Participate
Leading a business is hard work and we know your time is valuable. We appreciate that you want to participate so let us guide you to opportunities that will most positively impact your business.
Whether you want to grow your business network, build your professional skills, or get engaged in our community, you’ll find ways to participate below that will help you succeed.
Programs
The Chamber oversees several strong programs benefiting the Cape Girardeau community in a multitude of ways. Join us in our effort to better the future of this community, and get involved today!
The Cape Chamber is dedicated to providing development opportunities for both business and professional growth. One of the ways we help grow our community in this way is through the Business Builders program.
Business Builders is a multidimensional program available to Chamber members consisting of the following elements:
Workshops
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. We have hosted Business Builders workshops on topics such as cybersecurity, communicating across generations and search engine optimization. Watch our calendar for upcoming presentations.
If there is a specific topic you'd like to see presented, contact us at (573) 335-3312 or email info@capechamber.com.
Facebook Live Series
Tune in on the Chamber's Facebook page for 10-15 minute live interviews with area professionals giving advice on topics ranging from succession planning to negotiation are the focus of our recently launched Facebook Live series.
CEO Roundtables
The Chamber is proud to offer quarterly CEO Roundtables for both large and small businesses. Grow Strong is dedicated to businesses with 30 or more employees and Exchange Network is reserved for businesses with less than 30 employees. Topics of discussion vary by quarter but have previously focused on topics ranging from business expansion programs to human resources tactics. To join, contact Dana Brune.
Held annually in April, the Emerge YP Summit invites you to activate your curiosity, discover new ways to grow personally and professionally, foster connections, and dig your roots deep into the community to become the leader you were meant to be.
Visit the Cape Chamber calendar for more event details.
Less than 20% of Southeast Missouri State University graduates will live and work in the Cape Girardeau area. Additionally, many students graduate with limited experience in their chosen profession.
connectCAPE helps bridge the gap between local employers and students through job shadowing and internships. Not only do students complete the program with a better feel for their future career, but they also better understand the job opportunities available in our region.
For more information about how you can be a part of this program, contact Kim Voelker at kvoelker@capechamber.com or call 573-335-3312.
Leadership Cape is the area’s premier leadership program. During the last 20 years nearly 500 community leaders have participated in this program. Find your “True Color” and become a part of the community-wide conversation about leadership by joining the next Leadership Cape class.
Learn more and apply to participate here.
Questions? Contact Beth Salyer.
Show-Me Careers is a five-day career professional development boot camp for educators, counselors and administrators to learn firsthand about relevant career pathways in today’s business and industry settings.
The program provides a unique, hands-on learning experience inside local employers. Through these externship experiences, education professionals gain a more robust understanding of the technical skills, behaviors and mindsets students need to be successful in today’s professional environments. Piloted in St. Louis in 2018, Show Me Careers expanded to Cape Girardeau in 2020 through a partnership with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.
Learn more and apply to participate here.
For more information, contact Kim Voelker at kvoelker@capechamber.com
The Cape Chamber Women’s Network works to strengthen the community by providing an environment for mentoring, professional development and leadership growth opportunities for women. We strive to create a welcoming atmosphere that cultivates opportunities for those seeking advancement in areas such as public speaking, board involvement and networking.
Women’s Network hosts events the 2nd Thursday every other month at various times. Events include speaker series luncheons and social mixers to provide opportunities for continued development and networking. To find upcoming Women's Network events, visit our calendar.
For more information, contact Beth Salyer.
Committees
All delegate representatives are eligible to serve on Chamber committees. Committee meetings are currently all being held virtually and will last no longer than one hour.
The Chamber Ambassador Committee actively recruits prospective members to the Chamber and plays a supportive role in membership retention. In addition, committee members assist with monthly networking events (Business After Hours & First Friday Coffee) and other orientation opportunities such as ribbon cuttings, groundbreaking, and Chamber 101.
Meeting time: Monthly on the 4th Monday at 1 p.m.
Committee Chair: Nate Gautier, rustmedia
Staff Liaison: Kelsie Turner
If you are interested in joining the Chamber Ambassador Committee, contact Kelsie Turner
The Government & Public Policy committee observes legislation and makes recommendations to the Board as it relates to business. The committee hosts several legislative programs and provides speakers for First Friday Coffee annually.
Meeting time: Monthly on the 3rd Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.
Committee Chair: Dave Soto, Soto Property Solutions
Staff Liaison: Dana Brune
If you are interested in joining the Government & Public Policy Committee, contact Dana Brune.
The Leadership Development committee is responsible for the planning and execution of the Leadership Cape Girardeau program to assist emerging leaders in getting to know the area, other leaders and information. To serve on this committee, one must have graduated from the Leadership Cape program in good standing.
Meeting time: Monthly on the 1st Thursday at 8:00 a.m.
Committee Chair: Sarah Keys, First Midwest
Staff Liaison: Kim Voelker
If you have completed the Leadership Cape program and are interested in joining the Leadership Development committee, contact Kim Voelker.
The Chamber's Transportation committee promotes continual improvements in Cape Girardeau’s transportation system working cooperatively with the city of Cape Girardeau and the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Meeting time: Monthly on the 2nd Wednesday at 4:00 p.m.
Committee Chair: Tracey Glenn, GlennView
Staff Liaison: Dana Brune
If you are interested in joining the Transportation committee, contact Dana Brune.
The Women's Network committee focuses on strengthening the community by providing an environment for mentoring, professional development and leadership growth opportunities for women. This committee plans bi-monthly events ranging from speaker series luncheons to social mixers.
Meeting time: Monthly on the 4th Thursday at 8:00 a.m.
Committee Chair: To be announced
Staff Liaison: Beth Salyer
If you are interested in joining the Women's Network Committee, contact Beth Salyer
The Work Ready Coalition collaborates with area partners in promoting a strong workforce and educational systems. The committee drives the connectCAPE program and Capable initiative.
Meeting time: Quarterly on the 4th Wednesday of the second month
Committee Chair: To be announced
Staff Liaison: Kim Voelker
If you are interested in joining the Work Ready Coalition, contact Kim Voelker.