Tourism consultant for Cape warranted

For days now, Speak Out, this newspaper's somewhat accurate and always amusing gauge of public sentiment, has condemned the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau for spending $42,000 to hire a consultant to help attract tourism.

"Cape Girardeau is spending money right and left!" reads one.

"It's ridiculous!" says another, noting the city's budget problems. "They'll be sorry they are doing things like this!"

I've added my own exclamation marks, but trust me, that's the way they were intended. There were many others, and even a few letters to the editor.

These people also suggest, instead of hiring such a firm, that prizes can be offered to let our own residents suggest a motto.

Maybe the CVB could give the winner such high-brow prizes as a "City of Roses" coffee mug.

Or how about a half-dozen "Escape to Cape" T-shirts?

Or a big scoop of mud from the Mississippi River that everyone thinks is drawing tourists into town by the bus loads?

That is a professional way to do things -- if you live in Petticoat Junction. (Which I also hear is having something of an identity crisis.)

We don't think big enough, and that's why tourism is not booming in town. Readers say the CVB should come up with its own slogans and save the money. It has. Anyone remember "Wake up in Cape?" How about "Escape to Cape?" You don't? Well, neither do the people in other cities who read our brochures when they were planning a vacation.

It's not working.

We have many wonderful things in this town. The river is a marvelous asset. Not everyone loves Rush Limbaugh, but he certainly helps put us on the map.

I love this town. But I'm not the market the CVB is looking for. And that's the point.

Neither are you.

Sometimes you need an outsider to come in and take a comprehensive look. That way you avoid people who have their own interests, as Mayor Jay Knudtson pointed out. I've even got a call or two from people who suggest their businesses alone are enough to draw tourism.

Good idea. "Cape Girardeau: Home of Kwik-E-Mart." Or "Cape Girardeau: City of Laundromats."

Maybe this firm can help us see something about Cape Girardeau that we all have taken for granted.

Maybe not. But it's worth a shot.

Some of you will say I've been co-opted by the CVB. And you're right. They bribed me with a case of "City of Roses" shot glasses and a lifetime subscription to the "Limbaugh Letter."

Wake up, Cape.

Po' Man

Po' Man Concessions last weekend began operating a mobile concession stand at 709 William. It is owned by Joey Williams and is similar to a food stand you'd see at a carnival, said his uncle, David Williams.

The menu offers Italian beef, hamburgers, hot dogs, burritos, brats, french fries, nachos, chicken nuggets and shrimp. The stand is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Williams said. It will be moved every two weeks to prominent places.

CJ Banks opening

CJ Banks is opening at the mall this September, according to Westfield Shoppingtown West Park marketing director Joyce Hunter.

CJ Banks is a plus-sized women's clothing store that will be right across from Christopher and Banks, the same company that owns CJ Banks.

Quickly

St. Louis Zoo has signed an agreement with Drury Hotels. Drury Hotels will be the St. Louis Zoo's official hotel sponsor for the next five years.

Johannes Auto Sales turned 40 years old in May. Jim Johannes has been the owner of the Jackson-based salvage yard since 1975.

Scott Moyers is the business editor for the Southeast Missourian. Send your comments, business news, information or questions to Biz Buzz, 301 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0699, e-mail smoyers@semissourian.com or call 335-6611, extension 137.