The Drury story

The story of the Drury family, its rise to prominence and its impact on Cape Girardeau is one that best represents the American ideals of hard work, ambition, high quality and free enterprise. That story was shared with a rapt audience last week. In the process, listeners picked up plenty of sage advice regarding business principles that are just as valid today as they were when the Drury family struggled to save the family farm during the Depression.

At a luncheon sponsored by the Tri-State Advertising and Marketing Professionals -- appropriately, in a packed banquet room at the Drury Lodge on Interstate 55 -- hotel developer Charles Drury of St. Louis told of his family's commitment to quality, fair rates and customer satisfaction. In a speech that was both uplifting and informative, Drury imparted a good deal of business wisdom, which was well-received by interested businessmen and women charting their own career futures.

From a farm in Kelso, Mo., to a plastering business to hotels and many other enterprises, the Drurys have left their mark not just on Cape Girardeau, but on America. The Drury brand is widely known whether it's on hotels, restaurants or construction, billboard and development companies.

Charles and Bob Drury accepted the Tri-State organization's Triumph Award on behalf of the family and its many valuable associates who have made Drury enterprises so successful. The well-deserved award recognizes decades of commitment the Drurys have made to excellence.

The Drury story is one this area can be proud to be a part of.