CAPITALIZING ON REGIONAL ASSETS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOPIC OF FORUM

METROPOLIS, Ill. -- Metropolis officials will discus how they have used revenue sources available to their community through riverboat gambling during the annual Quinstate Economic Development Forum, to be held at Merv Griffin Theater in Metropolis Ill. next week.

Representatives from Kentucky and Missouri towns and communities will also discuss the impact of gambling on their communities.

"Capitalizing on Opportunity" will be the theme of the two-day, April 1-2, conference.

The Quinstate Forum is an annual gathering of citizens and business and educational leaders from the five states of Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas.

The states take turns hosting the Forum. It was held at Sikeston in 1997. The 1999 event will be held in Kentucky.

A number of speakers will be on the program, co-sponsored by Cooperative Extension Services of five states, local chambers of commerce and other area and regional groups.

Beth A. Clanahan, mayor of Metropolis; Rick Davis, mayor of Caruthersville, Mo.; and Danny Orazline, county judge/executive, McCracken County, Ky., are among speakers for the first session, "Capitalizing on Revenue Resources: The Gaming Industry in Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky."

Also on the initial program is Michael Crider, vice president and general manager of Players Casino, which operates on the Ohio at Metropolis.

"Capitalizing on History" will be the theme of the 8:45 a.m. April 3 session. Panel members will describe citizen efforts to preserve and build upon the history of their respective communities to attract tourists.

Rob Beckermann, owner of a bed-and-breakfast, and tour guide from Ste. Genevieve, and Frank Nickell, director of the Center for Regional History at Southeast Missouri in Cape Girardeau are among speakers for the session.

Also appearing on the program will be Carolyn Mayberry, from the Cairo, Ill. Chamber of Commerce, and Monica Smith, Cairo Public Library director.

"Capitalizing on Main Street" will make up another April 2 segment of the two-day conference. A panel will discuss how participation in the Main Street Program has assisted their communities. Panels will be available from all five states.

Additional information and registration forms are available form Rick Sparks, Business and Industry Specialist with University of Missouri Outreach and Extension, at the extension office in Jackson, Mo., 573-243-3581.

Registration for the event will be held from 8 a.m. to noon, April 1, at Merv Griffin Theater. Mayor McClanahan will welcome the visitors.

The group will have an opportunity for a walking tour of Metropolis, a bus tour at the City of Cairo, or a bus tour of City of Golconda.

The Schedule

Quinstate Forum: A focus on opportunites, including gambling industry, in Illinois and Missouri At Merv Griffin Theater

April 1

8 a.m.-noon -- registration.

9:45 a. m. -- Capitalization on Revenue Resources: The Gaming Industry in Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky.

Noon: Buffet.

1:30 p.m.: tours (Metropolis, Cairo, Golconda.

5:30 p.m. -- Social hour

6:30 p.m. -- Dinner and program on "Archaeological Impact Studies in the Five States."

April 2,

8:45 a.m. -- "Capitalization on History"

10:30 a.m. -- "Capitalization on Main Street.

Noon -- lunch.

1:30 p.m. -- Adjourn