CONFERENCE FEATURES BANKING EXPERT, MARKETING STRATEGIST

Andrew B. Craig III, a banking professional for more than 30 years, and C. Britt Beemer, a noted marketing strategist, will headline the Southeast Missouri Business Conference to be held at the Show Me Center April 8.

"Banking On Success" is the theme of the one-day event, which also will feature an open panel discussion by seven local bank presidents.

The conference gets under way at 8 a.m., with the first program to start at 9 a.m.

Craig, of St. Louis, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Boatmen's Bancshares Inc., the largest banking institution in Missouri and the central Midwest, will be keynote speaker at the noon luncheon.

Craig is noted in the St. Louis area for his dedication to cultural and service organizations, including Boy Scouts, United Way, St. Louis Symphony, Washington University and Barnes Hospital. He also served on boards of Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc., Petrolite Corp., and the Automobile Club of Missouri.

Craig has been honored as St. Louis' Man of the Year.

Beemer, CEO of America's Research Group, which he founded in 1989, will provide the conference's initial presentation at 9 a.m. during a retail market strategy session.

Beemer, who has gained notice for his strategic efforts for retailers in the fields of appliance, furniture, electronics, department stores, hardware and autos, has been featured on the "Financial News Network" and the "Wall Street Journal Television Report."

Carol A. Keeler, co-anchor of KZIM radio news and host of "Talk of Cape," will serve as moderator for the open panel discussion that will feature the local bank presidents. Participating on the panel will be Stan Thompson of AmeriFirst Bank; James P. Limbaugh, Boatmen's Bank; Charles P. Daniel, Capital Bank; David L. Prough, First Exchange Bank; Larry Miller, First National Bank; Oliver J. Miller, Mercantile Bank; and John Percy Huston IV, South East Missouri Bank.

The seminar is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce's University Relations Committee and the College of Business Administration at Southeast Missouri State University.

Fees are $40 for the entire program, $25 for the luncheon and $10 for students. The seminar will provide a total of four recommended CPE hours.

Additional information is available by contacting the chamber at 335-3312.