Business memo 04/07/03

Downtown merchants to sponsor planting contest

The Downtown Merchants Association will sponsor the first annual Capescape Container Planting Contest throughout the Old Town Cape District.

Beginning as soon as the season permits, merchants are invited to create a container planting of flowers, vegetables, herbs or combination to adorn the front of their business.

First, second and honorable mention prizes will be awarded in three categories of innovation, aesthetics and "wow power." Judging will take place during the week of July 1 through July 5, and winners will be announced on the day after Libertyfest, the traditional Fourth of July celebration in Old Town Cape.

For more information, contact Jerrianne Wyman at 651-1916.

Business counseling sessions available

The Small Business Development Center of Southeast Missouri State University will be conducting counseling sessions for area small business persons and individuals planning business ventures.

The counselor, Gil Degenhardt, will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 16 at the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, 1267 Mount Auburn Road. Call 335-3312 for an appointment.

Degenhardt will also be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 17 at the Southeast Regional Planning Commission, 1 W. St. Joseph St. in Perryville. Call (573) 547-8357 for an appointment. The one-hour counseling sessions are free.

Shawnee college to hold business showcase

Shawnee Community College in Ullin, Ill., will host the Southernmost Illinois Business Showcase from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 3 at the college's Educational Center on the main campus.

The Business Expo is open to all businesses in the southernmost Illinois counties of Alexander, Hardin, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski and Union. All businesses are invited, including home-based businesses, public service agencies, retail, service, construction and manufacturing operations.

Reservations are required by April 18. Call the college at (800) 481-2242 for more information and to register.

Southeast Hospital gets accreditation

Southeast Missouri Hospital has achieved accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations as a result of its demonstrated compliance with the Joint Commission's nationally recognized health care standards. The three-year accreditation includes Southeast Home Health and Southeast Hospice.

Founded in 1951, the Joint Commission is dedicated to continuously improving the safety and quality of the nation's health care through voluntary accreditation. The Joint Commission's on-site survey of Southeast occurred in November.

Southeast administrator James W. Wente said that Joint Commission accreditation demonstrates that "we make a significant investment in quality on a day-to-day basis. We seek accreditation because obtaining Joint Commission accreditation further demonstrates our organization-wide commitment to excellence."

-- From staff reports