CHAMBER GETS STRONGER

We're No. 3.

That may not sound like bragging, but it is. The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce is the third largest chamber in the state as a result of a membership blitz this week.

The chamber here now has 1,231 members. Only the chambers in North Kansas City with 3,000 members and Springfield with 1,800 have more.

Basking in the move up from No. 4 by itself doesn't mean very much. It is what the numbers stand for that is significant. For example:

-- Cape Girardeau enjoys strong support from a broad span of businesses and industries. This means the chamber enjoys the benefits of unanimity and cohesion.

-- The chamber's strength is an indication that Cape Girardeau is a good place to do business, which means it is a lure to prospects who may be looking for a place to locate.

-- In legislative and other governmental affairs, a chamber that can claim is speaking for more than 1,200 leaders of commerce can capture the attention of elected officials.

-- Among the members of a large -- and still growing -- chamber, there is a sense of pride and accomplishment in knowing that the organization represents strength.

With the ranking as the No. 3 chamber in the state comes responsibility too. Developing programs and taking stands on issues that are meaningful to such a large membership base can be difficult. But the Cape Girardeau chamber has demonstrated its ability to work earnestly on behalf of prosperous development and an expanding business climate.

This, more than anything else, accounts for the success the chamber has had in attracting and keeping its members.

Congratulations, Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, for distinguishing the city throughout Missouri.