Magnet to search for new leader after director's contract not renewed

Cape Girardeau Area Magnet, the region's lead economic development organization, will be looking for a new director in April.

The organization's board voted at its December meeting not to renew executive director Mitch Robinson's annual contract, Robinson said Wednesday.

He has served as director of the organization, formerly known as the Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association, for 18 years.

According to minutes from a closed session board meeting Dec. 1, a motion was made by Magnet board and Cape Girardeau City Council member Mark Lanzotti and seconded by Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger not to renew Robinson's annual contract. The motion specified to instead offer him a contract through June 30 and initiate a search for a new director April 1, according to board minutes.

The motion not to renew Robinson's annual contract was approved with a 5-2 vote.

Rediger, who assumed the role of board chairman this month, said the board's decision came after much thought and consideration over several months.

"The vote of the board was that we were just really wanting to make a change and go a different direction and to bring in some new thoughts," Rediger said. "Mitch served us very well over 18 years. It was a very long time for a person in that position to stay in that position. We just decided as a board to make a change, go a different direction."

Past board chairman David Hitt, a Jackson alderman, declined to comment on the board's action.

Board members casting supporting votes on the motion were Cape Girardeau County Presiding Commissioner Clint Tracy; Danny Essner, who represents the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce on the board; Mike Jennewein, who represents Cape Girardeau County; Lanzotti and Rediger. Hitt and Scott City Mayor Tim Porch voted against the motion.

Robinson said he is proud of what he has accomplished during his years with Magnet. Robinson came to Cape Girardeau in 1992 from Kentucky to head a newly formed group to market the area of Jackson, Scott City, Cape Girardeau and Cape Girardeau County. Each of the local governments in addition to the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce fund Magnet's operations.

"We've had some great projects here, and I'm proud of the companies I've been able to assist and help them grow, or expand or come here," Robinson said. "I'll put my record up against anybody's here in the Midwest."

Robinson said that during his tenure, Magnet has created more than 2,500 jobs and retained more than 500 jobs in the area. The total investment activity exceeds a documented $1.3 billion, he said. During his 18 years there, Magnet brought more than $4.5 million in public infrastructure grants to the region, he said.

Robinson said he understood that organizations need fresh blood and that change is sometimes good.

"I respect the board's decision. I'm excited about new opportunities and I'm going to be able to take my skill sets to other communities," he said.

Rediger said it was important to the board to give Robinson time to be able to reposition himself before terminating his contract.

Robinson said he intended to stay on through the end of April and will continue to work on development projects and with the board in its search for his replacement.

mmiller@semissourian.com

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