SOUTHEAST MISSOURIAN PREPARES ITS ANNUAL PROGRESS EDITION

In keeping with a tradition that started in 1937, the Southeast Missourian will publish its annual Progress Edition on Feb. 25.

The Progress Edition is an annual effort to chronicle the area's achievements of the previous year, while looking ahead to the goals and possibilities of the coming 12 months.

This year's edition, while continuing to focus on the broad scope of life and activities in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois, will place more on an emphasis on business. For example, where the traditional components of a Progress Edition -- such as education and local government -- will be included, the focus will be on they interact and impact business in the region.

The edition will include sections dealing with industry, education, government, construction, real estate, health, area communities, financial institutions and businesses.

Last year's Progress Edition, in keeping with Cape Girardeau's bicentennial celebration, was centered on the history of the community and region.

There were 65 stories in last year's Progress Edition, plus scores of photographs.

In addition to dozens of news stories and photographs in what has become a "regional yearbook," the edition features advertising from companies (industries, construction firms, among others) that are not usually a part of newspaper advertising.

Unlike past years, the Progress Edition will be inserted in a Friday newspaper. Most often, the publication date has been on a Sunday.