Plan of Work Update

Cape Girardeau County premiers Plan of Work Media Day

Tom Henderson's address
Southeast Missourian newspaper story

Members of the news media and community leaders participated in a plan of work media day at the Cape Girardeau County Extension Center in Jackson on Aug. 14. The purpose was to showcase the impact of extension programming on local citizens.

Organized by Richard Proffer, business development specialist, the event began with a luncheon for council members and community leaders featuring Tom Henderson, MU assistant to the provost for economic development. Henderson began his University career in the county in 1978 as an extension business and industry specialist. His presentation gave examples of MU's economic impact across the state, including statistics from the extension business development program and extension's overall impact through service to more than one million Missourians each year.

During the afternoon news conference, Henderson referred to the recently completed needs assessment process that involved residents in identifying the critical issues confronting the county and Southeast Missourians today and in the next several years. He said that in this period of finite resources, extension needs to redefine itself and concentrate on programs that help people make good decisions:

“We tend as a society to put many resources into solving the consequences of our actions, rather than adequately focusing on the educational efforts that minimize or mitigate poor decision-making while supporting good economic and personal outcomes for Missourians.” He said family-based nutrition, character education and programs that help individuals and communities create jobs and income are examples of programs that assist with positive decision making.

Each local specialist gave a brief presentation about their educational programs. Livestock Specialist Roger Eakins said the Show-Me Select Replacement Heifer Program has had a $3.5 million impact for 82 producers in the county since 1998. Human Development Specialist Mary Gosche cited the benefits of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support network. Agronomy Specialist Gerald Bryan spoke about the Eastern Ozarks Forestry Council. He said 1.6 million acres of forestland are in private ownership, and timber management can be a tool for revitalization of communities. 4-H Youth Specialist Donna Taake dispelled the notion that 4-H camps are only for fun. She said surveys have shown that the youth learn to work with others, make friends, be on time and develop other behaviors that translate into valuable life skills. Proffer, who began his position in February 2006, reported that he has already counseled 33 business clients; helped one new business start and assisted firms that created three jobs.

Updated 8/21/06