Cape government gets chamber award

The private sector isn't the only group that has an impact on a community's economic growth -- so do city government leaders and employees. That's why the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce says it looked outside the local business world for its annual accolades this year.

The chamber presented its Commitment to Excellence Award to the city of Cape Girardeau at its annual Industry Appreciation Dinner Wednesday night, saying the city is one of the area's largest employers and has a huge impact on the local economic climate.

"Tonight's winner excels in every category," said Jim Limbaugh, president of the chamber's board of directors. "The city takes a progressive approach to developing and attracting new industry."

Limbaugh pointed out that the city is one of the county's largest employers, with 390 full- and 359 part-time employees and an annual payroll of about $15 million. Those employees live, do business and shop here, which means that money's effect is multiplied many times over, he said. The city also has a policy of using local vendors, he said.

The city was recently selected as one of 10 DREAM communities, which will help revitalize the downtown district. City employees serve on various boards and are consistently a top 20 donor for the United Way. It also was named a finalist for the All-America City distinction.

"Cape Girardeau serves as a regional hub for health care, shopping, dining and education," Limbaugh said. "The city of Cape Girardeau has a true commitment to excellence attitude in everything they do. ... We are a community rich in history and pride."

The award was started in 1988 to honor local businesses that play a significant role in the Cape Girardeau area. But that changed in recent years to also honor the service sector.

Mayor Jay Knudtson and city manager Doug Leslie accepted the award on behalf of the city. Leslie said he was "humbled and honored" by the award, and both deflected credit to the city's employees and other city leaders.

Leslie also thanked the residents of Cape Girardeau, calling them the "36,000 shareholders."

Knudtson said he came to Cape Girardeau 15 years ago after getting a promotion at his company in Minneapolis, Minn.

"I accepted the job, thinking Cape Girardeau was on the East Coast," Knudtson joked. "But it's been incredible what has happened in that time."

Knudtson said any accomplishments made are because city staff and other organizations work together, specifically pointing out Southeast Missouri State University, the chamber, Cape Area Magnet and the city of Jackson.

"Individually, we could never achieve what we have done," he said. "Together, the sky's the limit. ... Keep raising the bar, and we can have a community can really be proud of. And we already are."

smoyers@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137