising strong leaders, encouraging entrepreneurship, maintaining local control, building brand recognition and embracing the ups and downs of economic development.

Schultz said that Cape Girardeau exemplified 6 1/2 of those keys -- all except branding -- and was ranked in his book as his most successful small town in the country.

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

Previous winners of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce's Commitment to Excellence Award:

1988: General Sign Co.

1989: Lone Star Industries

1990: Procter & Gamble Paper Products

1991: BioKyowa Inc.

1992: Concord Publishing House Inc.

1993: Dana Corp.

1994: Florsheim Shoe Co.

1995: Spartech Corp.

1996: Thorngate Ltd.

1997: M&W Packaging, U.S. Inc.

1998: Lone Star Industries

1999: Procter & Gamble Paper Products

2000: Dana Corp.

2001: BioKyowa Inc.

2002: Cape Girardeau police and fire departments

2003: Auto Tire and Parts