49 NEW AREA BUSINESSES GENERATE 390 NEW JOBS

PERRYVILLE -- The number of new businesses in Southeast Missouri increased slightly in the second quarter of 1991, according to figures from the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission. During the three months, the area had a net gain of 49 new businesses, compared to 42 in the first three months of the year.

The growth in economic activity means more hiring for area residents.

"The openings of new businesses during the second quarter generated a total of 390 additional jobs created in the region," said a spokesman for the commission.

Retail and service businesses continued to show the most rapid growth, the spokesman added. Forty new retail businesses and 15 new service establishments were reported region-wide.

The statistics show that Cape Girardeau County leads the area with new businesses, having 23, followed by St. Francois County with 21. Others tallies include five in Perry County, three in Madison County, two in Iron County, one in Bollinger and none in Ste. Genevieve.

Nine businesses reported employment or capital expansions, offset by six businesses reported closed. The closings cost the region an estimated 24 jobs.

The commission bases its report on newspapers from the area and state-wide periodicals. "While information gathered in this manner cannot be considered comprehensive, newspaper reports of openings, closings and expansions provide a generally good overall barometer of the economic health of the region, and probably represent the best and most up-to-date information available," the spokesman said.

The commission is based in Perryville.