RETIRING BUSINESSMAN LEAVES HIS MARK

This past week marked the retirement of a Cape Girardeau industrialist and civic leader from a long and successful career in the business world. We refer to Joe Gambill, the only plant manager Biokyowa had during its first decade here. Joe often remarked that after living many places, Cape was the only locale where "I sank my roots."

The quality that comes to mind when one thinks of Joe Gambill is enthusiasm. Make that enthusiasm combined with energy, a willingness to take on tough jobs others avoided, a sense of humor and a positive outlook on life.

Joe's was a challenging and successful business career. First in the cement industry and then with Biokyowa, Joe was a leader in industrial management, employing cutting-edge technology to succeed in highly competitive world markets. But he was a man of many talents; his friends and fellow Lions Club members, for instance, knew of his abilities as a humorist and poet.

It is in civic affairs and the chamber of commerce that Joe Gambill has made perhaps his finest contributions. Always an active chamber member, Joe was known for throwing himself into charitable projects with vigor.

Some years back, Joe noticed that the chamber's annual industrial appreciation dinner was not the high-profile event he and others felt it could be. While others might have been content to make that observation, and let it end there in idle conversation, Joe took action. He singlehandedly took over the event. An avid golfer, he planned and organized a golf tournament to stimulate attention and participation. For the dinner itself, Joe moved to sell large amounts of tables to businesses and industries in the region.

Result: Attendance shot up from 100-200 to the range of 750-900, and has remained there ever since. Top-flight speakers have been recruited. Prestigious annual awards are now eagerly anticipated. The event is now a major date on the annual calendar. Many individuals helped, but credit goes principally to Joe.

More recently, Joe got out front on the highly controversial issue of riverboat gambling. Agree or disagree, you have to admire a stand-up guy who will take a position and defend it forthrightly, honestly and with good humor.

With retirement will come more time for Joe to enjoy his family, to travel, perhaps, and to play more golf. The enthusiastic civic involvement, though will not stop. This Saturday evening will find Joe as master of ceremonies for the dinner/roast of retiring chamber executive Bob Hendrix. We look forward to Joe's usual witty performance. And we wish Rosemary and him well as they pursue their many interests in a well-earned retirement.