REGION CONGRATULATES LEE AND SUCCESS OF LEE-ROWAN

Another milestone passed recently in Jackson with the sale of the Lee-Rowan company, and the retirement of its founder and long-time sparkplug, St. Louis industrialist Desmond Lee. Mr. Lee is a remarkable man whose career in business is equally remarkable.

It was in 1964, after a lengthy statewide search, that Lee decided to locate his plant in Jackson for the purpose of making cabinet and closet organizers. Twenty-five people were hired initially, and ten expansions later, more than 1200 people are working at the Jackson factory. Lee-Rowan represents one of Cape Girardeau County's largest, classiest and most successful employers.

From the beginning, one of Lee-Rowan's defining hallmarks has been a concern for the welfare of its employees. For such a concern to be more than lip service, it takes the determined commitment of a company's ownership. This Mr. Lee provided, in spades. The Lee-Rowan formula for efficient operation and good treatment of employees has proven successful, as the company's growth over many decades attests.

Behind all such entrepreneurial endeavors there almost always lies one person without whose spirit, enthusiasm and business sense, the whole effort would fail. Where Lee-Rowan is concerned, Desmond Lee is that man. It was great to see him last week at the annual Industrial Appreciation dinner in Jackson, and to see him honored for his immeasurable contributions to our region and its economy. We are proud of Jackson and proud of the many fine qualities of the people who make up its work force, the very same qualities that would cause a superb businessman such as Desmond Lee to locate there.

We wish Mr. Lee well in his retirement. Meanwhile, we are confident that the company, under new ownership and the effective leadership of his son Gary, will continue to thrive and prosper in Jackson.