WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) will speak to regional economic, transportation and community leaders at the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce on Friday, January 25, at 8:30 a.m. CST.  The Eighth Congressional District representative will address economic development and regional transportation issues.

“Without question our region faces economic challenges, but we also have tremendous opportunities.  Our strategic location, our stellar workforce, not to mention our enthusiasm and expertise for economic development make Southern Missouri a great region to target for growth,” Emerson said.  “The basic challenges are to be vigilant about our transportation infrastructure and aggressive as we attract new businesses.”

In FY 2008, Emerson procured federal funds for transportation projects for Nash Road and the Route AB extension totaling $2,077,600 with the cooperation of U.S. Senator Kit Bond.

“As I advocate for our region in Congress, transportation projects are a high priority,” Emerson said.  “Our ability to easily move people and goods between Southern Missouri and the rest of the world is central to our economic capacity.  Federal transportation projects are just one way in which we ensure Southern Missouri gets a return on the tax dollars we send to Washington.”

Emerson will be joined by Cape Girardeau Mayor Jay Knudtson, Cape Chamber President John Mehner and other economic development experts.

WHO: U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson
WHAT: Meeting of Regional Economic and Transportation Leaders
WHEN: FRIDAY, January 25 at 8:30 a.m. CST
WHERE: Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, 1267 North Mt. Auburn Road, Cape Girardeau

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