CHAMBER HOLDS QUARTERLY MEETING

Jackson Chamber of Commerce members heard Nancy Jernigan speak on the missions and accomplishments of the local Untied Way Chapter and selected two Jackson Industrial Development Committee (JIDC) board members at the regular quarterly meeting Wednesday.

Rick Sparks and Greg Nowland were elected to three-year terms for the JIDC.

Jernigan urged members to "Make hay while the sun shines," noting that there are still many needs to be met in Cape Girardeau County.

"There are a lot of children and wives still being abused in our county," she said. "There are lots of elderly with needs and lots of problems with housing. We don't have a coordinated system of transportation. There are still issues and problems. The only way to solve them is to work together."

Jernigan outlines the United Way's mission statement, to serve "as the leader in coordinating people and securing resources to care of people in our communities."

She encouraged members to "encourage giving -- not only money, but also time."

Ken Aufdenberg, president of the chamber board, praised Executive Director Ken Parrett.

"Ken's been working hard," he said, listing one goal for 2000 as being "more self-sufficient."

"We're looking at new ideas," he said, "such as maybe having corporate memberships.

In committee reports, Colleen Mason reported that the Education Committee has selected its four winners for the Educator of the Year honors. (See page 1 story.) They will be honored April 27 at a dinner at the Route 25 Hall. Robin Hosp and Mike Dumey will provide entertainment, beginning at 6 p.m.

The Agriculture Committee is looking at attending a Cardinal game and touring some St. Louis business facility, rather than having a local activity.

"It had been several years since we had gone to a Cardinal game," Aufdenberg said. "We decided it was time to try it again."