CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HOLD ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP BLITZ TODAY

The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, which moves into its new headquarters May 31, is seeking new members today.

The chamber's annual membership blitz will be held today at 7:30 a.m. with a kickoff breakfast at Drury Lodge.

"The goal for today's drive is 60, which will put us over the 1,200 mark," said Linda L. Minner, marketing and special projects director.

The chamber has 1,150 members, making it the No. 3 chamber in the state in terms of membership. It is No. 1 in Missouri in its population category.

A year ago the blitz netted more than 80 new members, which shoved it to the No. 3 spot. The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce has 3,000 members and the Springfield Chamber 1,750.

Last year's blitz put the local chamber at 1,230 members, shoving it past previous third-place Jefferson City, with 1,211 members. Cape Girardeau maintained its third-place ranking throughout 1995.

Michele Tomlinson of Boatmen's Bank and Cathi Schlosser of MVP Communications are co-chairpersons of the blitz. "Scouting for Recruits -- Join Our Team" is the theme.

Jim Limbaugh, president of Boatmen's Bank of Cape Girardeau, will address the breakfast. Prospective member cards will be available. Leads were distributed and members will work in teams of four to recruit members.

The chamber will move from 601 N. Kingshighway into its new 4,000-square-foot building at 1267 N. Mount Auburn Road.