INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR SAYS ECONOMIC RECRUITMENT EVERYONE'S JOB

D. Mitch Robinson says nearly everyone in a community plays a role in industrial recruitment.

Robinson, executive director of the Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association, was the guest speaker Friday at the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce's First Friday Coffee.

"The basic mission of our organization is to help bring jobs to our community," Robinson said.

But, he added, it's a job all in the community ought to share.

Robinson said he and other economic development officials often rely on leads from citizens when choosing which businesses to try to attract.

"The hardest part of doing this job is getting leads to sell this community to," he said. "Getting those prospects is the toughest part."

Robinson said companies searching for cities to do business often rely upon local contacts. It's important, he said, for citizens to be aware that they might hold the key to bringing a new industry to the city and to realize they must be "top salesmen" for the community.

"There are over 10,000 organizations nationwide that are trying to do what we're doing," he said. "It's very competitive.

"But people have family and friends all over the country, who might want to relocate. Often those contacts can be a lead for business recruitment."

One way local shop owners can boost industrial recruitment efforts is by taking pride in the appearance of their businesses. As an example, Robinson said businesses should be kept free of weeds and debris.

"We need to take a little pride in our business," he said. "Companies look at how a community takes care of itself."

Robinson encouraged workers to bolster economic development in the area by working "as hard as possible" to enable employers to reinvest profits and expand.

Local government also plays an important role in economic development, Robinson said, by providing a low tax rate and good infrastructure including sewers, water, roads and city services.

Also, more businesses today than ever before rank a community's "quality of life" as one of the key factors in deciding where to build a new plant or office building.

Quality of life includes opportunities for recreation and shopping, the religious community, the quality and availability of housing, education and crime rates.

Robinson said local waitresses and hotel workers often can play a crucial role in landing new businesses for a city.

"Company officials often come to cities unannounced to check out the community," he said. "What they see and how they're treated can influence their decision as much as anything."

Robinson related the story of an executive stopping in a small Kentucky town for lunch on his way to the Tennessee city where he planned to build a new plant.

The executive was so impressed by the friendly manner and helpful demeanor of his waitress, the company decided to put the plant in the Kentucky town instead.

"The next time you meet someone who asks you directions, keep that in mind," Robinson said.

As for the Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association, Robinson said the upstart organization remains in a "research mode," gathering data that can be used to "sell" the Cape Girardeau area to prospective companies.

He said he's optimistic that the association will net results, because it's the first time the area cities and the county have pooled resources for industrial recruitment.

The organization is comprised of representatives of the cities of Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City; Cape Girardeau County; and the Cape chamber of commerce. Robinson began his duties as director in May.