AREA CHAMBERS FIND STRENGTH IN ADVERSITY

The Cape Girardeau and Jackson Chambers of Commerce have traversed similar hardships lately. Both have had to deal with the loss of thousands of dollars when the local license bureaus were taken from them through political maneuvering.

But from that loss has come a better understanding of each others operations, and increased communications. Perhaps this renewed solidarity will become the silver lining of this financial setback.

As a way to further this relationship, we urge the Cape Girardeau and Jackson chambers to consider placing a member on each other's board. This would swing wide the doors of communication, and publicly display their commitment to work together.

Jackson and Cape Girardeau are more than just neighbors - they are progressive towns with similar goals. Although the cities have had their differences, the two chambers have a long history of working well together. They are also partners in the new Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association with Director Mitch Robinson. This has been good for the entire region. This recruitment group ushered in a whole new era of joint opportunities.

We hope the chambers' leadership will bring up this idea at their next board meetings. We realize there may be some reservations. The chamber boards often discuss confidential information about new businesses and business problems. But there's no reason these dual board members can't share what should be shared, and keep confidential what should remain so.

This board swap idea couldn't come at a better time. Both the Cape Girardeau and Jackson Chambers are welcoming new leaders. John Mehner officially takes over as Cape's chamber president today. Jim Maevers recently assumed the presidency at the Jackson Chamber. Both have been members of their chambers for some time, and are familiar with the operations. New leadership often brings the opportunity for new ideas.

We welcome both Mehner and Maevers to their chamber leadership roles and wish them well in their work. This recent financial crisis brought the two chambers closer together. Many businesses have put off expansion or relocation in the current fiscal climate. A united front may help the chambers get through the tough financial times. Both chambers will grow from a board member swap, and we encourage the boards to consider this action at their next meetings.