As always, thank you to our Leading, Developing, and Creating Partners.
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Growing Together
Chris Horrell
Chairman of the Board, Cape Chamber
As we move into fall, it is a great time to reconnect, get involved, and take advantage of the many opportunities our Chamber provides to build relationships and strengthen our business community.
This Friday, we have Women in Business: At the Heart of It All, featuring an excellent schedule of events and speakers. This event is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate the women who make such an important impact on businesses and organizations throughout our region. I hope many of you will be able to attend and take advantage of everything planned for the day.
Looking ahead, we also have Business After Hours on September 29. Events like these are a great reminder that some of the most valuable connections we make happen simply by showing up, starting a conversation, and getting to know others in our business community.
Our Fall Membership Blitz begins October 6, and I encourage each of us to think about a business, organization, or professional who could benefit from Chamber membership. I can personally attest that being a member of the Cape Chamber has been beneficial both to our business and to me personally. Over the years, we have taken advantage of numerous Chamber programs, from networking events and business seminars to staying informed about what is happening throughout our local business community. Just as importantly, Chamber involvement has allowed us to develop relationships with people and organizations we may not have otherwise had the opportunity to know.
If you know someone who isn't currently a member, this is an excellent time to personally invite them to learn more. Sometimes that personal invitation is all it takes.
The strength of our Chamber comes from an engaged membership. The more businesses and individuals we have participating, the more connections we create, the stronger our collective voice becomes, and the greater impact we can have throughout the Cape Girardeau area.
Thank you for your continued involvement and support!
Chris Horrell, Bug Zero
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Chamber Chat
Rob Gilligan
President & CEO, Cape Chamber
Looking Forward to Fall
While technically the autumnal equinox is set to occur next Tuesday which gives us the official shift to fall as the northern hemisphere begins to tilt away from the sun, it sure hasn’t felt like fall lately. This late summer arrival of 100+ heat indexes is really making it difficult to feel like the season is changing, but change is coming regardless. Even though the tilting of the earth is the technical change of the seasons for most communities, the change actually starts with Back to School in late August. That pattern change in households and families across region transitions into the business community as well as returning to more predictable patterns of activity.
As Chris mentioned in his article above, the Cape Chamber tends to pick up its activity as we transition out of summer into fall. Today marks the final session of our 2026 Leadership Cape Class who are spending their time now getting a behind the scenes look at our area healthcare providers that serve not just Cape Girardeau but a wider 22 county region that depends on our services for a large portion of their care. On Friday we host our Sold-Out Women in Business: At the Heart of It All luncheon at the Drury Plaza conference center, and we have several other events, activities, celebrations, and meetings to keep the activity of the Cape Chamber moving.
For the Cape Chamber the fall also means preparing for change as we look toward our annual elections for our Board of Directors. While the ballots won’t officially go out until November, now is the time to identify the next group of members that are willing to serve in a leadership role over the next three years. We are now accepting nominations for potential Board members who will be considered by our nominating committee to join the slate of candidates for our fall election. If you know of a member that would be willing to serve and would be a good voice to add to our Board of Directors, fill out the Board of Directors Nomination before October 16th to help the nominating committee with their task for this fall please share their name and your insights on why they would be a good candidate here.
The fall calendar of events and programs is full of opportunities for our members to connect, engage, and grow your business and the region. We hope you will be able to join us for an upcoming event and as always, we appreciate your continued investment in support of the largest Business Membership organization in Southeast Missouri.
Let's Grow!
Rob Gilligan
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Membership Blitz
Gregory Vaughn
Chair of the Ambassador Committee
For nearly a decade, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Cape Chamber Ambassador, and once again this year I’m honored to serve as Chair of the Ambassador Committee. One thing I’ve learned in that time is simple…A strong Chamber helps build a strong business community.
That’s why I’m excited about our Fall Membership Blitz, October 6–8.
This is the perfect time to think about the business owners, entrepreneurs, organizations, professionals and even retired folks you know who should be part of the Cape Chamber. And no, Chamber membership isn’t just for “the big guys.” Whether you have 200 employees or you’re a one-person operation doing everything (including cleaning the bathroom), there’s a place for you here.
During the Membership Blitz, new members will receive a waived enrollment fee, a Chamber ribbon cutting and a social media feature to help introduce their business to the community.
The Cape Chamber is the largest business organization in our area, and that strength comes from the businesses and people who choose to get involved.
