ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS STRESS IMPROTANCE OF TEAMWORK

When it comes to promoting economic development, three key players in the Cape Girardeau area believe that one of the most important considerations is teamwork.

And that concept of teamwork includes having an awareness of all industrial sites in the area and a willingness to work with others and share information in recruiting new industry.

"We are all in a close geographic area here and anything that is a homerun for one entity is a homerun for all of us. It is definitely a team effort," said Dan Overbey, director of the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority.

John Mehner, president of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, said he is very much aware of the industrial sites in the entire area. He is not only promoting the 140 acres on Nash Road owned by the Greater Cape Girardeau Development Corp. of the chamber, and 240 acres owned by Armstrong Cork that is available on Nash Road, but other sites as well.

"We know what's available in Scott City and Jackson, at the port authority and other areas," said Mehner. "We as a chamber will continue to function as we have for ever and ever -- looking at this as a region."

Overbey points out that cooperation with other entities is essential for the port authority, because it is responsible for development along the river in Cape and Scott Counties and also has an obligation to serve industries that need access to the Mississippi River.

The port authority has some industrial sites it owns, and along the slackwater harbor, but Overbey points out that some prospective tenants that need limited river access are better off locating on Nash Road or on other sites in the area.

"We try to look at the big picture around the area," said Overbey. "We only have so many feet of harbor space and need to be conscious of how much a tenant would use that space. That is one reason we have the public dock so that companies that need access to the river on a limited basis can have it, without tying up the limited industrial land we have around the harbor."

He added, "I think everybody working toward industrial development in this area is very flexible, looking out for the entire area."

Recognition of the need to work together for the region is what led area officials to form the Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association last year. Mitch Robinson began work last May as the group's first executive director, which has representation and financial support from the cities of Cape, Jackson and Scott City, the Cape Chamber and Cape County.

Since coming on the job, Robinson said he has done a lot of networking, with everyone playing their role in economic development.

"The main thing I have tried to do is continue communication and improve it between all of these groups and get everybody involved in our activities," said Robinson.

During his brief tenure, Robinson has talked with well over 50 prospects. And, teamwork has been essential to his efforts.

"We all have our parts to play, and it is important to have all the players involved," said Robinson.

Mehner said having Robinson on the job with the industrial recruitment association, has enabled the Cape Chamber to focus its efforts more on existing business and industry.

"Our primary role is community-based economic development, which is retention and expansion of our existing business. That became our primary role when we formed the industrial recruitment association," said Mehner. "That does not mean we as a chamber are not going to conitnue to follow through on opportunities to bring people to town, but now we have Mitch to focus on those.

"What we have found out is that it is increasingly difficult to do all of it with the chamber, and our entire staff of five people trying to serve more than 1100 members."

Overbey points out that one issue that eventually will need to be addressed is solving problems facing industrial sites, such as infrastrucutre needs.

The port authority is in the process of acquiring a short line railroad to serve port tenants, and that line could also serve industries in south Cape that need access to rail.

Other players in economic development include members of the chambers of Commerce in Jackson, Scott City, and other cities, and city officials.

The Regional Commerce and Growth Association has also been involved in promoting economic development. Walt Wildman, executive director of the RCGA, was one of the leaders in the effort to organize the industrial recruitment association.

A rising figure in economic development is Randy Holdman, manager of the Cape airport. Both Overbey and Mehner point out that Holdman is being aggressive in promoting the airport he recognizes there are some industries who need access to the airport.

"There has been talk about using the airport as a development tool for some air-related industries," said Overbey. "The airport is a tool in its own right and we need to take a look at its potential."

Mehner, Overbey, and Robinson, who have all been in their current jobs less than a year, say they are enthusiastic about the potential for economic growth in this area, and the spirit of cooperation that prevails.

Robinson points out that this area has a lot to offer industry: a central location, good diverse transportation networks, a high quality of life, and many opportunities for the training of workers.