1991 LOOKS TO BE A YEAR OF PROMISE FOR THIS AREA

Around the first week of December, prognostication got a black eye in Southeast Missouri. While we don't intend to spell out any earth-moving probabilities in this space, it is customary as a new year debuts to conduct a bit of soothsaying, speculating on what the coming 12 months will bring. We concede some imprecision in this pursuit, but don't look for gloom; the outlook is bright for Cape Girardeau and the region in 1991.

This prediction may fly in the face of many national economic forecasts, which continue to see recession as part of America's immediate future. There is no denying the economy has been more well-positioned at times in the last decade. However, the economic downturn, which the nation has feared almost to the point of turning it into reality, shows little evidence of being either devastating or durable. In fact, some respected observers are now saying that the American economy will be blessed with lower inflation and decreased interest rates in the coming months. The worst of the recession was seemingly left in the talking stage.

What does that mean for this region? Obviously, the uncertainty of the times takes a toll. Still, Cape Girardeau and other area communities have positioned themselves well for progress, and we can ask for nothing better in volatile times than to be ready when opportunity comes.

Cape Girardeau continues to operate as a strong, regional retailing center, with growth apparent on a number of fronts. The industrial base of the region has seen a steady and reassuring expansion; long-time manufacturing concerns here have thrived, newer ones are budding into prosperity, and industrial prospects are sure to notice such success. The regional port authority opens a door to the world of commerce for area enterprises; it puts to maximum use the river that is this region's greatest natural resource.

Not all the optimism concerns business. The medical community, with its two fine hospitals, continues to provide top-flight health care for people of the region. While tightening its purse strings somewhat, Southeast Missouri State University remains an innovative and dynamic institution of higher learning; a move to Division I athletics, planning for a new business building and the direction of a new president should keep things lively at the school in the coming year.

In this area, we have a lot of tools to build with. Foremost among them are the residents of Southeast Missouri, people who have taken pride in what has been accomplished in the region and who have the vision to strive for even greater things. We decline a downcast mood: 1991 should be a year of promise for this area.