Scott County designated Enhanced Enterprise Zone

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) recently approved an Enhanced Enterprise Zone (EEZ) designation for Scott County.

EEZ areas offer tax benefits to new and expanding businesses located within them.

"This put us on a level playing field with other counties in Missouri that have this status," said Scott County Economic Development director Joel Evans.

The EEZ program helps Missouri compete with other states for business opportunities, he explained.

"In Missouri state government is prohibited from giving cash incentives to private entities looking for a place to call home, but other states -- like Arkansas, for example -- are not," he said.

Incentives available to companies locating in an EEZ come in the form of state income tax credits and local property tax abatements. Qualifying businesses in Scott County could receive a minimum of 50 percent county property tax abatement for 10 years, Evans said. Additional tax discounts are available based on the number of jobs being created and the amount of capital invested.

"The Enhanced Enterprise Zone program has proved to be a vital economic development tool that continues to play a leading role in Missouri's ongoing economic rebound," Missouri Department of Economic Development director David Kerr said. "DED is pleased to use it to assist Scott County's economic development efforts."

The Enhanced Enterprise Zone program began in 2004 and includes a total of 78 counties. Cape Girardeau County is not one of them.

* Limbaugh edits Hannity's latest book: David Limbaugh, author, syndicated columnist and Cape Girardeau lawyer, was the principal editor of Sean Hannity's latest book, "Conservative Victory: Defeating Obama's Radical Agenda" released March 30. Hannity is best known as the host of "The Sean Hannity Show," heard daily by 13.5 million radio listeners on 500 stations in the United States. His television show "Hannity" also appears on Fox News Channel. In the book, Hannity says the following about Limbaugh: "Thanks to David Limbaugh, author, syndicated columnist and my agent and attorney, who has been there for me from day one and continues to be an enormous blessing in my life. His insights and contributions made it dramatically better than it otherwise would have been."

* Tower Rock Vineyard & Winery holds grand-opening: Two bands, a children's fishing tournament and free wine tasting will be featured Thursday through Sunday as Tower Rock Vineyard & Winery in Altenburg opens for the season. Common Thread is scheduled to perform from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, and The Big Idea will perform from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday. A children's catch-and-release fishing tournament will start at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Tower Rock pond. The tourney is open to children ages 3 to 12. There will also be door prizes and other special offerings. For more information, visit www.towerrockwine.com.

* New marketing firm opens in Cape: Vector Marketing has opened a new sales office in Cape Girardeau, operated by Vector district manager Michael Rains. The office at 1409 N. Mount Auburn Road will be used for the recruitment and training of new sales representatives and for team meetings to provide additional training. Sales representatives market Vector's product, CUTCO Cutlery, through in-home presentations and use the sales office as home base.

After first working as a sales representative, Rains worked his way up through the company, becoming a field sales manager and assistant manager before receiving his most recent promotion. Rains has received several company awards for his sales achievements. For more information, visit www.vectormarketing.com.

* Drury Lodge still catering events: Although its Cedar Street Restaurant has closed, Drury Lodge in Cape Girardeau still offers catering services. "We are still running our catering operation for all events," said Justin Medley, general manager. "Meetings, weddings and reunions are a big part of our operation." The facility features eight banquet rooms of varying sizes.

Southeast Missourian business reporter Melissa Miller may be contacted at 388-3646 or mmiller@semissourian.com.<I>