P&G CONSIDERATION IS A POSITIVIE NOD TO ENTIRE COMMUNITY

It is a positive nod to the Cape Girardeau area that Procter & Gamble Co. is considering a major expansion of its plant near the Mississippi River north of Trail of Tears State Park. Not only would the expansion provide additional jobs, it would cement P&G's longstanding commitment as a major corporate citizen of this region.

There are still details to be worked out, and other cities are also being considered for P&G's manufacturing facility for paper tissues and towels. But to be one of the finalists is no small achievement.

Part of the credit for keeping Cape Girardeau in the running goes to the efforts of both the chamber of commerce and The Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association. These organizations have worked diligently to help P&G as it deals with local, state and federal agencies.

While attracting new plants and other major employers is always a goal of economic development, it has long been recognized that existing companies are a city's most valuable resource. This is the case for Cape Girardeau's flourishing medical services -- hospitals, doctors, clinics, specialty services -- and its retail businesses, as well as major manufacturers.

If P&G decides to expand at its plant here, it will be a good indication that the community thinks as much of this major asset as the company thinks of the community. Cape Girardeau's quality of life, committed work force and central location are all factors that make a good relationship between industry and the region in which it is located.

An announcement is expected in the not-too-distant future about P&G's final decision. If Cape Girardeau is selected, there will be considerable reason to celebrate -- not for what the plant expansion will bring, but also for what this area already has to offer to business and industry.