Lots of times when people think of 'Old Town Cape' they think of our Executive Director, Marla, and Kevin and Christa, the 'staff'. Little do many people realize though, that we have an arsenal of committees and volunteers who guide our actions, back our opinions and oversee what goes on in and around our 131-block district. At the helm of our organization is Donna Denson - the President of our Board of Directors who oversees one of the greatest downtowns in the nation (what a title!).

Originally from Festus, Mo, Donna came to Cape to attend Southeast Missouri State University. After graduating with a degree in mass communications, she worked in sales at Southwestern Bell (now AT&T) and was then recruited by the Southeast Missourian. A career with this company that began in 1991, she was ecstatic to have the opportunity to work for the local paper. Little did she know that 24 years later she would still be making a difference in and around the community while serving as the Advertising Director for this cornerstone operation.

When figuring out where and what community organizations to be involved in, downtown and Old Town Cape was an obvious choice. In her early days at the Missourian, she worked with several downtown businesses on their marketing (Tipoff magazine, for example), so it was a natural fit to attend the Downtown Merchants Association (DMA) meeting and become involved. 'I still remember our barbecue on the riverfront when the merchants association & Old Town Cape became one,' Donna reminisced. The years have gone by quickly and my has there been a lot of change in our area.

To someone so vested in our area, her response to 'What is your favorite part of downtown?' didn't come as a surprise. 'I don’t know if I can pick a favorite,' she exclaimed! 'I love the riverfront, our shops & restaurants - all that Old Town Cape has to offer.' One specific spot she treasures as a quiet place to sit and decompress is the top of the courthouse steps. The beautiful view of the river and our charming Main Street area, it's just what she needs to rejuvenate and refocus. (We couldn't agree more!)

Downtown isn't perfect; there will always be room for improvement. And if Donna could change just one thing about downtown, it would be to change the opinions of the few cynics who only focus on a couple of empty buildings, some litter or other issue in downtown and don’t see and appreciate the improvements that have been made, over time, in Old Town Cape. 'You can’t truly appreciate how far we’ve come if you haven’t contributed in some way,' she commented. 'Each of us can make a difference. So if you aren’t already, get involved and help us build the future Old Town Cape!'

Donna is proud of the impact Old Town Cape is making in our district and throughout the community.

This organization has created a unified vision for our downtown and works hard every day to make sure Downtown Cape Girardeau is an inviting area for people to live, work and play. While our work is never done, we can all take pride in being designated a Great American Main Street Community. ' How awesome is that!'

Enough business, let's get to know Donna personally. Guys beware, the following sounds like something straight out of a chick-flick. Donna met her husband Phil during college when he moved into the apartment next to her. She literally married the boy next door! Boy moves in next door, notices the pretty neighbor, rustles up enough courage to ask her out and the rest is history. See, we told you it was just like the movies! 'Phil is the love of my life,' she gushed, 'and my best friend.' They have 3 grown daughters and 4 grandchildren who, of course, 'are the cutest, smartest and most-talented kids on the planet!' ;) We're pretty sure every grandma is allowed to make that judgement!

Something about Donna that you may not know is she is one of 8 children in her family. Wow! 'We were poor, it was loud, it was cramped, but it was great!'

Old Town Cape is incredibly fortunate to have Donna on our leadership team, as an involved downtown business woman and a friend. We are confident that downtown is headed in the right direction because of the guidance and support she offers. Organizations say this all the time, but at Old Town Cape we truly believe we have the best support system around!

Summing up her downtown sentiments, 'A thriving and vibrant downtown is healthy for our entire community. The downtown is the heart of Cape and a timeless treasure for us to enjoy – come be a part of it!'

This post was co-written by Donna Denson, Old Town Cape Board of Directors President, and Christa Zickfield, Old Town Cape Project Manager.