ECONOMY REBOUND CAN BE FOUND IN THE REGION

During the presidential campaign, there was a lot of misinformation dispensed about the economy. Now, the gloom and doom have vanished. We've learned the nation's fiscal condition is not flirting with depression. The economic rebound appears securely on track.

Regional job and business statistics compiled for 1992 reflect this economic turnaround. A look around the city underscores the numbers. Businesses are opening and expanding.

The Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission says business openings and expansions of existing companies in the region continued at a steady pace throughout 1992. The agency keeps tabs on openings and closings of businesses in Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Iron, Madison, Perry, St. Francois, and Ste. Genevieve counties.

Cape Girardeau County reported more than 100 new businesses in 1990 and 1991. That fell to 70 in 1992.

From the standpoint of jobs, the region fared much better in 1992. New businesses and expansions resulted in the creation of 1,864 jobs in 1992, compared with 1,622 jobs in 1991. Business failures resulted in the loss of 310 jobs in 1992 - down from 517 jobs lost in 1991. One of the largest expansions was announced by Lee-Rowan. The Jackson firm added 81,000 square feet and 200 jobs last year.

In the seven-county region, there were 180 business starts last year. That's down from 232 starts in 1991, but it remains far from stagnant. Many of these new businesses set up shop in Cape Girardeau County and St. Francois County.

A strong area economy is also reflected in the jobless rate. Cape Girardeau County finished the year with a 12-month average of 4.3 percent. A diverse local economy helps to help this rate so low. That means out of the county's average work force of 36,280 all but about 1,566 were working. Even the state of Missouri finished the year with a remarkably low unemployment rate - 6 percent.

Local officials can also be buoyed by business activity in early 1993. Cracker Barrel restaurant opened in January, resulting in 160 jobs. Hobby Lobby, an arts and crafts supply store, will bring 40 new jobs in March. Sam's and Lowe's Companies have also announced their intentions to locate in Cape Girardeau.

That's not to say the economy won't continue to hit bumps and stalls. A trillion dollar debt also casts a menacing shadow on true recovery. But local, state and national figures tell the tale of a growing economy. The hard numbers of recovery should help put the political rhetoric in perspective.