SEMO recognized for revitalization efforts

It's hard not to get excited when you walk around downtown Cape Girardeau and see new businesses popping up and other establishments transforming and growing.

For its part in the revitlization of downtown Cape, Southeast Missouri State University was honored at a statewide conference, the Southeast Missourian recently reported.

Steven Hoffman, a professor of history at the university, also was recognized for outstanding leadership at the conference.

Southeast was named a Premier Partner by the Missouri Main Street Connection during its Evening of Excellence Awards earlier this month.

According to a story by reporter Tyler Graef, "the award celebrated the university's and Old Town Cape's involvement in spurring growth and tourism in downtown Cape Girardeau."

Hoffman, a member of Missouri Main Street Connection's board since 2006, played an instrumental role in the growth of the organziation in the last 10 years, according to Missouri Main Street Connection state coordinator Gayla Roten, who called Hoffman her "rock."

Hoffman travels often on behalf of the organization and "works not only for the betterment of Cape Girardeau, but the state as a whole,' according to an official.

We appreciate the efforts of those who encourage and play a role in the growth of our downtown community. We can't wait to see its continued development.