CHAMBER TO SEARCH FOR CHIEF

The first phase of a search for a new president of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce is under way.

"We have drafted a list of qualifications for the position, and will be advertising in national and state publications and regional media," said Judy Wilferth, chairperson of the chamber's search committee. "We'd like to start initial screening of applications in June, with a hiring date of September or October."

The new president will succeed Robert Hendrix, who announced this year that he will be retiring at the end of the year after 20 years on the job.

Hendrix will work with the new president for eight to 10 weeks, said Wilferth.

"I'm excited about all of the interest already shown in the position," said Wilferth. "When people learned that Hendrix had announced his retirement, we started receiving applications."

The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce is the fourth largest in Missouri, behind St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield. The new president will be responsible for managing the 1,200-member organization, a large volunteer workforce and a full-time staff.

"Hendrix has been a dedicated, outstanding executive," said Wilferth. "Our goal now is to seek a replacement who is equally dedicated to the Cape Girardeau business community and who will be a dynamic, effective leader and spokesperson for the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce."

Qualifications presented by the search committee for the position include a bachelor's degree, a successful management record and a working knowledge of Chamber of Commerce operations, government affairs, business community relations, economic development and tourism activities.

The position will be advertised in the Missouri Chamber of Commerce publication and two U.S. Chamber of Commerce publications, starting in April.

Applications, including a cover letter and resume, may be sent to the Executive Search Committee, Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, 601 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.

Members of the committee are Wilferth, Crossroad Shopping and Professional Office Center, and Children's Bazaar; Kenneth Hayden, Boatmen's Bank; Wayne Smith, CyberTel; Charles Grant, First Presbyterian Church; Beverly Estes, Gulliver's Travel; Harry Rediger, JCPenney; Harry Rust, Rust & Martin Inc.; Dennis Marchi, Schnucks; James Biundo, Southeast Missouri State University; and Craig Felzien, Southwestern Bell Telephone.