NEWLY-NAMED PRESIDENT OF CHAMBER TO ADDRESS UNITED WAY

The Area Wide United Way will kick off its annual fund-raising drive Wednesday with a luncheon.

Featured speaker will be John Mehner, vice president of Advanced Business Systems. He recently was named president of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce.

Also speaking will be Kristi Eggimann, said Dennis Marchi, who serves as general chairman of this year's campaign.

Eggiman's daughter, Lauren, was born with a heart defect and 13 days later underwent surgery. Lauren has been a participant in the Early Learning Center of the Easter Seal Society, which is funded by United Way.

The United Way funds 25 area organizations, like the Early Learning Center.

The goal for this year's fund-raising campaign is $500,000.