Sears, Kohl's to have positive economic ripples

New jobs, more tax money, an even more dynamic shopping environment. These will be the results of a collaborative effort to bring two new stores to Cape Girardeau.

The announcement by Mayor Jay Knudtson on Thursday also underscored how desirable this region is for the hottest retail concepts. The 150,000-square-foot Sears Grand to be built next to Goody's will be only the sixth in the nation. And Kohl's is one of the fastest-growing retail chains in the country.

You can expect many ripples from these two developments. For one, the property next to Sam's becomes more attractive for other stores. Expect the mall to become even more aggressive in updating its look (already under exciting change with Old Navy preparing to open). Be prepared for more traffic and opportunities for other retailers, restaurants and fast food.

To finalize Kohl's and Sears Grand's developments in Cape, the city council yesterday approved incentives for the stores. These agreements basically apportion some of the future sales tax money to be generated by the stores as reimbursement for them undertaking necessary and costly infrastructure work now.

"The facts are," said county commissioner Gerald Jones at a press conference Thursday, "if you don't do this, you get zero."

Collaboration is the name of the game for economic development nowadays.

Thanks to the city, county, Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association, chamber and Drury Development of St. Louis (spearheaded by Tim Drury), this area will continue to grow as a regional hub for shopping and employment.

The news about Kohl's and Sears Grand capped off a blockbuster week for Cape Girardeau, which started with a landslide vote -- 80 percent in favor -- of a sales-tax increase to improve firefighting equipment and facilities and to increase wages for firefighters and police.

The additional funds promise to stem the departure of capable firefighters and officers from this area to other jurisdictions. And, simply, the new equipment will save lives. The magnitude of the vote also provides a morale boost to the entire city staff.

Congratulations are due many folks for their hard work in getting the information out about the city's needs, in particular: Mayor Knudtson, city manager Doug Leslie, campaign leaders Harry Rediger and Don McNeely, TV man Mike Smythe, and the police and firefighter families. But, above all, thanks must go to the citizens who paid attention to the information and voted. Kudos!

Walking the new Riverfront Park trail on Thursday night, I counted 94 people sitting on benches, strolling hand-in-hand or simply standing and enjoying the view. One family actually brought a grill and was preparing dinner. The aroma was delicious.

All were there for the magnificent view and the cool river breeze. Blown down by strong storms north of here, huge tree limbs spotted the mighty river. Still high, the water lapped against the base of the new observation platforms.

Meanwhile, on the floodwall itself, the historic mural continues to take shape in bright colors and fascinating images. If you're interested in sponsoring part of the new mural and helping to colorize the Missouri Wall of Fame farther south, contact Tim Blattner or Narvol Randol. Already, 18 local men, women and businesses have stepped forth with donations of $5,000 or more. But any size donation would be helpful. Old Town Cape and the SEMO Council on the Arts are the handling agencies for the mural donations (both are non-profits, allowing your gift to be tax deductible).

In today's editorial, the newspaper pays tribute to Fay Beal for her courage in standing strong against the tide of intimidation. We also announce that we will be making a $750 donation to the police department for overtime enforcement activity around the 400 block of Hanover in Fay's name. In our minds, Fay is a local hero.

Thanks to your vote on the city fire sales tax, you have also helped good people like Fay. Patrols that had to be cut back due to tight financing will be able to resume again. This makes for a safer, better place for all of us to live.

Yesterday our nation buried a great man, Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th president of the United States.

His inspiration will never die. The greatest president of my lifetime, his optimism and love of country are woven into the fabric of what makes America great.

In the condolence book for Mrs. Reagan, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher wrote: "To Ronnie. Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

They are apt words for a man larger than life.

Jon K. Rust is co-president of Rust Communications.