CHAMBER EYES FOUNDATION TO HELP REPLACE LOST INCOME

The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce will be perched on a solid foundation next year as the civic organization looks to improve its finances.

John Mehner, chamber president, said Tuesday that the organization will establish a foundation in 1994. It will provide a means for the chamber to receive tax-deductible contributions and allow for possible corporate funding from the foundations of such business giants as Monsanto, Wal-Mart and Procter and Gamble.

"There's money available for economic development and community betterment programs," he said.

Mehner said many organizations, including chambers, have foundations.

"It's something that is overdue and needs to be done," he said.

"People think it is a direct retaliation to (Southeast Missouri State) University, but actually I had the idea long before we ever lost the license bureau," said Mehner.

Both the Cape Girardeau and Jackson chambers had operated license bureaus. But earlier this year, Gov. Mel Carnahan awarded the operations to the Southeast Missouri State University Foundation, sparking a storm of controversy.

As the new year approaches, fund raising is one item on Mehner's "to-do" list.

The loss of the Cape Girardeau license bureau and the city's decision to operate its own convention and visitors bureau rather than pay the chamber to run it will mean about a $40,000 annual revenue cut for the chamber, Mehner said.

As a result, the chamber is looking at raising membership dues and establishing an annual fund raiser. He said he hopes the chamber board will be in a position by March to decide on a fund-raising event.

The chamber has more than 1,000 members. "We are hovering right around 1,150," said Mehner.

He said the chamber in 1994 will focus on community-based economic development -- assisting in the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Ninety percent of all new job creation comes from existing businesses, he noted.

But he added, the chamber also will work to assist new businesses, including any riverboat gambling development.

Establishment of a floating casino will lead to the opening of other new businesses, primarily specialized retail stores, and food and entertainment enterprises, Mehner said.

The chamber, he explained, has already made some inquiries as to what types of new businesses have spawned from riverboat gambling in other communities.

Mehner said the chamber will be more involved next year in hosting business seminars, particularly those geared for small businesses.

A major issue facing the nation's businesses is the cost of health care and the future impact of any national health care plan. Mehner said the chamber will pay close attention to the whole issue.

On another medical front, Mehner said the chamber will probably not take any active role to encourage cooperative efforts between Cape Girardeau's two local hospitals unless it's necessary "to salvage health care in this area."

The chamber's goals also include a stronger role in promoting community betterment, whether it's dealing with crime problems or education.

"We want to look at what we can do as a chamber to make this a better community," said Mehner.