Poised for growth

The Southeast Missourian recently reported some positive news that should mean for a stronger local economy this year. Among the factors highlighted were an increase in sales tax revenue, continued construction growth and a falling unemployment rate. The latter was 6.1 percent for Cape Girardeau County in November, as compared to a 7.6 percent rate statewide and a national rate of 8.2 percent.

Last year's third quarter also saw retail sales improve. Sales were up 3.6 percent as compared to the same time in 2010, according to a recent Southeast Missouri Business Indicators report.

Recently the board of directors for the Cape Girardeau Area Magnet, an area not-for-profit economic development organization, voted not to renew the annual contract of executive director Mitch Robinson.

For the past 18 years Robinson has served the organization -- what was formerly known as the Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association. During this time Magnet has been a part of a business-friendly community which has created more than 2,500 jobs and retained hundreds of others.

Robinson was offered a contract through June 30 by the board and said he intends to stay through April. We wish him well as he seeks new opportunities in other communities.

With his departure, the board will soon begin its search for a new executive director. Board members will need to make a determination on who the most qualified person for the job is as well as who is the best fit for the organization and community.

Cape Girardeau and the area surrounding it are fortunate to have a thriving medical community which employs thousands of residents, world-class entertainment facilities, a growing university and great public and private schools. Add to that the development taking place in the downtown areas of Cape Girardeau and Jackson, a strong hospitality market often serving large events, beautiful parks, great churches and a relatively low cost of living and it's clear that Cape Girardeau is poised for growth. Because of this, going forward the next executive director will be in a good position to succeed.