MoDOT's director to speak at Cape chamber dinner

Next week, Cape Girardeau area residents will get their first chance to formally meet the new man behind Missouri's highways.

On Nov. 30, the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce will welcome the new director of the Missouri Department of Transportation, Pete Rahn, as the guest speaker at its Transportation Dinner to be held at the Drury Lodge in Cape Girardeau.

Each year, the chamber's Transportation Committee sponsors an event to honor and thank those people who work in the field of transportation. Chamber president and CEO John Mehner said the goal is to combine the tribute with something fun and informative for the public. For instance, last year the event was a barbecue at Port Cape Girardeau in honor of those working on the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge. The food was followed by a walk-through of the unfinished bridge.

Mehner said this year's dinner will not only be a chance for the people to meet Rahn, but it will also serve to formally introduce the new director to Cape Girardeau.

Rahn took charge as MoDOT director on Sept. 15, after being selected to the position by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. He was previously head of the New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department from 1995 to 2002.

Mehner said he expects the director to speak about the future of MoDOT under his administration.

Social hour begins at 6:15 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in making a reservation, or needing more information, should call the chamber office at 335-3312.

trehagen@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137

WANT TO GO?

What: Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce Transportation Dinner

When: Tuesday, Nov. 30, 7 p.m.

Who: MoDOT director Pete Rahn will be the guest speaker

Where: Drury Lodge, Cape Girardeau

More Info: Call chamber at 335-3312.