Rose Concrete, Cape chamber win awards

There were two surprises at the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce's appreciation dinner Wednesday night. One the chamber kept. The other was kept from it.

The first came when guest speaker Dan Mehan, executive director of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce & Industry, announced during his speech that the local chamber has been named the 2005 Chamber of Commerce of the Year.

The second surprise -- the one the local chamber traditionally announces at the banquet -- was that Rose Concrete Products of Cape Girardeau is the 2005 Commitment to Excellence Award Winner.

"This is a great Southeast Missouri story," said presenter Mitch Robinson, executive director of the Cape Girardeau Area MAGNET. "It began with the courage of one family taking a chance on starting a business."

Company owner Larry Payne accepted the award. Rose Concrete Products manufacturers reinforced concrete pipe, ready mix, fabricated reinforcing steel and steel products, and custom concrete products and accessories.

Robinson said the company's economic contribution is tremendous. Its family of companies employs 85 people with an annual payroll in excess of $2.5 million. Relying on more than 30 local vendors for day-to-day operations, the company spends $5 million annually through the purchase of goods and services.

The company began more than 20 years ago in 1984 with one plant. In 1990 it purchased a four-location operation and has continued adding locations and companies so that now it has grown to a suite of companies serving five states with revenues approaching $15 million annually, Robinson said.

Payne accepted the award and gave a modest speech, lauding several other local businesses that have a positive impact.

"I ain't no rocket scientist," he said. "I didn't make the company successful. The people who work there did."

The award was started in 1988 to honor local businesses that play a significant role in the Cape Girardeau area.

Meanwhile, Mehan said that the local chamber is very deserving of the top chamber award.

"These guys go above and beyond," Mehan told the crowd of several hundred. "You all should be very proud of the work that John Mehner and his staff do for you."

smoyers@semissourian.com

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