FIRM MAKES A DONATION TO DEVELOPMENT BOARD

A Cape Girardeau accounting firm has challenged the local business community to help fund the efforts of a regional industrial recruitment organization.

Cape Girardeau County, the cities of Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City, and the Cape Chamber of Commerce all are represented on the Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association.

The five entities are finalizing a three-year agreement that will include a $140,000 annual budget.

The group Monday approved by laws at a meeting in Jackson. And on Tuesday, Gary G. Stanley of the accounting firm of Stanley, Dirnberger, Hopper and Associates presented a $1,000 check from his company to help fund the chamber's portion of the association's budget.

The chamber's share of the annual budget is $15,000.

"As we understand the purpose, goals and commitment of this group, we feel very strongly that this type of effort is long overdue for our area," said Stanley. "Hopefully, special interests, personalities, and bureaucracy will not prevent the success of this effort.

"Our entire accounting staff is proud to be a part of this business community and feel a responsibility to exert whatever effort we can to promote growth in this business and professional community. We challenge others to join in this effort to, `just do it.'"

Bob Hendrix, president of the chamber, said he hoped the contribution would prompt other businesses to follow suit.

"We are thrilled to receive this check from Stanley, Dirnberger, Hopper and Associates and hope other businesses in Cape Girardeau feel as committed to this effort to recruit new jobs for our area as this company does," Hendrix said.

Monday's approval of bylaws came after five months of meetings to organize the group and begin cooperative efforts to recruit new industry into the area. The association will have a seven member board of directors.

John Mehner, chairman of the Chamber board, told representatives of the other entities Monday that the Chamber had $10,000 in its budget for the association but would have to raise the additional $5,000 from business donations.