ECONOMIC DEVELOPER SEES `PLUSES' FOR AREA INDUSTRIAL AND BUSINESS SCENES

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Every plus is an asset, and Judy Moss sees many "pluses" for the Cape Girardeau area.

"The late years of the 1980s were good ones in this area, not only in the area of new industry, but expansions of existing businesses," said Moss, economic developer for the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce.

Moss, who has been in her position here since May of 1989, discussed economic development and local economy with The Missourian this week.

Two large manufacturing firms announced in 1989 that they would locate to the area, and spent 1990 living up to their expectations.

"These two businesses are still not at full capacity," said Moss. "But each month, they getting closer to their goal."

Dana, an Ohio company which manufactures and distributes components for the automotive and trucking industry, currently has about 100 workers, running three production lines in three shifts. The facility here is for the company's Spicer Axle Division, and will eventually employ about 200 people.

M&W, a manufacturing firm headquartered in Germany, produces high quality packing materials used by Procter & Gamble Paper Products for the packaging of P&G diapers, is up to about 100 workers, and has five production lines going.

"Besides the activity of these two new firms, we're seeing a lot of activity from existing industry in the area," said Moss, who has spent the lion's share of her time visiting area businesses.

"I have a list of more than 130 businesses to visit," said Moss. "I have already visited 46 of them, and I hear few complaints every where I go."

Moss said despite the talk of recession and other economic indicators that indicate a downturn, manufacturers in Cape Girardeau are optimistic.

"They talk about low absenteeism of workers, low turnover, and plans for expansion," said Moss. "Most of the companies have added new machinery for their operations."

We've also had numerous inquiries during the past year," said Moss. "One of the firms, a gas-tank manufacturer which produces plastic tanks, has advised me they're in the decision-making process, and that we are under strong consideration."

Among other companies which have indicate strong interests in the area are a corrugated box company, two other plastic-related industries, a casket manufacturer, a plastics-recycling plant, and a cellular telephone service.

The Cape Girardeau area is fortunate, noted Moss.

"This area has had a steady growth since 1940," she said. "And you only have to look at our `Profile' publication to see some of the reasons why."

She explains:

Trade area population: "We're a regional hub," she said. "We have more than 300,000 people within a 40-mile trade area, and over 800,000 people in a 75-mile area."

Medical facilities: "We have two hospitals Southeast Missouri Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center Doctors Park, and another medical facilities."

Taxes: "Missouri has a moderate tax structure, and the corporate income tax law provides advantages to companies doing business in several states."

Labor: "The estimate labor force within a 40-mile radius in Missouri and Illinois is about 133,000. In Cape County, the work force totals about 34,800. More than 14 manufacturers employ more than 100 people, led by Procter & Gamble with over 1,300. Both hospitals, and Southeast Missouri State University each employ more than 1,000 people, and several non-manufacturing firms employ more than 100."

Education: "The county has four high schools Cape Central and Notre Dame of Cape Girardeau, Jackson High School, and Delta High School and Southeast Missouri State University."

"This `Profile' publication provides a wealth of information," said Moss. "You can tell about the growth of the area by looking at the 1990 publication."

Charts show the growth in retail sales, from $397,000,000 in 1985 to $598,000,000 five years later, in 1989. The effective buying income has risen from $10,206 per capita in 1985 to $11,009 in 1989.

"The publication has much more," said Moss. "It includes other sections on transportation highway, water, rail and air; housing and apartments; and a quality of life section providing recreational and cultural activities."

The `Profile' publication is one of the items submitted to industrial prospects which request data from the area.

"We receive letters, telephone calls and requests for information on our area every day, and that's an indication of the industrial interest in our area."