CHAMBER ASSESSES COMMUNITY PRIORITIES

Each year, the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce surveys its membership to determine the top priorities of the year. As one might expect, economic development, creation of new jobs and business retention top the list most every year.

But the 1,100-plus chamber membership has more many concerns. Tackling crime moved up the priority list to No. 3. This reflects a communitywide concern about a string of 16 burglaries targeting the elderly, as well as a high number of overall burglaries.

In all, the chamber ranked 17 priorities for the coming year, which touch business, government, education and a number of other issues.

Admirably, the chamber also takes its priority list a step further and works to further community projects to meet these concerns. This yearly process is a good exercise for both the chamber and the community.