Area economic organization changes name

Business Today

The Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association has a new name and logo.

The association -- whose members include the cities of Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City, Cape Girardeau County and the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce -- now will be called the Cape Girardeau Area Magnet. The new name includes a new logo displaying a horseshoe magnet.

Economic development official Mitch Robinson said the old name was cumbersome. "The new name is both descriptive and easy to remember," he said. "We're confident that we will stand out, which is exactly what we want to do."

He said the new name reflects the fact that the organization isn't just focused on recruiting manufacturing plants, but also is interested in recruiting retail businesses such as the new Sears store and promoting road projects.

Robinson said the name was chosen from among 50 suggestions. The organization hired Red Letter Communications to help formulate a new name. The advertising agency recommended the Magnet name, he said.

Cape Girardeau Mayor Jay Knudtson, who chairs the economic development organization, said it was time for a new name.