SEMINAR THURSDAY WILL HIGHLIGHT PROGRAMS AIMED AT DEVELOPMENT

Missouri offers a number of services to help communities and businesses retain and create new investments and jobs.

"There are a number of individuals and groups which can play a big role in helping their community create jobs," said Garry Taylor, deputy director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. "We want to inform these people and groups of our roles and theirs in building a better place to live and work."

Taylor will be one of several officials from the state's economic development department who will be in Cape Girardeau Thursday to present an economic development seminar.

The meeting will be held at the Drury Lodge starting with a 7:15 p.m. welcome by Robert Hendrix, president of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce.

"Business people, government and development officials from throughout Southeast Missouri have been invited to this meeting," said Hendrix.

Topics include state community and business tax incentives, job training assistance, community development assistance, tourism, public and private packaging for business expansion, marketing Missouri to existing national and international businesses, and the Missouri Arts Council.

Speakers during the two-hour program will include:

7:15 p.m.: Hendrix.

7:20 p.m.: Taylor.

7:25 p.m.: Bob Black, director of business development, economic development programs.

7:35 p.m.: Dianna Moore, director of community programs, economic development programs.

7:45 p.m.: Earl Cannon, director of research and support, economic development programs.

7:55 p.m.: Debra Hendricks, public information, Division of Tourism.

8:05 p.m.: Mary Forck, job training specialist, Missouri Division of Job Development and Training.

8:15 p.m.: Anthony Radich, director of Missouri Arts Council.

8:30: Questions and answers.