All-American effort

Forty years ago, Cape Girardeau mounted a presentation to convince the National Civic League that it was one of the best cities in the nation. Although it was a finalist that year, Cape Girardeau failed to make the cut as one 10 cities to receive the coveted recognition as an All-America City. The winners that year were Ann Arbor, Mich.; Clearfield, Pa.; Cohoes, N.Y.; Detroit, Mich.; Greensboro, N.C.; Malden, Mass.; Peoria, Ill.; Pinellas County, Fla.; Presque Isle, Maine; Richmond, Va.; and Seattle, Wash.

The next year, the intrepid Cape Girardeau boosters tried again -- and won. Other 1967 All-America City honorees were Auburn, Maine; Fresno, Calif.; Grand Island, Neb.; Hickory, N.C.; Laurinburg, N.C.; Leavenworth, Kan.; Royal Oak, Mich.; South Bend, Ind.; Tupelo, Miss.; and Wheaton, Ill.

Maybe you've visited some of these winning communities. If you have, you probably noticed things that stood out -- something besides the All-America City sign that winners proudly erect at all their major entrances.

This year, a new effort is being made to bring a second All-America City designation to Cape Girardeau.

The program focuses on community needs and how a city -- its residents, not just its government -- respond to those needs. Revitalizing the downtown area and building effective partnerships to serve those who fall between the cracks of existing support groups are major emphasis areas this time.

The process of preparing an All-America City entry can be eye-opening to a city.

It requires analyzing and assessing both problems and workable solutions. To enter the competition is a big step. To become a finalist is a major honor. To be one of the 10 winners is, as the name implies, a national honor.

The organizers of this year's All-America City entry are to be commended for their efforts. They will show the city's best side. Doing that is worth the effort.