JACKSON PURSUES BUSINESS GROWTH, COOPERATION

Jackson has become more aggressive in not only residential, but business growth.

When Lee-Rowan became landlocked and bought property in Tennessee to expand, the city of Jackson stepped in. The city optioned 23.1 acres across the creek from the plant and made the land available to Lee-Rowan.

Lee-Rowan responded by selling its property in Tennessee, and moving its main offices in St. Louis to Jackson.

"They are committed to grow many years in Jackson, and we're glad we had a part in that," says Mayor Paul Sander.

The city boasts of a number of other vital industries, including Coca-Cola, Midwest Sterilization, ACF Special Products and American Linen Co.

Jackson promotes a spirit of cooperation in the region as well, and enjoys its role in the Cape Girardeau Area Recruitment Association.

While the schools remain heated sporting rivals, Sander feels the cities of Cape Girardeau and Jackson are enjoying a renewed sense of cooperation.

Both Jackson and Cape Girardeau recently signed a joint resolution endorsing the need for another interstate overpass into Jackson. The project would extend East Main to the interstate.

The extension will ease rush-hour congestion from the fastest growing areas of town, the north and east. It would also feed interstate traffic directly to Jackson's business district. It may take five to 10 years for the multi-million dollar project to become a reality.

The city has also expanded to the south with the addition of Grandview Acres last summer. That alone swelled the population count by 250.