Recruiting jobs

It's been a tough couple of weeks for jobs in Cape Girardeau.

Integrity Solution Services, formerly known as National Asset Recovery Services, announced it will close its Cape Girardeau office. The decision, the result of losing its only client, means 400 people will lose their jobs unless another client is secured.

It also was announced last week that one Cape Girardeau PolyOne plant, formerly known as Spartech, will be closed next year. The second facility in Arena Park, which manufactures plastic sheets, will remain open. The closing of the plant on Nash Road is one of six for the company.

While PolyOne's decision was based on business efficiency, it means 90 employees from the Cape Girardeau plant will be without a job -- though they will be welcome to apply for other positions within the company.

This editorial is not to cast blame on these two companies. We understand the business dynamics. Nevertheless, it's never easy to hear about jobs leaving the area. We offer our prayers for each employee who will be looking for work. If you're a business owner looking to hire, there will be people seeking work who might be a good fit for your company.

Local economist Bruce Domazlicky offered some overall encouragement recently when he told the Southeast Missourian the loss of 500 jobs is about a 1 percent drop for the county. We realize that's little comfort for those who lost their jobs, but it means the overall economy is strong enough to weather this storm.

There are several entities that continue to work on economic development and recruiting industry to the area. Likewise, we offer our thanks to businesses that invest in our communities. Southeast Missouri is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. There's a lot to like about the area.

It's our hope that more leaders will realize the potential this area offers and start successful businesses in the area that add value to our quality of life and serve as valuable employers.