Mission:

Our mission is to serve the Cape Girardean area and its business as the principal advocate in fostering economic progress, vitalizing jobs, and improving the quality of life.

About Us:

The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce strives to be the lead advocate for business, serve as the primary catalyst for a vibrant economy that stimulates and retains jobs, and be the champion to create strong communities for the Cape Girardeau region, resulting in an enhanced quality of life.

History:

In 1888, the Cape Girardeau Commercial Club was formed. The members went to work immediately on behalf of the city. They convinced the Frisco Railroad to open a line to the city and secured Cape’s first major employer – the International Shoe Company of St. Louis.

The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce was formally established in 1917. In 1920, the area had three industries, three poultry farms, six lumber companies, three cigar manufacturers, three filling stations, two flourmills, and a broom maker. Today, the area has more than 150 industries employing more than 10,000 workers. Those industries are some of the largest in the country – Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, BioKyowa, Inc., Rubbermaid and Nordenia USA.

In 2005, our Chamber was recognized as the Missouri Chamber of the Year by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry.