I’m often times asked just what are we doing to actively market this area to business and industry?
Because our efforts are directed externally, they are not readily apparent to our local citizens. But through the Cape Girardeau Area MAGNET, we consistently strive to promote our region. We work very closely with the Missouri Partnership. They are the group charged with promoting Missouri to the rest of the world. Also, we partner with the Missouri Department of Economic Development to broaden our business base. We target certain businesses and make direct contact and we also send a newsletter quarterly to interested developers, site selectors, and partners.
Each year in June, we do something special. In conjunction with the Missouri Economic Development Council, we attend Lakeside with the Locators. This is a 2 ½ day gathering at the Lake of the Ozarks attended by a few of the top communities in Missouri and up to 10 site location consultants from across the country. Relationships are the key to success in economic development just as they are in every other facet of life. This event allows us to make new contacts and solidify existing friendships.
The time together gives us a chance to promote the benefits of Missouri in general and our regions specifically. We also learn about some of the emerging issues and trends in the site selection process from the experts. This continues to be a successful effort and always results in some leads.
The important thing is to understand we are constantly promoting our region – even though you don’t see the efforts directly.
