JACKSON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE: INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS PANEL FINISHES SURVEY

Congratulations to Linda Godwin, Jackson High School graduate, on her most recent accomplishment. A walk in space! What an experience it must have been. The community looks forward to having Linda back in the area soon.

The Industrial Relations Committee of the Chamber of Commerce recently completed its survey of industries in the area to determine their needs and future expansion. The survey results have been tabulated and will be reviewed by educators, industries, chamber members and industrial recruitment professionals. Planning is under way on how best to implement the results and needs as determined by the survey.

The Education Committee is completing a similar survey and will share those results with local educators and chamber members in an effort to provide input for educators in planning their future curriculum.

The chamber is pleased with the continued growth in membership and expects an increase of approximately 27 percent over the last year. We invite all local businesses and individuals with an interest in belonging to contact the chamber office or chamber members. The increase in membership will allow us to offer more programs and services and is an excellent business resource for community involvement.

Several organizations have fund-raising events planned in the next few weeks, beginning Sunday with the M.S. Walkathon in Jackson City Park. The 3-mile walk begins at noon. Entertainment and prizes will be provided.

On Saturday, April 27, the March of Dimes Walkathon will begin at 9 a.m. in Capaha Park.

The Cystic Fibrosis Walkathon will be held Sunday, May 19 beginning at 1 p.m. This is a 6.2 mile walk to be held in the North Cape County Park. Registration will be at Pavilion 8.

The sixth annual Funfest will be held Saturday at the Jackson Junior High School gym from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is sponsored by the American Business Women's Association for children ages 2-10.

The Funfest provides inexpensive entertainment for children in a carnival-type atmosphere with educational events and door prizes for children and parents.

The event raises scholarship funds for area students and has been well received in the community.

The annual River Heritage Driving Tour will be held April 27-28 and involves many of the communities in Cape Girardeau County, eastern Bollinger County and southern Perry County. This is an opportunity to see many of the local attractions, both historical and natural. This would be a good weekend to invite your out-of-town guests and tour the area.

The Jackson Chamber of Commerce Gold Tournament will be held April 19 at Bent Creek. The four-person scramble begins at noon with lunch being served and a shotgun tee-off at 1 p.m. For more information, call the chamber office at 243-8131.

Larry Hall is president of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.