CAPE GIRARDEAU IS BOOMING, ATTRACTING POSITIVE ATTENTION

On the heels of the successful vote on a city sales tax for transportation, there are other key indicators that Cape Girardeau is thriving and continuing on a positive course of growth and development: Construction is up this year, continue the trend of the past several years. Retail expansion is vigorous. And travel and tourism are becoming important facets of the city's overall economic health.

When construction, retail sales and tourism are combined with job opportunities, medical services and education, it is clear that Cape Girardeau is a leader not only in the region, but for all of Missouri.

Is this just a case of tooting Cape Girardeau's horn? Consider this: Any community that wants to grow and prosper must rely on the solid support of its own horn-blowers who understand the strengths and potential right here at home.

It is good, though, to hear from outsiders who recognize the advantages Cape Girardeau has to offer. Barry Petrowsky, the leasing agent for the corporation that fills retail space at West Park Mall and other malls in the Midwest, summed it up pretty well: Cape Girardeau is "probably the most progressive city in Missouri." Much of Petrowsky's success in attracting retailers to come here is based on a simple working philosophy that stresses the many positive aspects available in Cape Girardeau.

A snapshot of construction activity in Cape Girardeau shows a 20 percent increase so far this year over 1994 for the first 7 1/2 months. Projects through mid-August total $31 million, and a couple of public projects -- a $2.2 million improvement at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport and the $15.7 million college of business building at Southeast Missouri State University -- aren't included in that total. More construction jobs and related activity are being generated by the Corps of Engineers' ongoing flood-control project, a multimillion-dollar effort.

The idea that Cape Girardeau is a leader in regional shopping, medical services, education and employment needs to be emphasized even more. The city's status as one of the most progressive cities in the state is a source of pride and a foundation on which to continue its positive development.