THE SEMINARY; PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS COMMON IN MISSOURI

The Colonial Cape Girardeau Foundation was organized in 1991 for the sole purpose of preserving the historic 150-year-old St. Vincent's Seminary property and developing it as a historical, cultural and educational center to serve Cape Girardeau and the surrounding region.

A report from the recent White House Conference on travel and tourism states, "Historic sites are among the most popular destinations for both American and foreign tourists." According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, "Travelers who include historic sites in their itineraries stay an average of a half-day longer and spend an average of $62 more than other travelers." Visiting historical places and attending cultural events are two of the five most popular activities planned by 1995 summer vacation travelers, as reported by the U.S. Travel Data Center.

The key to success in cultural tourism is collaboration and, over time, the creation of ongoing, profitable partnerships. Successful examples of public-private partnerships already exist in our community: the Show Me Center, River Heritage Museum and the Central High School/city covered swimming pool.

The city of Kirkwood has preserved and continues to use its historic train station. Columbia, Mo., operates its Regional Economic Development (REDI). The historic riverfront in downtown St. Charles is enhanced by its Goldenrod Showboat and Miniature Museum. All of these projects are public-private partnerships.

Familiar to most Cape Girardeau residents are the St. Louis Zoo, the Missouri Botanical Gardens and the St. Louis Art Museum. These are additional examples of public-private partnerships.

Residents here take the Mississippi River for granted. However, it is one of the most often requested destinations for foreign travelers. When you have a first-time visitor to Cape Girardeau, isn't the Mississippi River one of your destinations? Our community has a priceless treasure in the seminary property, with its unobstructed and easily accessible view of the Mississippi River.

The foundation's mission of developing the property as a historical, cultural and educational center has tremendous economic value for this community as a public-private partnership. This is truly worthy of this community's and our city council's consideration.

Mary Ann Robertson is the chairman of the Colonial Cape Girardeau Foundation board of directors.