CHAMBER RETREAT TO FOLLOW FRIDAY COFFEE

Business retention and expansion, economic development, recruiting new industry and availability of competent workers are among topics planned for the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Retreat on Friday, at the Lone Star Industries Natatorium.

"We'll have our annual survey results by them," said John Mehner, chamber president and chief executive officer. "We'll have an idea of what members are looking for, and what they're talking about."

Board members will attend the chamber's First Friday Coffee at the Show Me Center at 7:30 a.m. Friday, then head to the daylong retreat.

State Rep. Peter Myers will speak at the Friday Coffee. Myers is a former U.S. deputy secretary of agriculture who serves as president of Adopt A Farm Family of America. He will discuss agriculture issues.

City officials will discuss city programs, including sewer projects and street improvements during the chamber retreat.

Other speakers on the retreat program include Dr. Ken Dobbins of Southeast Missouri State University, and Dr. Dan Steska of the Cape Girardeau School District.

"We'll discuss the college and its plans for the river campus," Mehner said, "and, we'll also talk about Old Town Cape and its Main Street program.

Mitch Robinson, executive director of the Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association, will speak to the chamber later in December.

Bart Ozbun, chairman of the chamber board, will conduct the retreat. Ozbun is with the local Merrill Lynch investment office.

Steve Leus, manager of Lone Star Industries, will become chairman of the chamber board in January.

A number of new board members will also be announced at the meeting.

"We're looking forward to the new year," said Mehner. "We'll continue to offer our support to the new river campus, along with city programs and educational programs.