Who's Who: Missy Marshall

Executive director with the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce

WHERE SHE'S BEEN: Fifty-year-old Marshall is originally from Little Rock, Ark., and is married to attorney Franklin Marshall. They have a son, Ben F. Marshall V, who lives in Louisianna, and a daughter, Aidan, a student at Southeast Missouri State University. Marshall received a bachelor's degree from Regis University in Denver, majoring in business administration.

WHERE SHE'S GOING: "Every job I have ever had has been challenging and motivating, so I hope in five years that is still the case. I am sure I will still be working in a business-related field. I want to be part of a group or organization that respects the past, enjoys the present, but is always looking to the future and how we can improve our community. I want every resident of the Sikeston/Miner area to have opportunities in education, training and employment while enjoying the quality of place our cities have to offer." As for her career, Marshall says professionals in her field are seeing their job descriptions change dramatically. "Gone are the days of just being the 'community cheerleader,' hosting ribbon cuttings and handling a few beautification and fundraising projects. Chambers of commerce, especially in rural communities, now find themselves involved in economic development, workforce issues, customized training projects, medical and management recruitment, education and leadership programs and working with other chambers to develop regional programs, such as our Entrepreneur Clubs we started this year in the southern seven counties of the Bootheel. We now have to be more things to more people while we still do the things we have traditionally done, like raise money to support our not-for-profit organizations, work on beautification projects and host ribbon cuttings. We try to represent all our members and our communities equally and not get lost in the problems, but create the solutions. We are still the 'community cheerleader,' just with more ways to cheer on our areas."

WHY SHE WAS CHOSEN: "Missy is active in numerous civic activities, volunteering what time she has that isn't consumed by her many other responsibilities," wrote Missy's husband, Franklin. "Missy is often one of the first persons called by people throughout the region to get her input and assistance on supporting and developing the region. She is extremely proud of Southeast Missouri and is one of its greatest promoters in whatever part of the country her work or personal time takes her. I do not believe anyone does more, or cares more, for our region than Missy Marshall."

Missy's community involvement: St. Francis Xavier Parish Council, past president; Sikeston Sharks and Cape Gators Swim Team boards; coached Ozark Jr. Olympic Swim Team and girls softball; retired United States Swimming Administrative Referee; past President Sikeston Junior Woman's Club; member PEO, HB chapter; board member and past officer for Kenny Rogers Children's Center, Sikeston Cultural Development Center, Southeast Missouri State University Sikeston Campus Advisory Board and YMCA of Southeast Missouri; board member of Southeast Missouri Economic Development Alliance, KRCU/Southeast Radio and Historic Midtown Development Group; co-chairman of the Southeast Missouri P-20 Council; Delta Regional Authority/Delta Leadership Institute graduate and Alumni Service Award recipient.