What is being done to market Southeast Missouri to business and industry?

Because marketing efforts are directed externally, they are not always readily apparent to local citizens. Through the Cape Chamber and Cape Girardeau Area MAGNET, we consistently strive to promote our region and work very closely with a variety of groups, including the Missouri Partnership � the group charged with promoting Missouri to the rest of the world � and the Missouri Department of Economic Development, to broaden our business base. These working relationships help us identify certain businesses to target and make direct contact with, in an effort to bring them to Southeast Missouri.

Each June, in conjunction with the Missouri Economic Development Council, we attend Lakeside with the Locators. This is a two and a half day gathering at the Lake of the Ozarks, attended by a few of the top communities in Missouri and up to 10 site location consultants from across the country. Relationships are the key to success in economic development, just as they are in every other facet of life. This event allows us to make new contacts and solidify existing friendships.

The time together at Lakeside with the Locators gives us a chance to promote the benefits of Missouri in general and in our respective regions. A few of Southeast Missouri�s key selling points include:

1. __Location__ � Nestled right in the center of the continental United States, travel times to anywhere in the country are much shorter than travel times for our coastal neighbors.

2. __Transportation__ � Whether transportation is needed by plane, train or automobile, Southeast Missouri has access to what businesses need.

3. __Affordability__ � The Cape Girardeau Metropolitan Statistical Area is ranked third in cost of living within the state of Missouri.

4. __Access to natural resources__ � With the Mississippi River swiftly flowing through our region, we have tremendous access to water and an abundance of natural resources, such as wood and ores.

The important thing is to understand we are constantly promoting our region � even though you don�t see the efforts directly.