AREA INDUSTRIAL RECRUITER GETS 3-YEAR EXTENSION

Mitch Robinson is considered as a-better-than-average fisherman, according to members of the Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association.

Robinson, the 2-year-old association's executive director, was hired in May 1993 to lure new businesses to the area and to keep existing industry from leaving.

The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, in a vote of confidence, has extended Robinson's contract for three years.

Chamber President John Mehner said the board extended Robinson's contract before his original three-year commitment expired "because everyone feels that he's doing a great job."

Using the fisherman analogy, Mehner said Robinson is responsible for baiting the hook by showing businesses why it would be advantageous to locate in the area.

Then, the Chamber does its best to reel in the prospective business by "taking care of them when they get here."

"The partnership has worked out very well," Mehner said.

Mehner credits Robinson with bringing in Texberry Container Corp. and D&K Wholesale Drug Co. D&K Wholesale Drug is expected to bring 80 new jobs into the area.

When it appeared as though Cape Central Publishing might move to Illinois, Robinson went to work with the recruitment association to keep the business here.

"When they were dislocated because of the new bridge route, they were thinking about going back to Illinois," Robinson said. "Fortunately we were able to assist them to make sure they stayed." Cape Central Publishing relocated on Highway 74 across from the Dana Corp.

Robinson also has played a part in helping Jackson provide Lee Rowan with the means to expand its operation to keep the company from seeking an alternate site.

"We really didn't know how serious Lee Rowan was about moving out of the area, but with the help of Mitch and city staff we were able to negotiate with them to make land available for expansion," Jackson Mayor Paul Sander said.

Robinson praised the support he has received from Jackson, Cape Girardeau and Scott City.

Although Jackson has yet to formally approve the three-year extension, Sander said the city is getting plenty of bang for its buck.

"I'm as happy with this association as any we're involved in," Sander said. "We're definitely getting our money's worth."

The association has seven members, two each from Cape Girardeau and Cape Girardeau County. The city and county each contribute $50,000 a year, while Jackson contributes $20,000 a year, the Cape Chamber kicks in $15,000 and Scott City $5,000.

Scott City Administrator John Saxton said Robinson has established a good rapport with his city's business leaders.

Robinson is enthusiastic and "goes after projects," Saxton said. "I think he has the best interests of the region in mind when he tries to bring new business and industry here."

Robinson is working on a project that would involve a 50,000- to 60,0000-square foot building designed to attract a major business to the area.

"National and state numbers show that the first thing a business looks for when they consider moving is a building," Robinson said.

The "spec" building would be financed by area banks and the seven-member Industrial Recruitment Association. Robinson said he expects to learn whether the project will become a reality in four to six weeks.

Sander said regardless of whether the building is in Cape Girardeau or Jackson, both communities will benefit.

Robinson, who lured Arkansas Steel into serious talks, only to see the company back off at the last minute, still hopes to land another big fish.

"Arkansas Steel would have been a big one to get because of the size of the project," Robinson said. The Nash Road Project, worth $60 million, involved developing a 383-acre tract of land near the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport.

The deal fell through, however, when Arkansas Steel was able to get a better deal on utility rates in Arkansas.

"We felt like we were close on that one but it just didn't happen," Robinson said. "There are others out there, though, and we'll keep working to get them to come here."