Vinson's vision leads him to success in Jackson

After only a few moments of speaking with Dennis Vinson his humble nature becomes apparent.

A Southeast Missouri implant originally from New Jersey, Vinson relocated his business from Atlanta to Jackson in 2006. His company, Signature Packaging, develops corrugated shipping boxes for local plants and businesses, including Rubbermaid, Nordenia and his largest customer Procter & Gamble Co.

Vinson said he chose Southeast Missouri for Signature Packaging's location because of the people.

"We had the opportunity to service this area, and P&G was the anchor account that really brought us here," he said. "Since moving here in 2006 we have really expanded our customer base to include Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky."

Vinson struck out on his own in 2003 after several years of working as a senior financial executive in the industry. In the six years since moving to Jackson, Vinson and his family have become active in the community. Vinson serves as a board member on the Jackson Chamber of Commerce as well as the Boys and Girls Club. He also sits on the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Division Committee.

Vinson and his wife of 20 years, Joy, have three children at Cape Girardeau schools and Southeast Missouri State University.

Brian Gerau from the Jackson Chamber of Commerce said Vinson adds great strengths to the Chamber.

"Dennis is very involved. He brings great insight on business growth and entrepreneurship," Gerau said.

Signature Packaging won the Industry of the Year award last year from the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. It also won the State of Missouri's Fast Track Award for growing his business to 45 employees in just four years.

"Winning the Fast Track Award for growth and besting the rest of the state is really an honor for the city of Jackson and makes us really proud," Gerau said.

For Vinson, Southeast Missouri has entrepreneurial strength, including a growing job market.

"There's a good quality of life here," Vinson said. "From a business standpoint, there are people here that are willing to work and have the skills to get the job done."

Through Signature Packaging, Vinson hopes he is adding jobs to increase the value of the area as a whole. His direct involvement with developmental groups and committees helps to further the community.

Even though Signature Packaging is becoming known around the area and is receiving awards, Vinson is still a humble man who says that the quality of life in this area is what he likes most of all.

"We transitioned to this area nicely. Southeast Missouri is a great place to live, work and raise a family," Vinson said.