Area Development Magazine , a national site selection publication, listed this as the third most important factor in the site selection process for new businesses. Availability of skilled workers trailed only highway accessibility and labor costs as the most important factors in locating a new business facility. Obviously this is a major issue throughout the United States and the Cape area is no different. Talent attraction and retention are key pieces to a successful economic development effort

As a reminder, we spend 100% of our time on economic development and community betterment issues. The Chamber is a stand-alone not for profit, membership organization. We are not part of any governmental entity. We exist because of, and FOR, our members. The Chamber is not simply the people who work with me at 220 North Fountain Street. The Chamber is our membership working in concert with our team. It is through our member’s support we are able to accomplish the many things we do every day. We

It is an iconic building located on Broadway at the entrance to downtown Cape Girardeau. Ah yes, the old Esquire Theater. Built in 1947, this building has a colorful Art Deco façade with a projecting marquee. It served as a movie theater for decades and was both a local favorite and a destination for out of town guests. However, in 1985, the Esquire closed its doors and the building has not seen an operating business since. That could all change soon. A regional development group is interested

With almost 700 graduates in more than 25 years, this premiere Chamber program continues to rock and roll. Leadership Cape is a program for emerging, and current, area leaders. It began in 1985 as a one year trial, then started again in 1991 and has run every year since. Leadership Cape is an innovative community program designed to identify, equip, and motivate emerging and current leaders and to develop their potential for community leadership roles. This is accomplished by exposing them to

Did you know each of you can play an important role in the economic development efforts for our area? A full economic development effort includes an existing business retention and expansion plan, recruitment of new business, entrepreneurial ecosystem development, AND the business of conventions, visitors, and tourism. YOU can play a direct role in that last category – the Tourism Industry. Research shows tourism is more than a 16.5 billion dollar business for our state with employment in excess

Networking is defined by Businessdictionary.com as creating a group of acquaintances and associates and keeping it active through regular communication for mutual benefit. The definition goes on to recognize networking is based on the question "How can I help?" and not with "What can I get?” As you’ve probably been told, it’s all about relationships. Certainly you would rather do business – any kind of business – with someone you know and trust. That’s what networking and building relationships

There are 74.6 million in the civilian labor force and that number is growing at a steady clip. Statistics just released by the United States Department of Labor show 47 percent of the US work force are women. And listen to this: 70 percent of mothers with children under 18 participate in the labor force and mothers are the primary or sole earners for 40 percent of households with children under 18 today – compared with just 11 percent in 1960. Women are more likely than men to have earned a

What is PRS 2 and why is April 3rd an important date? PRS stands for Parks, Recreation, and Storm Water. Ten years ago the citizens of Cape Girardeau passed a sales tax initiative dedicated to improving parks and recreation facilities and storm water infrastructure. The results are obvious and have had far reaching positive effects on our city and its visitors. On April 3rd, the citizens will be asked if they would like to extend the existing sales tax of 3/8 of 1% for the purpose of funding

Wish I had a dollar for every time I hear: What we really need are more high tech jobs. Certainly, I agree with the statement. The Technology Sector, while sometimes hard to define, is an important part of our national economy. Capitalizing on that is a key component to any economic development plan. And we have work to do. The numbers for tech related jobs in the Cape Metro for the five year period 2012 – 2017 aren’t good. Data shows us employment in certain technology sectors dropped from

The Cape Chamber is dedicated to providing development opportunities for business and professional growth. One of the ways we help grow our community is through the Business Builders program. Business Builders is a multidimensional program available to Chamber members consisting of several elements: Business Builders workshops are lunchtime presentations from local and regional experts on timely topics. Events are scheduled as the Chamber identifies needs for training or information in key areas