RECRUITMENT EFFORTS AT CORSSROADS IN LEADERSHIP

Cape Girardeau and Scott counties have lost a good leader and promoter through the resignation of Allan Maki. The Cape Girardeau resident has served as executive director of the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority since August of 1988.

We may never know the exact circumstances of Maki's resignation. He cited a lack of confidence and common philosophy between himself and certain members of the board. His resignation was accepted without comment by the board Monday. He has not taken any other job at this point. Maki marks the second port director in a row to resign.

Everyone on the board must remember their role: To set policies and directions. They should be active in the strategic plan - the big picture of the port, and not micromanage. Once they choose an executive director, they should let him or her do their job. The executive director should handle everyday operations, personnel and budget as well as recruitment. It's important the board give the new director the authority and support to make things happen. It's also critical to hire a new director as quickly as possible to keep up momentum.

In every organization, there are personality conflicts, and sometimes things just don't work out. We're confident the board will put these differences behind it and concentrate on moving the port forward. The goal of the port authority in 1993 remains the same as when was formed almost 20 years ago - to bring jobs and improve economic opportunities for people in Southeast Missouri.

These past five years, Maki and the board have led the port authority through significant development. Construction of a $2.5 million public dock and harbor was completed, and made operational. The Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission has approved the extension of Nash Road into the port. Construction is under way on a rail spur. Last October, Maki helped secure a $1.2 million Economic Development Administration grant for infrastructure improvements. And tonnage has increased rather dramatically.

Net tonnage of 75,594 in 1992 represented a 52 percent increase over 1991. But the real explosion of tonnage growth won't come until the addition of a grain elevator. The port has already signed Consolidated Grain - the project is awaiting completion of the Nash Road extension. With the grain elevator in production, tonnage of 200,000 to 300,000 is attainable in the next two years; tonnage of 500,000 to 700,000 is within reach by 1995.

In terms of industrial recruitment, the region faces a crossroads in leadership. Bob Hendrix will step down this year after 20 years as president of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce. The new Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association is searching for a leader. And now the port authority board must find a new director for the helm. The recruitment and business leaders will impact our region for years to come. We hope these groups choose wisely in the months ahead.

We wish Maki well in his future endeavors. The Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority is better off for his efforts.