64 new businesses opened late last summer

The slowing national economy during the late summer last year appears to have had little impact on individuals and companies intent on opening new businesses in Southeast Missouri.

That's according to the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission's third-quarter business bulletin.

A total of 64 business starts were reported in the region during July, August and September, while five business closings were reported, resulting in a net gain of 59 businesses for the area, the report said.

Bollinger County saw four new businesses in that time frame while Cape Girardeau County saw 29 new businesses; Perry saw four new businesses; and Ste. Genevieve got one.

Retailing and service industry growth accounted for most of the new business expansion. Of the 64 new businesses reported, 26 were retail operations and 35 provided services of some kind. About 238 jobs were created in the region during the quarter as a result of new business starts.