As always, thank you to our Leading, Developing and Creating Partners.
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You should have received an email yesterday concerning our Annual Dinner scheduled for March 31st. Be sure to reserve your seats at the link below no later thank Friday, March 17. |
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Growing Together
Jeff Maurer
Chairman of the Board, Cape Chamber
Colleagues,
We continue making progress toward completion of our strategic plan that will guide the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce for the next several years. Our Chamber also hosted a few new events that are aligned with this strategic plan.
As part of the planning process, we made a minor revision to our Mission Statement that better identifies our priorities:
The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce is a leading partner of business and industry that supports the growth of a vibrant economy, an enhanced quality of life in southeast Missouri, business advocacy, and strategies to grow and retain a talented regional workforce.
Our Four Objectives follow directly from this Mission Statement:
1. The Cape Chamber will be PROACTIVE in strategies that support Business Growth and Sustainability for our members and the broader region.
2. The Cape Chamber will THINK DIFFERENTLY about ways to enhance the Quality of Life for our region of southeast Missouri.
3. The Cape Chamber will develop REGIONAL partnerships for a common message effort in Business Advocacy on the Local, State and Federal level.
4. The Cape Chamber will be a COLLABORATIVE partnership with business and education to support expanded access to People and Talent for regional growth.
The board of directors is now working with our staff to finalize 2-3 Goals under each of the four Objectives. These goals will be SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timed. The SMART characteristics provide a framework for our staff, board, and membership to evaluate progress on each goal and report whether we are generating desired outcomes, or not. We intend to present these SMART Goals for each Objective to our members as soon as they are completed.
I personally believe that organizational progress results from taking deliberate, coordinated action toward stated goals. With this in mind, our staff organized a few new events that are aligned with these Objectives and Goals. We hosted our first Business Advocacy Coffee (Objectives 1 and 3) last month featuring a panel that included State Senator Holly Rehder and State Representatives Jaime Burger and John Voss. The Question-and-Answer format provided an opportunity for Chamber members to learn what our elected leaders have been working on and to ask direct questions about current legislative priorities. Sen. Rehder succinctly advised us how we can help our elected leaders help our area: Be Decisive, Be Regional, and Package Priorities into a Regional Voice. You may note this advice is highly correlated with several themes in our strategic plan.
Dustin Boatwright, Executive Director and Chief Engineer for Little River Drainage District, gave a presentation at February’s First Friday Coffee about the history, purpose and success of that organization. Created legally in 1905, Little River Drainage District is arguably the most successful economic development initiative ever completed in southeast Missouri. Dustin explained how the counties that comprise the District were previously 95% covered in water and trees, and they now contribute nearly one-third of all Missouri’s agricultural income. Indeed, The Little River Drainage District was a stunning example of the success that can be achieved by leaders at that time being Proactive, Thinking Differently, being Regional, and being Collaborative!
Let’s get to work!
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Chamber Chat
Rob Gilligan
President & CEO, Cape Chamber
Members,
As we cross the half-way mark of February it seems like 2023 is already moving along at top speed with lots of engagement and activity still ahead. As our 2023 Chairman shared in his column the Cape Chamber staff has been working to integrate the guidance of our strategic planning efforts last year into our programs, events and activities to best serve our members. Some great new programs have started with great success like the Business Advocacy Coffee and our first Brew & Business event, but there are more to come.
On March 1st the Cape Chamber in collaboration with the Jackson Chamber and Scott City Chamber will be traveling to Jefferson City for a day of advocacy and engagement with our elected leaders at the State level. Hearing that message of working together as a region to have a common message has resonated within our organizations and we believe that this will be the start of some annual efforts to be well represented and heard at the Statehouse each session. If you are interested in joining us for the trip registration is open until Friday for a full day of travel, engagement and advocacy. Follow this link to the registration page to learn more.
Speaking of registering, tickets and registration are now open for the Cape Chamber’s Annual Dinner celebration on Friday March 31st at the Show Me Center. We are excited to share a Friday evening of fun and networking with our membership as we recognize several honorees, reflect on the changes of 2022 and look forward to the future of 2023. The cocktail reception will begin at 5:30pm that evening to kick off the event and at the conclusion of the nights chamber festivities you are all invited to join us at an afterparty in support of Care to Learn at the Drury Plaza Conference Center. Tickets for this afterparty can be purchased here.
The Cape Chamber Calendar of events is full of several opportunities to connect and engage with the membership and the community. Ranging from ribbon cuttings, Lunch & Learn, First Friday Coffee, and the return of Business After Hours next month, to job postings, newsletter submissions and sponsorships, and Bottom-Line Benefits, we hope that our members will find time to connect with us in the way that fits best in 2023.
Let’s Grow!
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Tourism Talk
Brenda Newbern
Executive Director, Visit Cape
The tourism industry is constantly evolving. When we look back over the devastation that tourism experienced over the past 2 years it is great to see that in 2023 predictions are that this is going to be one of the most fruitful times. Cape Girardeau is full of exciting things to do and experience. The many natural assets in our parks, lakes, and rivers. Whether you are enjoying a hike, biking, fishing, music event, plunge, walking for leisure or a cause. One may explore the trails through the woods the adventure is there for individuals, groups, or the entire family. Just getting out and taking the time to enjoy one new thing will open you up to the various cultures and hidden gems of the city and surrounding region. Regardless of age everyone may be transformed into a child like mind set as they play and explore the region.
