P&G DESERVING OF AREA'S TOP-INDUSTRY AWARD

When it came time for the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce to honor its top of the industry of the year recently, the choice seemed a natural. Procter & Gamble Paper Products Co. is the area's largest employer and is in the midst of a major expansion. What made the selection all the more noteworthy was the fact that it was a repeat performance. P&G joined Lone Star Industries Inc. as the only manufacturers to be twice honored with the award.

The recognition provides a chance for the community to thank P&G for its investment in Cape Girardeau County. It also offers an opportunity to praise the company for its stewardship as a good neighbor, including the investing of hundreds of thousands of dollars by both company and employees in such good causes as the Area Wide United Way, Southeast Missouri State University, scholarship funds, area schools and much more. Typically P&G and its employees are the top contributors to United Ways annual drive. Employees also donate hundreds of pints of blood to the American Red Cross with three blood drives each year.

The company has been a local landmark since 1969, when the original plant manufactured Charmin. Today, disposable diapers are the primary product at the plant 15 miles north of Cape Girardeau along Highway 177. P&G commands more than a 40 percent share of the disposable-diaper market.

Much has changed at P&G since it first received the chamber's award a decade ago. In 1989, P&G employed 1,300 people in a plant of more than 1.2 million square feet -- that's about 30 acres. Today, the company employs 1,650 workers in a plant that sprawls over more than 2 million square feet -- an amazing 50 acres. The $350 million expansion announced two years ago is nearly completed. New production lines for paper towels and tissue are nearly ready to roll.

P&G has had a significant impact on the regions economy, spending more than $150 million in annual purchases from Missouri suppliers for goods and services. A number of other businesses have also located nearby with ancillary services.

Cape Girardeau, the county and Missouri are fortunate to have such a top-notch industry flourishing in our corner of the state. Its growth and contributions over the past 10 years certainly earn P&G the well-deserved second-time recognition as "Industry of the Year."