GROUP ESTABLISHES BOARD OF DIRECTORS, MISSION STATEMENT

The Tri-State Coalition, a cooperative effort of volunteers from western Kentucky, Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri, has culminated several months' work with the establishment of a board of directors and mission statement.

The mission statement says, in part: "Through the combined human and material resources of the tri-state area, innovative programs can be implemented that will let the region exert a more comprehensive sphere of influence and consequently have a greater effectiveness than any single portion of a state working alone.

"Rather than competing, this organization will serve to articulate local and regional problems from a larger perspective and assist in addressing those issues."

Local members of the board of directors include Kevin Spaeth, a Cape Girardeau attorney; Max Prill of Jackson, president of the River Heritage Association; Gene Rhodes, Cape Girardeau mayor; and Walter Wildman, executive director of the Regional Commerce and Growth Association.

The group has decided to continue activities as an informal group of volunteers. The coalition's goal is to enhance cooperation and communication between the three states, said Wildman.

He said the group hopes to develop cooperative projects that the tri-state area can work on collectively.

A two-day conference is planned for some time in the future, Wildman said, to consider possible projects. Such issues as tourism, transportation and general economic development likely will be some of the topics discussed.

Persons interested in working with the coalition may contact Rhonda Vinson in Southern Illinois, Harry Ruth in western Kentucky, or Wildman in Southeast Missouri at 334-4142.