So from October 6–8, take the time to ask. Make the introduction. Send the text. Invite someone to join us. Let’s keep building a stronger business local community…Together as one.
Gregory Vaughn, Media Leaf
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Tacos Don Manuel
Ana Gonzalez
221 S Broadview St, Cape Girardeau, MO
Authentic Mexican Food including a Ice cream bar and a alcoholic beverage bar.
Learn more
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Albama Plumbers
Jeffery Melton
851 John Wright Dr NW, Huntsville, AL
US Proz Plumber provides professional residential and commercial plumbing services in America.
Learn more
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Resilience LLC
Kelsey May
338 Broadway Dt, STE 316, Cape Girardeau, MO
Resilience LLC is a Missouri-based home and community care organization committed to compassionate, dependable, and person-centered support that helps individuals maintain independence, dignity, and quality of life...
Learn more
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KHIS Radio
Debbie Atchison
PO Box 1030, Cape Girardeau, MO
KHIS Radio is a locally owned, listener-supported contemporary Christian radio station serving Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois...
Learn more
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Heartland Housing Alliance
Reginald Jennings
501 S. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO
Heartland Housing Alliance is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to safe, stable, and healthy housing...
Learn more
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BKS Climate Masters/Uniquely Created Homes/Beyond the Blue Door
Heather Horton
117 S Lexington, Suite 100, Harrisonville, MO
Hvac, plumbing, electrical, appliances ,drywall, and concrete
Learn more
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Myteam Triumph of Missouri
Debbie Leoni
287 Julies Dr, Jackson, MO
We build relationships with people with disabilities through participation in endurance events, from 5Ks to triathlons.
Learn more
| | | Welcome, New Representatives! | | |
City of Cape Girardeau
Jeanne Muckerman
Green's Garden
Lance Green
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Resilience LLC
Kelsey May
KHIS Radio
Debbie Atchison
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Ribbon Cuttings
click on the photo to view the Facebook post!
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Zonta Club of Cape Girardeau
50 Year Anniversary
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Hope Lutheran Ministries
Renovations & Addition
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Levi's Adventure Trail
New Signage
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Women in Business: At the Heart of It All
September 18, 10:15 AM
@ Drury Plaza Hotel Conference Center
Registration Closed - See you there!
Join the Cape Chamber Women’s Network for the fourth annual Women in Business: At the Heart of It All Celebration, honoring American Business Women’s Day and celebrating the accomplishments of businesswomen across the nation and right here in our region.
This annual celebration brings together professionals, leaders, and community members for an inspiring event centered on resilience, leadership, and the stories of women breaking through and rising above.
This year’s program will feature insight and inspiration from Amy Phillips, AIA with CannonDesign, named one of the Most Influential Businesswomen of St. Louis in 2025, along with a dynamic panel of regional businesswomen including Grayson Erlbacher of Erlbacher Gear and Machine, Casey Brunke of the City of Cape Girardeau, and Robin Tolbert of KT Power.
Learn more
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First Friday Coffee
October 2, 7:00 AM
@ Century Casino Event Center
Sponsored by: SEMO Athletics | PORCH Initiative
Program: Holland College of Arts and Media
Join approximately 200 Cape Chamber Members at First Friday Coffee, an early morning networking opportunity featuring a short program. Doors will open at 7:00 a.m. with the program beginning at 7:40 a.m., continental breakfast provided.
Sponsor comments and the program will be visible on Facebook Live for those unable to attend in person - please tune-in!
Learn more and register
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Women's Network Open Social: Spooky Steps & Sips
October 8, 4:30 PM
@ Southeast Wehking Alumni Center
Get into the spirit of the season with a Halloween-themed evening of dancing, networking, and fun! Join the Women’s Network for a one-of-a-kind event featuring a dance lesson from Encore Dance Academy, followed by a festive happy hour to keep the good vibes going. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or have two left feet, this lighthearted class will have you moving, laughing, and connecting with fellow members in no time. Come dressed in your Halloween spirit (costumes welcome but not required!) and stick around after class to toast to new friends and spooky fun over drinks.
Chamber Members Only - registration required
Learn more and register
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YPC Lunch & Learn: Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset
October 15, 11:30 AM
@ Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center
Whether you're dreaming of starting a business, growing a side hustle, or simply curious about entrepreneurship, this panel is for you. Hear from three local entrepreneurs as they share how they got started, the resources that helped them along the way, and practical tips for balancing a full-time career while building a business. Walk away inspired, informed, and connected with others navigating the entrepreneurial journey.
Learn more and register
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