VISION 2000: AWARDS OF DISTINCTION PRESENTED AT BREAKFAST

Vision 2000 recognized individuals and organizations for their contributions to the future of Cape Girardeau during its annual breakfast Thursday morning.

Twelve honorees were recognized at the eighth annual Awards of Distinction Breakfast for their contributions to the development of the community. They were all selected for helping to further at least one of the organization's 75 goals in its strategic plan for the city.

"We established the Award of Distinction to salute those organizations and individuals whose support of Vision 2000 and devoted service have been outstanding," said Bob Robins, chairman of the Vision 2000 Community Relations Council. "Those we are recognizing have made contributions that will be of long-lasting significance to the quality of life in our community."

Dr. Dale Nizschke, president of Southeast Missouri State University, was guest speaker. He focused on working together to set new agendas and goals rather than recycling old ideas and settling for the familiar.

"The principle barrier to improving things is following well-established precedent," said Nizschke. "The operative word, even though it's a healthy word in the nation, is cooperation, not competition."

Nizschke said the university and community must find ways to work more cooperatively together to improve the quality of education and life in Cape Girardeau. That cooperation won't include a university request to the city for a tax to finance a new performing arts center, he said.

"You can relax, Mr. Mayor," Nizschke said before his speech. "We do not plan to ask the city for a tax for a new fine-and-performing-arts center."

The Area Wide United Way, Cape County Rotary Club, Robert A. Dempster Hall, Missouri Housing and Southeast Missourian's YELL edition were all recognized for contributions to the city in the areas of community service and monetary and equipment donations. Erik Yount and Mark and Vicky Busch were honored for instigating community beautification projects. Dan Cotner, Anita Meinz, Juanita Spicer and Harold Tilley were recognized for outstanding community service.

Each honoree received a plaque and rose from committee members.

Vision 2000 was organized in 1987 by a group of Cape Girardeau citizens wanting to develop a comprehensive plan to help the city develop in a number of diverse areas. Planning committees gathered input and identified four areas of improvement: community spirit, planning and zoning, business and industry, and jobs and education.

"We were born out of doing and achieving, and we've been working at this ever since," said Melvin Gately, a member of the organization's Community Relations Council. "During the year we make notes if someone does something outstanding with our strategies. We get together at the end of the year and make nominations, and those are the people we decide need to be recognized for their outstanding service to the community."

Mayor Al Spradling III said the honorees were part of a community known for its volunteerism. "This community is built on volunteerism; it works basically because of volunteerism."

Kathy Swan, vice-chairperson of the Community Relations Council, agreed. "Vision 2000 is dedicated to sharing life, sharing time and sharing talents," she said. "Our honorees have worked hard for the future of Cape Girardeau, and we are proud of them. It's all about teamwork and helping our community.