Event will reunite former employees of closed Thorngate plants

It's hard to believe that nearly a year has passed since Thorngate Ltd. closed its doors in Cape Girardeau. When the high-end men's clothing manufacturer pulled out of the area, it left 335 employees without a job and a large structure vacant.

Since the plant closed it's likely some of those employees haven't seen one another.

But on Feb. 15, former employees of the Chaffee, Mo., and Cape Girardeau plants will have an opportunity to catch up at a reunion. Scheduled for 5 p.m., the event will take place at Ryan's Steakhouse, 130 Vantage Drive in Cape Girardeau.

* Two businesses close: A recent stroll through West Park Mall included learning that an Anaheim, Calif.-based clothing store has closed. PacSun, which caters to the teenage crowd, shut its doors last week.

Meanwhile, the Sonic Drive-In at 2126 Broadway also closed last week. Sonic spokeswoman Christi Woodworth said the restaurant closed because of financial reasons.

"The decision to close a drive-in is never easy," Woodworth said in a written statement. "We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to bring our carhop service and extensive menu variety to Cape Girardeau residents and look forward to continuing to serve the community.

"We invite area residents to visit the two other Cape Girardeau Sonic Drive-In locations at 1764 N. Kingshighway and 262 Seimers Drive as well as the Jackson location at 530 S. Hope St. to enjoy their Sonic favorites," she said.

* American Heart Association recognized Saint Francis: The American Heart Association has recognized Saint Francis Medical Center in its Fit-Friendly Companies Program for promoting physical activity and health in the workplace.

The program recognizes employers who create physical activity programs in the workplace.

The hospital's Healthy Rewards is a wellness incentive program for its employees. Employees participate in lunches, weekly weigh-ins and exercise challenges. Positive reinforcements include reduced medical insurance premiums and up to $250 in vouchers for meeting annual goals.

* Ribbon cutting planned: The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. Friday for the newly rebuilt Amerimart. The building at 865 N. Kingshighway was damaged by the January 2009 ice storm and crews have worked since late July to rebuild the convenience store. The new 3,000-square-foot store has a large selection of coffee, healthy food choices and a drive-thru window.

Southeast Missourian business reporter Brian Blackwell may be contacted at 388-3628 or bblackwell@semissourian.com.<I>