Y2K APPROACHES: SPEAKER URGES READINESS

The first day of 2000 isn't the only date of concern for computer users.

The new millennium brings fears of the Y2K bug, thanks to computer designers of earlier years and their eagerness to minimize then-precious computer memory.

"It all works great until 00 comes along," said George Florian of Automation Services Co. Inc. of Cape Girardeau.

Florian and Mike Buchanan, owner of Automation Services, were guest speakers at the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce First Friday Coffee.

Early computer designers recorded and processed dates by eliminating the first two digits of the year, using only the final two numbers. Use of the two-digit years continued until only recently, when it was discovered that the computer won't recognize the year 2000 when the calendar changes after Dec. 31. To the computer, it could be 1900, 1800 or 2000. Government, big and small businesses and individuals are scrambling to make their computer systems Y2K compliant.

"Y2K concern may not be your problem," said Florian. "You may have your computer ready, but it may indirectly be your problem if you deal with any company that uses computers."

Florian said many small and medium-sized business were at Y2K risk.

"The federal government has estimated that as many as 7 percent of businesses could fail because of the Y2K problem," said Florian. "Many of them use computers for ordering, bookkeeping, inventory and much more."

Many businesses already have addressed the problem, said Florian, suggesting that everyone should implement plans to correct it.

Florian said among dates that could be critical are Sept. 9, 1999, 9999 on Gregorian calendar; Dec. 31, 1999; Jan. 1, 2000; Jan. 10, 2000, the first seven-digit field: 1/10/2000; Feb. 29, 2000, leap year date; and Jan. 1, 2001.

Members attending the First Friday Coffee were reminded of some upcoming projects by the chamber: the chamber BBQ Fest, chamber cookbook project; and a new "Chamber Pride Community Wide" casual day fund-raising program.

"This year's BBQ Fest should be a big one," said Fred Higdon, the event's general chairman. "It's two weeks away, and we'd like to see everybody there."

The two-day event includes barbecue competition in six categories, and skits in a showmanship contest will be held at Arena Park Aug. 27 and 28. Amateur cooks can compete in the categories of hamburgers, beef kebabs, boneless strip steak, roast pork, pork steaks and pork ribs.

The chamber is also working on a cookbook. The new cookbook will highlight the BBQ Fest and will include some recipes and tips from various teams entered.

Chamber members were also reminded of a part-time job fair to be held Sept. 8 at the University Center Lobby from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The job fair, hosted by the university's Career Services, will give businesses an opportunity to employ students with a variety of skills. It marks the second year for the part-time job fair.

The chamber has also launched a new program of charities -- "Chamber Pride Community Wide." "The program is open to any chamber member," said John Mehner, president and CEO of the Cape Girardeau chamber.

To participate, companies will give their employees an opportunity to purchase a "casual day" for $1. The money goes into a fund to be distributed quarterly to a chamber member's charitable organization. The chamber currently has more than 15 charitable agencies as members.