NEW BOOK WILL LIST BUSINESS INFORMATION

A publication by the Regional Commerce and Growth Association will offer a wealth of business information on the area.

The RCGA's "A Blueprint for Progress" directory will contain population demographics, labor statistics, buying information on industrial suppliers and manufacturers, and information on chambers of commerce and their members.

"This will be a complete guide to the Southeast Missouri area," said Gregory L. Williams, RCGA executive director. "It will contain a wealth of information concerning business and industry throughout an 18-county area."

The publication, sponsored by the RCGA and chambers of commerce of Southeast Missouri, is expected to be available in early 1998. It contains three sections:

-- Regional and county-by-county populations, industries, maps and attractions.

-- A list of chambers of commerce and membership lists from each chamber.

-- A business directory.

Also to be included in the book will be listings of state and federal legislative leaders and thumbnail sketches of what is available in the area.

"We want this book to be the first book you reach for when you want to do business in the Southeast Missouri area," said Williams. "The publication is the first to offer sources on business, industry, tourism and chamber-of-commerce listings under a single cover."

The advertising-supported book, which will be updated annually, is designed to provide better services to the entire region, assist local chambers in fund-raising and membership, and promote business and industry in the area, said Williams.

"Only chamber members can advertise in the book," said Williams.

A free copy of the book will go to each chamber of commerce member in the 18 counties. Additional copies will be available at $25 each.

"We have had great response from the chambers of commerce throughout the area," said Williams.

This will mark the second publication by the RCGA, which was established in 1987. The group previously published "52 Wonderful Weekends," a tourism-oriented publication that contained an area schedule of attraction, complete with a yearly calender of special events.