Southeast honored by state for downtown Cape developments

Southeast Missouri State University took a top honor at a recent statewide conference on Main Street development. The Missouri Main Street Connection named the university a Premier Partner during its Evening of Excellence Awards last week.

The award celebrated the university's and Old Town Cape's involvement in spurring growth and tourism in downtown Cape Girardeau.

Old Town Cape, which grew out of university efforts to revitalize the area, helps to guide businesses and individuals to economic success.

Steven Hoffman, professor of history at Southeast and coordinator of Southeast's Historic Preservation Program, also earned an accolade for outstanding leadership.

Hoffman, who has served on the Missouri Main Street Connection board since 2006, works not only for the betterment of Cape Girardeau, but the state as a whole, traveling often on behalf of Missouri Main Street Connection, an official said.

Missouri Main Street Connection state coordinator Gayla Roten called Hoffman her "rock" and credited his work in helping the organization and Missouri Main Streets grow over the last decade.

tgraef@semissourian.com

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