SRC director trying to sell Sikeston to Sikeston

SIKESTON - Marcie Lawson, recently named executive director of the Sikeston Regional Chamber, completes the team whose mission is to market the community.

For the first time, all of the city's tourism and promotion will be done through the Chamber.

The first order of business for Lawson is to sell Sikeston to Sikeston.

"We have a lot to offer for a small town," said Lawson. "Sikeston has two college institutions and a vibrant and promising business community just to name a few features that distinguish our town.

"The theatre development on the south side is important to our community's social life," added Lawson. "The rodeo is a major regional event with tremendous economic benefits, and few towns our size have such an impactful sporting and social event."

The new south industrial park promises more economic development and is another feature she will promote.

"Look around, we have a beautiful, promising town," said Lawson.

Sikeston is a community with Midwestern values, and Southern hospitality, according to Mike Marshall, the chief executive officer.

Proposed Interstate 57 is a key project which the chamber is promoting to augment commerce through the region.

Prior to her employment with the Chamber, Lawson volunteered on the Chamber's membership and marketing committee so she has hit the ground running as a liaison to chamber members and prospective members.

"Retaining existing members is as important as growing new members," said Lawson. "We are planning focus groups to serve our members, each of whom have unique interests.

"Another positive feature of our community is our racial diversity, and our efforts as a Chamber will promote the wealth of racial diversity we enjoy as a community. Inclusion and participation is how we intend to involve every segment of our community," said Lawson.

Lawson is no stranger to marketing. Prior to working for the chamber, Lawson was executive director of Missouri Delta Medical Center Foundation for four years, which recently procured $7 million for emergency room renovations.

Lawson spent eight years working for the American Cancer Society working with cancer patients to verify that they received the treatments available.

"Sikeston is situated to grow, and the chamber has the team assembled to promote Sikeston," said Lawson.

In addition to Marshall and Lawson, Kathy Medley is executive vice president of the Sikeston Regional Chamber.