A pair of longtime local businesses are trading spaces this month.
Kissinger & Kirkman financial services firm held a grand opening Monday at their new location at 2102 Shelby Road, where they have purchased the recently constructed Raider Commons shopping center.
Their former location in Cripple Creek on Kanell Boulevard will be taken over by State Farm Insurance Agent Susan McVey. McVey expects to be fully operational at her new location by the end of Thursday.
Both businesses were attracted to their new locations because of Shelby Road, which they believe will be a prime site of development for the city in coming years.
"It worked out perfectly. We think the location is awesome," said Sharon Kissinger. "As soon as Shelby opens all the way to Highway 53, we think this will be a good, strong corridor through here. We're really excited about the growth of the town."
Kissinger & Kirkman is committed to Poplar Bluff for the longterm, said Erick Kirkman, who put together a handshake deal to purchase the new property after a chance meeting at a basketball game for his daughter's traveling team.
The company gained more space and was able to custom design the interior of their location to meet their needs, said Kirkman.
Raider Commons is also home to Shear Expressions beauty shop, First Class Real Estate Services and Betty Lou Boutique, a children's clothing store, with room for two more businesses, said Kissinger.
The company also loved their previous location, added Kissinger.
McVey is also pleased to be closer to the new Shelby Road extension.
"I think change is good and I want to be in the hub of the city," said McVey, who has been at 3366 S. Westwood Blvd., for the past 15 years.
McVey started her agency in 1987 in Malden, moving to Poplar Bluff in 1991. State Farm provides property and casualty insurance, as well as mortgage and vehicle loans.
"I love making a difference in people's lives, taking care of their insurance and financial needs," she said.
McVey is planning an open house in June, the month State Farm was founded in 1922.
"It was such a great location, I just made a phone call," McVey said of finding out the Cripple Creek spot was up for lease. "It wasn't something I had been thinking about.
"We're so excited to be back in the center of Poplar Bluff."
Kissinger & Kirkman was formed in 2006, bringing together more than 50 years of combined investment experience.
They help people with retirement, college and estate planning and the investments that go along with that, along with other financial planning.
"We're helping people in different phases of life, but they're all exciting times," said Kirkman.