WITH NAFTA, LOWER TRADE WALLS AND BET ON OURSELVES

Some people come and go without much notice from the hurried world. Others leave a lasting mark.

The latter will be the legacy of Robert Hendrix, who for 21-plus years led Cape Girardeau's Chamber of Commerce. He retires Nov. 19 as president and chief executive officer. Tonight, chamber members will wish Hendrix well with a "roast" at the Show Me Center. Several hundred are expected to attend, an indicator of the many friends Hendrix has made over the years.

Hendrix will be remembered for his hard work and good humor. His list of achievements in Cape Girardeau is lengthy.

Since 1972, he has been instrumental in establishment of the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority, the SEMO ACT Council, the Cape Commodores, Industrial Development Authority of Cape Girardeau County, the charter form of government in the city of Cape Girardeau and downtown redevelopment efforts.

His impact on Cape Girardeau can also be measured in terms of jobs. For many years, he took a hands-on approach to industrial recruitment, making several trips to Japan and China. He worked closely with German firms and was instrumental in the location of M & W Packaging to the area. He was well liked and respected by heads of many industries. Among those he helped bring to town include: Q.C. Corporation, Lowe's Southern Clay, Hardware Wholesale Inc., Art Welding Company, Biokyowa, Dana Corporation, American Magnetics, Perryville Steel Products, Rapco Cable, Tri-Con Industries, Thorngate, Blair Industries, Havco Wood Products, Brokers Bonded Warehouse, Georgia Pacific, and ACF Industries. These industries represent well over 2,400 jobs. Not a bad track record.

He has been active on the statewide level as well. Hendrix has held several offices with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, and also worked with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and many other state and national organizations. He has worked hard to make the business climate easier -- combating growing regulations on small businesses.

While Hendrix has been a tireless recruiter for large industries, he has always been a champion for small businesses as well. He realizes that much of the employee growth each year comes from these smaller businesses. Through chamber committees and personal contacts, Hendrix has worked to improve the local business climate. He has been active on numerous community organizations as a way to keep close contact with the people.

Twenty-one years may not seem long in many businesses, but it is unheard of in the dog-eat-dog world of industrial recruitment. His tenure is four times longer than the average stay of a chamber director. Hendrix loves to joke that he had dark hair when he arrived from Springfield. More than two decades and a lot of stress later, his hair is snow white.

Although he's retiring, Bob Hendrix plans to call Cape Girardeau home. We're glad to hear that. His investment as chamber president over the years has made our community a better place to live. In his retirement, Bob and his family will have more time to enjoy the business boom he has helped sow.

Bob Hendrix went far beyond what his job "duties" entailed. He could be amiable or tough as nails. He was an enterprising leader, patient mediator, enthusiastic salesman and above all, a loyal friend to business and business people alike. We wish him well in his retirement. Cape Girardeau is a better place for his 21 years of service.