CHAMBER CHOOSES JOHN MEHNER AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE

John Mehner has been selected to lead the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, members of the selection committee announced Tuesday.

His selection was approved by the chamber's board of directors Tuesday morning. He takes over Oct. 1.

Mehner replaces Robert Hendrix, who announced his retirement earlier this year after serving 21 years in the post.

"John Mehner has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in business and in the community," said Harry Rediger, chairman of the chamber board. "He also brings a concern and respect for the Cape Girardeau community, qualities which, in the final analysis, are essential for a chamber executive to be successful."

A national search, which began in March, netted 70 applicants; four finalists were interviewed.

Judy Wilferth, chairman of the search committee, said the process followed guidelines proposed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Mehner has served on the chamber board since 1990 and was chairman of the board in 1992. He was also instrumental in establishing the newly-formed Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association and serves on its board.

"I've worked really hard in this organization and found a love for the chamber and a love for the city," Mehner said.

"This job combines so many things I'm interested in. It's a people business. I will have to do a lot of listening to people and working with people.

"Basically what happened is I got involved with this organization and fell in love with it.

"I will have to learn the nuts and bolts of the chamber, the staff responsibilities, the day-to-day operation," Mehner said. "I will not have to learn the other half all the businesses in town and who own them."

The Oct. 1 starting date allows him time to learn the ropes of the chamber business and to ease out of the family business he's been associated with since 1985. Mehner is vice president of Advanced Business Systems, which his father, Jack, launched in 1963.

"It was a tough decision," Mehner said. "It's a great day and an exciting day here at the chamber. It's a difficult day when I'm talking to my family members."

He said his father encouraged him to pursue the position.

Mehner was the only local finalist. The other three were experienced as chamber executives, said Wilferth.

"We wanted the best candidate. It didn't matter where they were from. We brought in three candidates from out of town, and they were very good. But John was much better. I don't care if he had been from Timbuktu. He was by far the best choice.

"John cared more about Cape Girardeau and this chamber of commerce. He can get training at the national institutes and I believe plans are to do that."

Mehner outlined four specific goals he has for the chamber.

He said he wants to be an accessible chamber leader. "I plan to spend a lot more time in the committee structure and be a little more hands-on," he said.

He said he also plans for a more active legislative committee; improved minority relations, especially with minority businesses; and to work toward healing divisions in the community.

"There have been different sides to issues," Mehner said. "While I am a local person, I do not have preconceived notions. I do have a knowledge of what has happened in the past."

Rediger declined to reveal Mehner's salary. He said the new chamber executive will be evaluated annually at the chamber's retreat in November.

Mehner graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School and attended Southeast Missouri State University, where he received bachelor degrees in criminal justice and computer science. Following graduation, he joined the St. Louis County Police Department. In 1985, he moved back to Cape Girardeau.