CHAMBER AWARDS PROVIDE EXAMPLES OF SUCCESS STORIES, INSPIRATION TO LOCAL BUSINESSES

Each year Cape Girardeau's Chamber of Commerce takes the time to honor businesses and individuals who have made their mark on this community. J. Ronald Fischer and R&M COCO were recognized during the annual chamber dinner.

Fischer became the 12th recipient of the Rush H. Limbaugh Award. R&M COCO, a design-fabric distributor, was recognized as the Small Business of the Year. Both are worthy recipients of these prestigious awards.

Fischer's leadership in city and county government still benefits Cape Girardeau today. He served on the county commission for 20 years, helping the county to achieve its admirable financial good standing. He also served on the Cape Girardeau City Council before his appointment as city manager for seven years. He retired in 1995. The list of county and city accomplishments during his tenure is long and impressive.

Fischer is a man of vision, and that ability helped transform the city and county to the best they can be.

R&M COCO is the ninth recipient of the small business award. It distributes decorator drapery, upholstery and other fabrics in 48 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico and a number of South American countries. It has experienced a 45 percent increase in sales the past two years.

The company employs 44 full-time employees and is led by president Jim Rust. It is an example that hard work and quality products can succeed around the globe.

These chamber awards not only recognize deserving businessmen and women, but provide very tangible example of local success stories that can provide inspiration to businessmen and women.