RETIRING PORT COMMISSIONERS HONORED

SCOTT CITY -- Three retiring commissioners from the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority were honored during the Monday meeting of the port commission

Plaques were presented to Fred Surman of Chaffee, who was just two months shy of eight years of service, and Joe Gambill of Cape Girardeau, who had to resign after being elected Cape Girardeau County associate commissioner.

A third member, Mysie Keene of Jackson, was unable to attend, and will be recognized later for her 14 years of service. Keene held several offices on the port board, including chairman the last two years. She didn't ask to be re-appointed.

Surman was replaced by Ron Whitaker of Scott County. Surman told his former colleagues he enjoyed the experience of serving as a port commissioner.

Donna Burk, area manager for Southwestern Bell Telephone, presented Vice Chairman Irvin Garms with a $1,100 check from the Southwestern Bell Foundation to continue marketing efforts and encourage industry expansion.

Funds will be used for both brochure information and personal contacts.

In 1993, the port authority received an Economic Excellence Grant from Bell, which was used to do research for a Foreign Trade Zone designation at the port.

Burk praised port authority efforts to bring jobs and economic development to the region.

"As the port authority continues to grow, certainly the people of Scott and Cape Girardeau counties will benefit through increased economic opportunity," Garms said. "We appreciate the partnership of Southwestern Bell."

Executive Director Dan Overbey reported that during January 57,000 net tons were moved through the port, which is considerably higher than normal.

He said the Sikeston Power Plant moved extra petroleum coke through in anticipation of the Illinois River being closed for several months.

Overbey also reported revenues for the fiscal year had been $135,000, which is $25,000 ahead of projections for this point in the year.

He added that expenses for the year are running $2,000 under budget.