Visit Cape continues to seek out events, conferences, sports, and meetings that we may bring into our beautiful city and share the experiences with as many as possible. Cars, bikes, the arts, history, sports, and the list goes on and on. What is exciting is the discovery and the excitement about hosting their event in Cape Girardeau. It is always a win win situation! We have booked over 30 groups for the area, and it is just February! The exciting thing about being able to expose people to the area is the over encompassing potential it offers. It may lead to growth in the population, economic impact for businesses and improve the quality of life for the citizens. The pride that is derived from highlighting our community builds a culture of growth where everyone can thrive and makes Cape Girardeau a stronger part in making the world a better place.
Information from US Travel E News is predicting more travel but spending less. At least 51% of the population says they will travel more. We may see the eagerness for people to be out and about in the attendance at local events and after hour gatherings. Most of the covid restrictions are gone and US travelers are planning their vacations and staycations. The surveyed group of Americans stated that a trip is in their plans!
Over 90% plan to travel in 2023. Trips planned for out of state were 86%, 30% are planning to travel abroad. Some of the travel will be for business and that 20% is a welcome sight to see! Staycations are a hot item for some people, saying they want to enjoy their local area without having to work. (Sometimes you don’t know what is in your own backyard) That was 40% of Americans. The main reason for the staycation varied with 38% just not working; the cost savings was important to 26% and 23% are doing it out of convenience.
ROAD TRIP! 67% of Americans plan on taking a road trip. Cape Girardeau Missouri is a perfect destination for a driving adventure. Settled in the middle of the United States and interstate 55 runs right through us!
Our call to action is loud and clear Visit Cape and experience all we have to offer!
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Leading Partner Spotlight |
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Developing Partner Spotlight |
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A.G. Jones at Home
Sarah Busch
Flooring dealer specializing in all flooring type including LVT, LVP, engineered and solid hardwood, tile and carpet. We also carry two cabinet lines, as well as, accent tile and hardware.
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Kueker's Nursery & Landscaping
Madelyn Kueker
Kueker’s Nursery & Landscaping Is Your Full-Service Outdoor Living Provider. From Beautiful Plants And Flowers To Crafting Fire Pits, We Do It All.
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Papa Johns Store #4920
Tori Leone
Whether it's our signature sauce, toppings, our original fresh dough, or even the box itself, we invest in our ingredients to ensure that we always give you the finest quality pizza.
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S&N Clock Repair
Michael Barnes
We are a full service clock repair shop. We can repair all clocks antique to new including turret clocks.
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Welcome New Representatives |
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A.G. Jones at Home
Sarah Busch
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Alliance Bank
Raelen Rigdon
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Bacon Farmer Workman Engineering & Testing, Inc.
Barry Horst
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BG's Olde Tyme Deli
Bryan Suntrup
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Big Brothers Big Sisters
Robert Hughes
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Elite Travel
Jamie Shultz
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El Kolibri Coffee and Curiosities, LLC
Karla Cornelius
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Kueker's Nursery & Landscaping
Madelyn Kueker
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Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau
Emily Greable
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Natural Health Organic Foods Inc.
Rebecca Brown
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Nextera Energy Inc.
Philip Tiemann
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Papa Johns Store #4920
Tori Leone
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Procter & Gamble Paper Products Co.
Katie Dambach
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Procter & Gamble Paper Products Co.
Robert Cisneros
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Saint Francis Healthcare System
Emily Smith
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Saint Francis Healthcare System
Matthew Brandt
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Seis Amigos
Mario Mendoza
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S.M. Wilson & Co.
Amy Berg
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S&N Clock Repair
Michael Barnes
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Southeast Missouri State University - Administration
Nora Bouzihay
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Trust Point Capital
Michael Williams
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Lunch & Learn
February 21, 11:00 - 1:00 PM
@ Port Cape Girardeau Wheelhouse Room (upstairs to the left)
Topic: Strategies for Employers and the Community to Create Child Care Capacity
Presented by: Robin Phillips, CEO, Child Care Aware of Missouri
Our newly developed Lunch & Learn series will provide an opportunity for our members to connect and network with each other over lunch while also learning more about a current topic or issue that may be relevant to the majority of our members.
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Leadership Cape - New Class Reception
February 23, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Leadership Cape Alumni are invited to welcome the members of the 2023 Class. This reception represents the beginning of a seven-month journey into leadership within our community.
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Chamber 101
February 27, 1:30 - 2:30 PM
@ Cape Chamber Regional Development Center
We invite all new members and new representatives to attend Chamber 101 alongside Chamber staff and Ambassadors. This meeting will allow you to interact with some of our most engaged members, share information about yourself and your business, and will provide you with the tools to get the most out of your annual membership.
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First Friday Coffee
March 3, 7 AM doors open; 7:40 AM comments begin
@ Century Casino Event Center
Join approximately 200 Cape Chamber Members at First Friday Coffee, an early morning networking opportunity featuring a short program. Sponsor comments and the program will be visible on Facebook Live for those unable to attend in person - please tune in!
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Women's Network Morning Coffee
March 9, 7:00 - 8:00 AM
@ Speakeasy Coffee Co
Start your morning with us for networking and our first coffee cup exchange at Speakeasy Coffee Co. No fee to attend but registration is recommended to ensure we have plenty of coffee on hand and don't forget to bring your coffee cup if you plan to participate in the exchange. We hope to see you there!
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