Meeting will help target key locations

Areas will then be targeted in strategic planning process

SIKESTON - Now that Sikeston's Vision participants have identified their community's strengths and weaknesses through discussions and surveys along with studying local and regional data and trends, they will take the next step.

At 5:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Sikeston High School cafeteria, the public can join in the process of selecting the key performance areas to be targeted in Sikeston's strategic planning process. The group will organize community work teams which will establish goals with work plans for the goals' accomplishment.

About 50 local residents attended the Aug. 14 "Vision for Tomorrow" meeting.

"Issues don't stop communities . . . communities stop themselves," said Derek Okubo, senior vice president of the National Civic League. These finding are not unique to Sikeston but are based on Okubo's work with over 70 communities across the country, he said.

"This concept is key to the efforts being undertaken by Sikeston's Vision participants," said Carolyn Harris, Vision co-chairman.

Added Jim Schwaninger, co-chairman, "Our purpose is not only to identify community problems but to develop and implement solutions. Our members are working to develop new community leadership, create networks and partnerships to address community issues, build bridges across perceived barriers within the community and develop more effective ways of sharing information."

In discussing the civic survey results, Okubo said certain items jumped out for planning considerations. "First, the manner in which local government, business and non-profits fulfilled their roles received high marks. How citizens fulfill their roles was the lowest," he noted. "We need to consider ways in our planning to bring people together and get them involved."

Second, according to Okubo, was the bridging of diversity and building leadership were seen as areas in need of improvement. He urged the participants to incorporate ways to strengthen these.

"Third, there are a number of areas of strength to utilize in our planning. Opportunities are abundant," he said.

The full Civic Index Survey and its results are available on the city's Web site at www.sikeston.org.

Also during the Aug. 14 meeting, a statistic presentation on Sikeston and Scott County was made by Dr. Bruce Domzalicky of the Center for Economic and Business Research of Southeast Missouri State University.

Based on recent surveys, Sikeston's population has grown less than 1 percent since the 2000 census. The number of individuals under the age of 18 has decreased while those 65 years of age and older have increased. Just over 75 percent of Sikeston's population is white; African-Americans make up 22.2 percent of the population with all other races (American Indians, Asian, etc.) making up the remaining 2 percent.

Based on 2000 Census data, 47.9 percent of Sikeston's households are married couples, which is down from the 1990 findings of 56.6 percent. There are 12.8 percent single mothers compared to a statewide rate of 7 percent. In Sikeston, there are 28.1 percent individuals living alone.

Census results report 56.5 percent of Sikeston's housing is owner-occupied and 43.5 percent is rental housing. Statewide, 70.3 percent of housing is owner-occupied.

In regard to education, 2000 Census data shows 73.3 percent of Sikeston's residents have a high school diploma and 14.2 percent have earned a bachelor's or higher degree. Statewide 81.4 percent of Missourians have a high school diploma.

When looking at Scott County statistics, it was found the per capita income was $27,192. Statewide this figure was $32,789. The poverty rate in Scott County is 20.4 percent compared to the state's 13.6 percent.

The six largest areas of employment within in Scott County are: service-industry, 23.3 percent; retail, 20 percent; government, 12.2 percent; manufacturing, 8.2. percent; construction, 6.2 percent; and agriculture, 3.5 percent. In 2007, Scott County's unemployment rate was 5.8 percent compared to the state average of 5 percent.

Following an analysis of Sikeston's employment, business and logistical advantages, Domzalicky said the fields of transportation, transportation/logistics and agriculture held the greatest promise for the area's future. Information technology/telecom and defense/security were viewed as emerging industries within the Sikeston area.

A light meal will be provided at the Aug. 28 meeting. Individuals planning to attend are asked to confirm their attendance by calling 471-2512, extension 40000 or e-mailing cityhall@sikesotn.org.