Today's edition of the Southeast Missourian is about the heftiest newspaper you will get all year. Included is the six-section annual Progress Edition.

I hope readers will take time to look through the many articles, photographs and advertisements. It is an impresseive review.

This year's theme, Business & Industry, recognizes the role Cape Girardeau has as a regional center for shopping, medical services, education and employment.

These big newspapers don't just happen. Planning for this year's Progress Edition began months ago. One of the things that has made this year's effort so successful is the close cooperation between the news and advertising department during the planning process. In the news department, Managing Editor Joni Adams had the monumental task of assigning stories and photos and assembling them in some meaningful presentation. Thanks to the efforts of reporters, editors, photographers and paginators, it all came together.

In the end, good teamwork produces outstanding results, and I trust you will see that in this year's Progress Edition. We are proud of it and hope you will take some pride in your community.

R. Joe Sullivan is the editor of the Southeast Missourian.