250 GATHER FOR RCGA BANQUET

The benefits of working together with the Missouri Division of Tourism was the message delivered by Marjorie Beenders Thursday night at the Regional Commerce and Growth Association's seventh annual awards banquet.

Each year RCGA awards someone or a company with the John T. Crowe Award. This year's recipient was Donna Burk of Southwestern Bell. Columbia Construction was honored with the Industrial Appreciation Award.

Beenders, the director of the Missouri Division of Tourism, was the featured speaker at the event, attended by about 250 people.

She said the Missouri Division of Tourism and RCGA could benefit by promoting their goals together. Members of RCGA should be proud of the work used to promote the area, she said.

"And we count on that kind of support more than you know," Beenders said.

She said by making people feel good about the region, they would give back to the region by spending their tourism dollars.

"And when you come into contact with a visitor," she said, "you leave an impression. It takes just as much energy to smile as to frown."

Beenders ended her message by encouraging members of RCGA to be excited about their region.

"Enthusiasm is contagious," she said. "Catch it and spread it."

The John T. Crowe Award was named for Dr. John Crowe of Cape Girardeau, who died Feb. 25, 1988.

According to the award description, Crowe stood for innovative ideas while maintaining a love and devotion for the region.

"We recognize the significance of the information superhighway," said Greg Williams, executive director of RCGA. "That's why the award was given to Donna."

Also receiving an award Thursday night was Howard Meagle of KFVS, who accepted the Regional Spirit Award.