Forum seeks to develop regional business climate, cooperation

Business leaders and community developers from five surrounding states were in Cape Girardeau Tuesday for a forum intended to get them talking about economic development on a regional level.

David Sampson, an assistant secretary of commerce for economic development, was joined by 75 others for a discussion about the needs and goals of local businesses and the possibility of regional cooperation among businesses and government. The forum at Southeast Missouri State University's University Center was sponsored by the National Association of Development Organizations and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

"We're here to engage in a dialogue that will help us be realistic about the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the regional economy," Sampson announced to open the forum.

While urban areas like St. Louis and Kansas City naturally have the attention of government, smaller communities like Cape Girardeau and Paducah, Ky., must communicate with each other and work together to make government leaders aware of their region's common business needs, Sampson said, while it's government's job to create conditions conducive to economic growth.

The session presented two panel discussions featuring prominent area businessmen as panelists. The recruitment and retention of industry in the area were touched upon frequently.

"This will require technology-led strategies and university-led strategies," Sampson said. "We don't know exactly what kinds of businesses there will be in the future, but we know they'll be driven by technology and knowledge."

Panelists discussed the need for an educated work force and the potential for regional growth in the burgeoning realm of biotechnology. They also addressed issues such as the need for more and better infrastructure and a tax and regulatory structure that would appeal to businesses. Mike MacPherson came to hear about the latter.

MacPherson is the contract development specialist with the city of Springfield, Mo. He wasn't surprised to hear businesses concerned with government regulations and the need for better roads. What surprised him was what he didn't hear. He was surprised there wasn't more discussion about the burden many businesses face in providing their employees with health care and dealing with workers' compensation. Nevertheless, he said the discussion was enlightening.

"It takes years to develop, and the economy is constantly reinventing itself," Sampson said. "But we want to make sure that these smaller, rural communities are plugging into the economic growth."

trehagen@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137