SIKESTON CHAMBER TO CLOSE

SIKESTON -- The financially-troubled Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce will close its doors Oct. 1 in a surprise move announced this week by the Chamber's Board of Directors.

The 50-member organization has been plagued by declining membership and financial problems for nearly three years, according to Mark Nelson, chamber president. From a high membership of nearly 400, the chamber has battled to stay afloat by using reserves, which are now depleted.

Nelson said the chamber's expenses including payroll, insurance and overhead run around $54,000 annually. Current dues to the organization total around $44,000.

"Finances have been bad for the last few years," said Pat Marble, executive director of the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce. "I don't think it comes as a surprise to anyone that you can't operate a business without funds. I certainly hope that in the future the chamber will rally again. I think we have a good chamber. It is highly recognized on the state level."

Discussion is under way on how to handle the day-to-day functions of providing information on the community to visitors, newcomers, businesses and industries.

"The decision is strictly financial. We hope to restructure as quickly as possible to maintain a positive image," said Nelson. "We realize that the chamber is a viable economic arm of the city. People (businesses) check in at the chamber to review the community before they decide to move here.

"For this reason we are currently making arrangements for the phones to be answered and to have a qualified person help with information regarding our city," Nelson said.

The chamber's executive board is meeting and hopes to announce a down-sized version to the chamber membership in October.

"An Oct. 13 Chamber luncheon at Missouri Delta Medical Center is scheduled. At this meeting we hope to present the membership with a sketch of the reorganization," said Nelson.

Marble said: "I feel confident that the board of directors will regroup and make the right decision that best fits our community."

Board members of the Sikeston chamber are: Mark Nelson, president; Dan Sutton, first vice president; Rich Wrather, second vice president; and Linda Myers, treasurer. Other board members are Gary Drake, Steve McPheeters, J.R. Grimsley, Jerry Pullen, David Bizzell, Steve Maxcy, Rita Degen, Charlie Miller, Tom Engberg, Jane Kirk and Judy Beggs.

"I encourage all businesses which would like to give us their thoughts and feelings about what they want their chamber to provide to contact one of the board members," said Nelson.