THANKS BOB HENDRIX; YOU WILL BE MISSED

During my years on the Southeast Missourian business beat, I've had the opportunity to work with several outstanding individuals -- too many to name.

It's always a bittersweet moment when one of these individuals bids farewell to his colleagues because of retirement or change in employment.

Such is the case with Robert B. -- Bob to most Cape Girardeans -- Hendrix, who for the past 21 years has served as Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce president.

Bob last year announced his retirement from the chamber effective this year. For the past month he has been serving as consultant to the chamber, working with the new president, John Mehner.

My time spent with Bob has allowed me to learn a lot about the business and industrial happenings in Cape Girardeau and the Chamber of Commerce and its diversity.

Bob has been involved in much of the business and industry in the immediate area since he became the chamber's chief executive in 1972. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Southeast Missouri Port Authority, Industrial Development Authority and Downtown Redevelopment.

Space prohibits the names of all the industries and businesses that Bob has worked to secure here, but to mention a few -- Biokyowa Inc., Dana Corp., M&W Packaging, Tri-Con, Thorngate. The list goes on.

Bob is respected by the people who worked with him for his dedication, loyalty, enthusiasm and willingness to do whatever it takes to get a job done.

Bob is always quick with a joke, a handshake and a pat on the back.

Thank you, Bob, for your 21 years of service to this community, and for putting up with my questions for half of that time. You'll be missed.

When Clara Ellinghouse walked into the Kids Wear...Again store in downtown Cape Girardeau five years ago, she liked what she saw.

"I told Lauchette Low that if she ever wanted to sell the store to let me know," said Ellinghouse.

Low, who has operated the children's clothing consignment shop at 114 N. Main since 1987, contacted Ellinghouse recently.

"I'm a downtown merchant now," said Ellinghouse. "I've worked next door at Parsons' Stained Glass four years," said Ellinghouse. "Although I've been in the Kids Wear...Again store a few times, I'm surprised that Mrs. Low remembered my saying I would like to own the store."

Ellinghouse, of Cape Girardeau and formerly Fredericktown, said she likes the downtown area. "People here are friendly."

The Kids Wear...Again store is just that -- clothing for children to wear again.

"We have quality children's clothing for all ages, infant to pre-teen," said Ellinghouse.

The store is open Mondays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Clients may drop clothing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. "If, after a reasonable period of time the clothing does not sell, it will be donated to charity," Ellinghouse said.

Cape Toyota-Suzuki is taking on a new look.

The Cape Girardeau dealership at 835 S. Kingshighway has expanded its parking lot, installed new lighting, and is in the process of expanding its service department area.

"We have already added a 2,750-square-foot expansion in a separate building," said Jack McDonough, owner. "We are now adding another 3,700 square feet in the front of the dealership for additional service department space, offices and customer-waiting area."

Also included in the facelift is a new exterior drivit and new energy-efficient windows in the showroom.

McDonough said a new Toyota master technician, Conrad Irby, has been added to the service department.

A decade ago Rose Mary Ruesler turned a hobby into a business.

"I've been making candles since I was in high school," said Ruesler, who now operates Busy Bee Candles, 529 Elm in Jackson.

The company manufactures candles of all kinds, specializing in candles for weddings and other special events.

Busy Bee is observing its 10th anniversary this year.

Coad Chevrolet Inc. is moving in Cape Girardeau.

"We're shooting for an early spring opening in our new quarters," said Clyde Green, central purchasing agent for Coad Chevrolet dealerships in Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Anna., Ill.

Coad, 606 S. Kingshighway, is moving across the street.

"We've outgrown our facilities here," said Green. "We broke ground recently for a new two-story facility almost directly across Kingskighway. "The top level will be used for an administrative office with a showroom on the lower level."

"We'll be expanding our service and truck departments, and will have a drive-through facility for customers to leave vehicles for servicing."

Coad Chevrolet has operated in Cape Girardeau since 1980.

Universal Physique Fitness and Racquet Center, 505 S. Mount Auburn Road, recently completed a major remodeling project.

"Basically we went in and did a complete facelift from the ground up," said owner Doug Friese. "We installed new carpeting, wall coverings, remodeled both locker rooms, expanded our aerobics room, and added new equipment in the workout rooms."

BJ's Sewing Room has opened at 2611 Thomas Drive.

B.J. Lamb, who moved into the area recently from Batesville, Ark., has 27 years of experience in sewing.

"We do alterations, repairs, and custom sewing," said Lamb, who operated the same type business in Batesville.

An indoor pistol-shooting and archery range soon will open in West Park Village, Route K and Broadview.

Phegley's Shooters's Supply is in the process of moving to West Park Village from 779 Enterprise.

"We're still in the moving stage," said Scott Dunning, manager.

Owners of Phegley's Shooter's Supply also operate JBR Outfitters Ltd., which is in West Park Village. JBR specializes in outdoor equipment and clothing.

Hillco Computer Store has more than doubled its space at 2110 E. Jackson Blvd. in Jackson.

The store, which was founded three years ago by Tim Hill, was previously at 231A E. Main.

The store is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Elsewhere:

Business activity has been booming in Poplar Bluff.

Luecke Distributing Co., distributor of Anheuser-Busch beer, is adding 7,000 square feet to its operation -- 4,500 square feet for two indoor loading zones and 2,500 square feet for warehousing.

New businesses include C&L Fashion, Mr. and Mrs. D's Restaurant and Jackson Hewitt Tax Services.

C&L, owned by Ruth Carman and Nathan Long, features clothing for men, women and children. Bardis and Jeanette Dismuk are owners of the new restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Terri Ray is manager of the tax services business that features electronic income tax preparation.

Eight new businesses have signed leases at University Mall in Carbondale, Ill.

They are: Gloria Jean's Gourmet Coffees, 1,245 square feet; Pretzel Time, 600 square feet; Bresler's Ice Cream, 187 square feet; Arby's, 600 square feet; Golden Chain Gang, a 150-square-foot kiosk; Earring Tree, 150 square feet; American Eagle Outfitters, 3,800 square feet; and Glamour Shots photo studio, 1,200 square feet.