Cape gains one new leader, but looks to find another

As the Chamber of Commerce filled a major personnel vacancy in Cape Girardeau, the city finds itself with another hole to fill.

The Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday the hiring of a new Convention and Visitors Bureau Director, Chuck Martin of Cape Girardeau.

Meanwhile, city officials announced assistant city manager Walter Denton has resigned to take the city administrator position in O'Fallon, Ill.

The CVB has been without a director since May when Terri Clark-Bauer resigned. Also on Wednesday, the chamber announced Angela Bender of Cape Girardeau as the marketing coordinator for the bureau.

The chamber officially took control of the CVB Oct. 1 after the Cape Girardeau City Council and the chamber worked out the change in jurisdiction over the summer.

Martin, a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, has a bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing management.

The past several years, Martin has worked in the nonprofit field, serving most recently as the executive director of the Kenny Rogers Children's Center in Sikeston, Mo.

"One thing about Chuck, is he shows tremendous management ability," said John Mehner, president of the chamber. "He's shown the ability to take organizations to the next level. He's been very successful."

While at the Kenny Rogers Children's Center, Martin took over an executive director position that had been vacant for about six months. In his four years there he said the center went from serving 165 children to more than 300.

"I think the staff is looking for direction and I have enjoyed some success in my three previous positions and I really do enjoy it," Martin said. "I think some of the first things I have to do is visit with the staff that's been there. They do a great job and were more than capable of holding it together.

"I'm looking forward to attending the state conference on tourism, visiting with counterparts from around the state and see what has worked. From that, we'll come up with a comprehensive plan."

Bender's experience includes being the program coordinator for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Oklahoma City.

"Angie has more fire and passion wrapped up in her than anybody I've seen in a long time," Mehner said.

Moving on

Denton leaves after serving as Cape Girardeau's assistant city manager since 1996.

That position required him to fill many roles for the city. During his tenure, he has served in the interim as acting public information officer, airport manager, inspections director, human resources director and Convention and Visitors Bureau director. He also serves as the city's webmaster and Emergency Operations Coordinator.

"I am proud of the things we in the city of Cape Girardeau have accomplished and I am proud to have worked here over the last six years," Denton said.

Mayor Jay Knudtson said Denton, who will begin his new job next month, worked with class and professionalism.

"Mr. Denton has always been willing to step up and support the city in whatever capacity was required," Knudtson said. "The city of O'Fallon has identified a leader that will serve their city proud and we wish him all the luck."

bmiller@semissourian.com

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