CHAMBER TO HOLD RETREAT FOLLOWING FIRST FRIDAY COFFEE

Accomplishments, discussions of 2000 goals and priorities are among agenda items for the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors annual retreat, to be held Friday at Lone Star Industries Natatorium, following the chamber's First Friday Coffee.

Updates from city and school representatives are also on the agenda, said John Mehner, president and CEO of the chamber.

Speakers during the day include Dr. Ken Dobbins, of Southeast Missouri State University; Dr. Dan Steska, with Cape Girardeau Public Schools; and, Mayor Al Spradling.

Bart Ozbun, vice president and financial counselor-in-charge of the local Merrill Lynch investment office, and current chairman of the chamber board, will discuss accomplishments during the past year."It's hard to believe how fast 1999 has passed us by," said Ozbun, whose reign as chairman ends Dec. 31. "The years seem to be moving faster, or maybe we area."Ozbun reported recently that 1999 has been a fabulous year for the chamber of commerce, the business community and Cape Girardeau as a whole. The local chamber is one of the top five chambers in the state in membership, exceeding membership of all Missouri cities of 50,000 or less population, with a membership of about 1,200. Prior to the retreat, chamber officials and members will attend the First Friday Coffee, starting at 7:30 a.m. at the Show Me Center. Brad Jones, of National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) will be guest speaker at the coffee. The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce has already adopted a new logo for the year 2000. Incorporated in the new look are some waves, a rose and touch of two colors, to emphasize the "City of Roses on the Mississippi River." The new logo will appear on chamber publications, advertisements and documents.