Will the Work Force Situation Improve

In the state of Missouri, it ended at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, June 12. Of course, I am referring to the Governor’s decision to end participation in all federal pandemic-related unemployment insurance programs. In his official press release announcing the decision, the Governor said in his discussions with business owners from across the state, they are struggling with labor shortages not because of the pandemic, but because of excessive federal unemployment programs.

When the original supplement of $600 weekly ended, it was replaced by a $300 per seek supplement to Missouri’s regular unemployment benefits. This means thousands of claimants are receiving more than $600 per week. The unemployment benefit is meant to be a safety net as workers look to reenter the job market. Some believe these artificially high benefits have outlived their purpose and are keeping many from coming back into the work force. 

Locally, many employers have expressed frustration in trying to high enough workers to operate their businesses in pre-pandemic fashion. We hear this from multiple employment sectors including hospitality, manufacturing, the service industry, and others. And a quick glance at local job postings, or a drive around the area, shows hundreds of open positions and many employers trying to hire at starting wages between $13 and $17 dollars per hour.

The next few weeks will tell us a lot. Will the ending of the federal benefit spur reentry into the job market, or are there other factors in play?

As always, if you have questions or input, let me know.

This week my family laid to rest one of my father's brothers, Uncle Johnny. My dad had five brothers, so six Phares boys. My dad did not grow up in a wealthy family. They moved around a lot, typically shared a bedroom between all the brothers that were home at the time and learned to enjoy the simpler things in life. How does this translate to tourism? I'll get there. 

As I sat at a local diner with four out of the five remaining brothers and a couple of my closest cousins, we started talking about a reunion. Cape Girardeau has always been on my cousin Aaron's mind for a reunion spot. It's centrally located, there are things to do and I can help assist in planning at Visit Cape. Then, my cousin Jared mentioned there is a band performing during Shipyard that he and his wife Andi would like to see, so they are considering coming up in September from Texas. The list goes on: Classic Car events, motorcycle events, a baseball team (you have that too?), and so forth--- and I got to thinking: Do we, as Cape Girardeau residents, forget to enjoy all these things our city has to offer sometimes? I think so. 

So, perhaps it's time for us to enjoy & appreciate the simpler things in life and the ease at which we can attend all these great events & attractions in our community. The farmer's markets, hiking trails, a Tuesday night baseball game or a quiet stroll along the river. A great way to start will be by attending the Great Race next Tuesday, the 22nd in Downtown Cape. This national event is back for a second time and is free to attend in Downtown Cape. 

I hope to see you and your family there!  

After more than 25 years of putting our Membership and Community first, John Mehner has decided to hang it up and pass the torch he has carried so well over the years. John has sure left his mark on our organization and community, and I’m confident he will continue to do so in his next venture, whatever that may be. 

Even though the shoes we have to fill are large, I am confident our community is very well positioned to fill this role. We have some time... not only to conduct a search for our new President and CEO, but to also make sure that we properly recognize John for all he has done in his role for the past 30 years.  Look for more to come on that; even though John prefers to lay low and avoid the recognition he deserves!

What is the plan moving forward? Well I am glad you asked! As the Chairman of the Board, I have the great responsibility and pleasure of leading our Search Committee. I am excited to provide you with an update on where we are and what’s next. Who is the search Committee? The search committee has been assembled and has been very active over the past few weeks. I am pleased with our community representation we have and believe you will be too! The committee along with myself as Chair, is made up of the following generous volunteers

• Angie Umfleet, Arnold Insurance Company

• Jeff Glenn, GlennView

• Maria Sudak, SoutheastHEALTH

• Cliff Brooks, Schaefer's Electrical Enclosures

• Jeff Maurer, Mayson Capital Partners

• Dr. Carlos Vargas, Southeast Missouri State University

The committee has elected to engage in a third party executive search firm to help navigate us through this process and search. An official RFP has been shared, and the committee is currently working through interviews of firms who have expressed their interest and plan to make a decision on who that firm will be as early as next week. 

Although I shared in the Article by Jay Wolz, that we haven’t put a timeframe on the process, I know just how important it is to have a leader in place. The committee is committed to balancing the need of a new leader with the importance of selecting the right person to succeed John.  The process we are expecting to go through with the assistance of a Consulting/Search Firm is one that engages locally, in our membership community, our staff, and key stakeholders from across the region. I am excited to provide you all with updates as we make progress, and will use this format to do so going forward. Please know that my door is always open, and welcome any and all questions- even feedback/thoughts.