CHAMBER PLEDGES SUPPORT OF AIRPORT

The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce has pledged its support to keeping the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport tower open and adding a flight to the Trans World Express schedule.

"We will join city officials in a meeting with Trans World representatives next week," said John Mehner, president of the chamber. "We have also offered to help in any way to keep the tower open at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport."

Mehner's remarks followed the chamber's annual retreat, held Friday at the Lone Star Natatorium.

Discussion of the airport happenings were late additions to the retreat agenda.

TWE, Cape Girardeau's only commuter airline, cut back on its flight schedule recently following a reduction in federal subsidy.

Federal funding ends Dec. 31 for airport tower operation. The city has announced it would pick up the funding temporarily to keep the tower open through June 30.

"We'll do everything we can concerning these two actions," said Mehner.

Mehner said one of the chamber committees has been changed.

"The former surface transportation committee is now `transportation' committee," he said. "This will include transportation of all types -- surface, water and air."

Also discussed at length during the retreat was the new headquarters building, which is expected to be ready this summer. Other topics included industrial development, chamber membership, schools, and more affordable housing for the city.

Dennis Marchi, manager of Schnucks Food and Drug, is new chamber board chairman, succeeding James Rust, president of Eagle I Inc. Rust will remain an ex-officio on the board for one year.

"This will be an exciting year," said Marchi. "After listening to reports from various groups today, we're looking at some great things in the future."

"This will be a challenging year," said Marchi. "We'll be moving into our new building during the summer, we'll be meeting with school and city officials on various projects and we'll continue to try and increase our membership."

The Cape Girardeau Chamber is the third largest in the state, with membership ranging from 1,125 to 1,250.

"Being a member of the chamber board keeps you informed," said Marchi. "You get the pulse of the entire region. We have a great membership."

Marchi said the board would be seeking input and participation from all members. "We want to know what members like or dislike," he said.

Marchi, like his predecessor, emphasized that the chamber would continue to support existing industry and business and would continue to support and participate in efforts of the Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association.

Speakers during the day included a number of city officials; Dr. Neyland Clark, Cape Girardeau public schools superintendent; and Dr. Bill Atchley, Southeast Missouri State University president.

In addition to Marchi, other chamber board officers elected were James Wente, administrator of Southeast Missouri Hospital, chairman-elect; Mike Kohlfeld, president of Kohlfeld Distributing, vice chairman; and Doug Groesbeck, Union Electric chairman, secretary.

New board member are Kim Swartz, executive director, community counseling Center Foundation; Jay Knudtson, vice president, Boatmen's Bank; Steve Green, vice president, commercial lending, Capital Bank; Don Hill, general manager, Capetown RV Sales; Alan Gregory, project manager, Gregory Construction Inc.; and Howard Meagle, vice president and general manager, KFVS-TV.