STRICTLY BUSINESS; JACKSON GROWING: 2 STORES START UP

Jackson is a growing community, and more and more businesses want to grow with it.

Among those who see growth potential in Jackson is Brad Farrar, who recently opened a new Blimpie Sub & Salad restaurant.

Farrar, of Bradlynn Associates, which owns and operates three Blimpie operations in Cape Girardeau County, two of them in Cape Girardeau, said he was glad "to be in Jackson."

Farrar is one of a growing number of businessmen who now have interests in the Jackson community.

A week ago, Randy and Vonda Schemel opened the doors to a 2,700-square-foot antiques/collectible mall.

"We expanded the first week," said Randy Schemel. "We added another 1,400 square feet, and we have room for additional expansion."

"We're receiving inquiries from a number of busineses and individuals," said Patty Riesenbichler, executive secretary of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.

"Most of the available vacant buildings in Jackson are now spoken for," added Marvin Wormington, chairman of the new Small Business Recruitment Committee, which was founded more than two months ago.

"Our goal is to bring retail business to Jackson," said Wormington. "We're elated with the response."

The special committee, which works with the chamber and city has been busy.

During its brief existence, the group has compiled a trifold, color brochure outlining 20 reasons to establish a business to Jackson, which is being published in the St. Louis Business Journal, Memphis Business Journal and "Business Today," a business publication headquartered at Cape Girardeau.

The group has also compiled a list of businesses Jackson merchants would like to see come to Jackson. This list includes antique shops, shoe retailers and repair shops, small-appliance stores, restaurants and a camera store.

Wal-Mart has announced plans for a new supercenter; Canal Wood Products, which is establishing a wood chip operation at the SEMO Port, will be headquartered at Jackson.

Jackson is definitely in the midst of an economic boom.

The town is also in the middle of significant population growth brought on by new residential construction. Jackson's population, which in 1990 was 9,256, is approaching 11,000.

More than 100 homes a year have been built the past three years.

The widening of U.S. 61 through east Jackson a few years ago has helped development along that thoroughfare, which makes the trip between Cape Girardeau and Jackson appear shorter.

The city is only a few miles from the Procter & Gamble Products Inc. Plant, which announced a $350 million expansion program earlier this year.

Procter & Gamble, which employs more than 1,200 people, will add an 850,000-square-foot paper towel and tissue facility, with 350 new jobs.

The recruitment committee, which grew out of a Jackson Merchants Association meeting, is affiliated with the Jackson Chamber of Commerce and is made up of concerned Jackson merchants and business owners.

"Our doors are always open and we welcome anyone to our meetings," said Wormington. The committee meets at 7 a.m. Thursdays.

Perhaps Wormington expresses Jackson's desire best:

"What we want to do here is go from a `Mayberry RFD' setting to a retail explosion," he said.

Roses for thousands

The "City of Roses" will bloom with goodwill on Wednesday.

As part of "Good Neighbor Day," originated by an FTD florist in Jackson, Miss., in 1994, hundreds, probably thousands, of Cape Girardeau area residents will receive roses from friends and strangers.

Knaup Floral, 838 William, and Arrangements by Joyce, 100 S. Sprigg, will give away dozens of roses in all different colors beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

The idea is for people to pick up a dozen roses, keep one for themselves and give the others to 11 different people.

Through the flowers, it is hoped people will make new friends and renew old acquaintances.

The event Sept. 10 is "Good Neighbor Day," an idea which has grown into national participation by FTD.

The event was conceived by the florist in Jackson, Miss., three years ago. This year, more than 200 florists will participate in the event.

"We think it's a great idea," said Knaup manager Kathy Landewee. "We just want to promote people getting along. It's kind of a thank-you to the citizens of Cape."

Landewee said Knaup will provide as many as 3,000 roses for the event.

"We'll give dozens and dozens of roses," said Jeanne Friedrich, assistant manager at Arrangements by Joyce, which is owned by Joyce Kuntze.

Many cities, including Cape Girardeau, have officially proclaimed Sept. 10 as "Good Neighbor Day."

More women veterinarians

Women in veterinary medicine were recognized during a special 50th anniversary celebration of the Association of Women Veterinarians at Reno, Nev.

The observance was held in connection with the 134th annual convention of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Although women were first granted veterinary degrees in 1910, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the AWV.

Some 30 percent of the 59,000 veterinarians in the United States are women.

Women veterinarians have made great strides, especially during the past 30 years, said Phyllis Larsen, chairwoman of the history committee for the AWV.

The first woman served as president of the AVMA in 1996. This year, three women will serve on the AVMA executive board.

The AWV anniversary also marked the printing of a commemorative book, "Our History of Women in Veterinary Medicine," which highlights special events from the past 50 years.

Among the book's "time-bites":

-- 1944 -- Unable to join the student veterinary fraternity, the women at New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell, established a veterinary sorority, and within a year, won the right for female students to go on farm calls.

-- 1946 -- Five women veterinarians meet in Detroit and start a monthly "Bulletin" of the American Women's Veterinary Medical Association.

-- 1960 -- Jean Holzworth is the first woman to be named "Veterinarian of the Year," by the American Animal Hospital Association.

-- 1966 -- Ann B. Holt is the first woman veterinarian in the Peace Corps.

-- 1986 -- The first AWV Distinguished Service Award goes to a man, Moses Simons, whose USDA/FSIS training enabled many women veterinarians to assume responsible roles in meat and poultry and international programs.

B. Ray Owen is business editor for the Southeast Missourian.