New employers

The good news is that three businesses recently announced plans to open facilities in the region. National Asset Recovery Service in Cape Girardeau, Signature Packaging Industries in Jackson and Mid-South Wire Co. in Scott City have the potential to bring more than 600 new jobs to the area. The bad news is that Nestle Purina Petcare Co. will close this summer, eliminating 40 jobs in Cape Girardeau. The closings of K's Merchandise this month and of the Dana Corp. auto parts facility next year will cost the region another 260 jobs.

Southeast Missouri has a reputation for being insulated from changes in the national economy. Our work force is stable and well trained. As the net jobs gain suggests, we have much to offer employers.