`VISION' ISSUES ANNUAL REPORT

When Vision 2000 was formed in 1987, the year 2000 seemed a long way into the future. But with just three years to go, the countdown to the turn of the century has stepped up.

Vision 2000, a citywide effort toward community betterment, developed a plan outlining a vision for Cape Girardeau in 2000.

The plan has four key issues: community spirit; planning and zoning; business and industry; and jobs and education. Under each issue are goals and objectives.

A 12-member community relations council watches over the progress of the plan and recently issued the annual report for 1996.

"We monitor the implementation of all the goals including what was accomplished and what still needs to be done," said Melvin Gateley, who has been working with Vision 2000 since its inception.

One highlight during the past year was passage of a bond issue for Cape Girardeau public schools. Vision 2000 sponsored a series of public information meetings in 1996, giving people a chance to express their ideas for the future of the school district.

In addition, Vision 2000 members worked to place 50 "Take Pride in Cape Girardeau" signs throughout the city and also to place signs around town that help direct visitors to points of interest like Southeast Missouri State University and the riverfront.

"We've planted additional bulbs and flowers," said Gateley. Beautification of the city has long been a priority of Vision 2000. In 1996, 100 new rose bushes and 3,000 jonquil bulbs were added. Vision 2000 has planted a total of 4,000 roses and 42,000 jonquils since 1988.

Vision 2000 has been developing a plan for Cape Girardeau's future, plotted through the turn of the century.