WILDMAN TO QUIT RCGA POST

Walt Wildman is stepping down as executive director of the Regional Commerce and Growth Association.

"An organization like this needs new blood," said Wildman. "Jobs like mine are in cycles, and it's time for a change."

The announcement came at Thursday night's RCGA meeting.

Wildman said he is proud of his performance since his appointment Nov. 10, 1989. In his five years at the job, he said he has made RCGA's position more positive.

In 1989, Wildman had said RCGA was marred by the "quarreling and bickering" among its members. He said he would work to bring area chambers of commerce and city officials together in an "atmosphere of cooperation."

Wildman said Thursday, when RCGA and the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce joined ranks, that he has done what he set out to do.

Wildman said his departure has nothing to do with RCGA's decision to join the Cape Girardeau chamber. He said he has accepted a position with VIP Industries.

"It's the company I worked with right out of college," he said. "I feel like everything is coming full circle."

Wildman said he suggested who his replacement should be to the board, but he would not divulge his recommendation. "The personnel committee meets on Monday," he said.