McNece shares her blessings by giving back

Helping others is a way of life for Janet McNece.

She describes being selected as a finalist in the Daily American Republic’s Difference Makers program as humbling and a blessing.

She credits her parents, Patsy and the late Jerry Davidson, for raising her to help people.

She recalls volunteering at Poplar Bluff High School with service clubs and organizations.

An important thing to McNece, she said, was “I was never told I couldn’t. I was not discouraged.”

Serving others became a natural way of giving back to the communities in which she lives and works.

McNece and her husband of 30 years, William, are co-owners of Productive Staffing in Poplar Bluff, Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Paragould, Arkansas.

Volunteering is something, which needs to be done, and you do it “not expecting recognition,” McNece explains.

Not only her work, but her volunteering “gives us a chance to make a difference for people and help our employees who live in the communities,” she said. “We have been blessed. If you have talent and abilities and feel like volunteering, it is not always about money. It is about people.”

McNece feels she and her family and employees have been blessed. They not only enjoy, but thrive in doing things.

“I could not do without my family and employees, who are dedicated to the cause,” she said. “I have really, really great employees.”

McNece was nominated by Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce President Steve Halter.

He said, “Janet has financially sponsored Women Aware Inc. in Poplar Bluff for over 27 years. Not only has she given financially as the major sponsor, but she also teaches break-out sessions every year on topics relating to women in the workforce.

“She also hosted a Women Aware conference in Jonesboro. Her negotiation skills have helped to bring a variety of recognizable keynote speakers to our communities over the years that typically a 501C-3 non-profit would never have access to. She has also hosted a VIP event for the past six years, where 25 conference attendees get a private dinner and meet and greet with the keynote speaker.”

“Janet has chaired the March of Dimes walk event for 10 years, as well as serving on the state board for a three-year term in St. Louis,” he said.

Halter lists other volunteer projects:

Serving on the chamber boards in Poplar Bluff and Jonesboro and lending her time to various projects to promote the growth and the development in those communities.

McNece also has served as a major sponsor for the Ripley County Bullying Awareness/D.A.R.E. campaign for the past nine years and has served as a keynote at their school event teaching students the lifelong effects drugs have on people.

“Her main passion is staffing, and she has spent the past 25 plus years helping people change their lives,” Halter said. “Years have been spent counseling and coaching the area workforce, but also building her team of employees in each office.

“She is strongly committed to providing opportunities to people and cheering them on until they reach their goals or acquire new skills. Her biggest reward is seeing people work hard and improve their situation, their family’s situation and helping them achieve a better quality of life.

Public speaking at various community functions is a passion, he said. She lends her time to groups promoting leadership to up-and-coming young business professionals, as well as speaking to junior high and high school level groups.

She has sponsored many charities in every community where she has an office. She truly believes in giving back, he said.

“Her devotion to business is only topped by her devotion to her family,” he said. “A mother to four children, and grandmother to three grandchildren, she knows these are her biggest accomplishments.”