VISION 2000 GIVES AWARDS

Steadily moving toward turn-of-the-century goals, Cape Girardeau philanthropists stopped to honor some of their own Monday with Awards of Distinction.

It was the seventh year for the special breakfast sponsored by Vision 2000, Cape Girardeau's goal-setting group established in 1987 to better the community.

The 15 individuals and groups recognized have improved Cape Girardeau in four key areas, said City Councilman Melvin Gateley, who oversees Vision 2000 activities. The areas are community spirit; education; planning and zoning; and business, industry and jobs.

"We have these awards to bring out how much we appreciate these groups that help implement Vision 2000 strategies," Gateley said. "Many people think Vision 2000 is about planting roses and jonquils, but those are the visible things; there's a lot more."

Insurance agent David Hahs, who serves on the Vision Steering Committee and several other community groups, was keynote speaker. He received an award.

He said the achievements of people honored Monday will inspire others in the community to do more.

"I feel community service is a little selfish because it affords a feel-good fallout for the people who perform that service," Hahs said. "And I'm in business for myself, so the benefits of having a hearty community affect me.

"It's not completely philanthropic when you invest yourself in the community."

He challenged leaders to get the city's young adults involved in and committed to community service.

State Rep. Mary Kasten, known for beginning the Community Caring Council and for her participation in other groups, attended the awards ceremony.

She said it was Cape Girardeau's giving spirit, exemplified in the award winners, that made it "the best place in the world to live."

"I don't think people realize how many hundreds use their talents to make this a super place," Kasten said. "It would be amazing to see all of them in one room."

Each honoree received a plaque and a long-stemmed red rose.

The individuals and organizations honored were: the Bicentennial Commission, the Chamber of Commerce Surface Transportation Committee, the Community Attitude Survey, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Greater Cape Girardeau Area Recruitment Association, David Kaempfer, Herbert Nance, Jane O'Connell, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Public Awareness Advisory Board, Show-Me Net, Southeast Missouri State University, the Transportation Trust Fund, the Vision Steering Committee and Bill Yuede.