MORE THAN 6,000 VISITORS EXPECTED AT FORESTRY SHOW

The Midwest Forest Industry Show returns to Cape Girardeau Friday and Saturday at the Show Me Center.

The show will feature more than 150 exhibitors of new machinery, supplies and equipment used in the forest industry.

The two-day exposition will showcase new forest and wood product technology, said Eric Peters, executive director of the Missouri Forests Production Association, show sponsor.

"Visitors will have an opportunity to talk with manufacturers and distributors of machinery and equipment," said Peters, who arrived in Cape Girardeau Monday to make preparations for the show. "They will have a chance to see what is new in tomorrow's technology."

Exhibits range from dry kilns, pallet machinery, trailers, wood energy equipment, sawmill equipment, notching machines, lift trucks and edgers. Some used equipment will be displayed.

Exhibitors from more than 30 states, including California, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Louisiana, will set up today and Wednesday. Two exhibitors are from Canada.

"About half of the exhibits will be outside the Show Me Center, on the parking lot," said Peters.

This marks the fifth time the show has been held in Cape Girardeau.

"We present the show here every two years," said Peters, adding that it has grown every year. "We're expecting from 4,000 to 6,000 visitors this weekend. It's the largest forestry show in the Midwest."

Exhibitors have increased 30 percent over the 1994 show, when 120 exhibits were displayed. Exhibitions are displayed inside and outside the Show Me Center.

"The size of the show keeps growing simply because those who have participated in the past have found it to be useful and profitable," said Peters. "The importance of the wood products industry for Southeast Missouri is reflected in the success of this show."

The show is also a reflection of the important contribution the forestry industry makes when it comes to jobs and tax revenues. "Some people might be surprised about how much tax revenue in their county comes from these businesses," said Peters.

The forestry industry is a $3 billion-a-year business in Missouri, said Peters. "The industry is diverse," he said. "It ranges from sawmill and pallet operations to individual loggers."

Peters said the industry in Missouri employs more than 33,000 people and has an annual payroll of more than $500 million.

The Midwest Forests Production Association, headquartered in Jefferson City, held its first show at Cape Girardeau in 1988.

"The association has been doing this for more than 30 years," said Peters. Previous shows have been held at Poplar Bluff, Van Buren, Rolla and Springfield, but the last four have been held at Cape Girardeau.

"Everything here is great for the show," said Peters. "The physical layout is good; the people we work with are great."

"We have 84 booths inside," said Peters. "All have been rented." Some exhibitors take several tables. Seventy-five exhibitors are setting up operations outside.

A variety of visitors are expected.

Many of the exhibitors are from Missouri, including Clarklift, Jim Wilson Co., Kagmo Electric, McBride Mack Sales and Missouri Power Transmission, all of Cape Girardeau; Baker Enterprise of Ellington; Ozark Machinery Co. of West Plains; Crader Distributing of Marble Hill; Holden Pallet Co. Inc. of Dexter; A. L. Bog Machinery and Woodland Manufacturing, both of Poplar Bluff.

The show will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Midwest Forest Industry Show

Show Me Center, inside and out

Friday

9 a.m. -- Show opens

5 p.m. -- Show closes

Saturday

8 a.m. -- Show opens

4 p.m. -- Show closes