PROGRESS 2019 COMMUNITY: Poplar Bluff growth proves progress lies in partnerships

Poplar Bluff marked the completion in 2019 of nearly $14 million in new infrastructure. There have been announcements the community could see more than 400 new jobs in the coming years from new or expanded industrial park operations. And at least a half dozen new restaurants have opened.

It has been a year of tremendous change and growth, according to officials, who say these things would not be possible without efforts at the local level.

“We have a community that works together and have some great, progressive leaders at our city, county, PB R-I, Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission and Three Rivers College,” said Steve Halter, president of the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce. “Although our leadership group may not always agree on everything, when it comes to the major issues, they all rally together to find a way to get things done.”

A $3.4 million railroad overpass opened in August at the Poplar Bluff Industrial Park, marking the second major infrastructure project completed this year.

A 2.5-mile extension of Shelby Road opened in May, just days after Empire Comfort Systems announced they would open a $7 million facility in Poplar Bluff.

The extension was the completion of about a decade of planning to create a new major highway that officials hope will become a second center for retail and business.

Poplar Bluff Mayor Robert Smith cuts the ribbon for the opening of the Shelby Road extension in May. DAR File Photo/Donna Farley

The factory marked the first new manufacturing facility to be built from the ground up in the industrial park in 30 years.

For the last several years Poplar Bluff has seen tremendous growth in area businesses, said Poplar Bluff City Manager Mark Massingham. In 2019 alone, permits were filed with the city for more than $14 million in new construction or renovations.

“Everybody talks about the Eight Points area, but now we are seeing a lot more development along Kanell Boulevard and the Shelby Road area,” Massingham said. “The school district is working on the Early Childhood Center next to the Kindergarten Center, and there are several new restaurants in that area.”

Butler County Commissioners Vince Lampe, Don Anderson and Boots LeGrand, along with Sen. Doug Libla, David Libla, Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Felicity Ray and a host of others cut a ribbon in August to open a railroad overpass at the Poplar Bluff Industrial Park. DAR File Photo/Paul Davis

An Italian restaurant, a Mexican restaurant and McAlister’s have opened on Shelby. Fuji Japanese Steak House and Chin’s, a Chinese buffet, have also opened on Westwood. A new Taco Bell opened in south Poplar Bluff and local businesses like, The Lunch Box, also made an appearance.

“Once Highway 67 was expanded to four lanes to St. Louis, businesses started looking at Poplar Bluff a lot closer,” said Massingham, of the continued changes. “Once we are able to expand 67 to four lanes to the Arkansas line, it will open up Poplar Bluff for more expansion.

“Once we have Interstate 57 from Sikeston through Poplar Bluff, and all the way to Texas, Poplar Bluff has the potential to change dramatically.”

Poplar Bluff voters approved a measure in August that will help fund a project to four-lane Highway 67 from Poplar Bluff to the Arkansas border, which officials believe will help continue the current growth.

Infrastructure was a key component in Empire Comfort Systems’ decision to come to Poplar Bluff, officials said in May, when ground was broken for the factory.

It began production in August, and officials hope to bring approximately 200 jobs to Poplar Bluff over five years.

“We also have hard working citizens who help all of our local businesses thrive,” Halter said. “I think this is often overlooked, but we see examples of this regularly when companies like Briggs & Stratton and Empire Comfort Systems are making decisions on where to locate or expand.”

Briggs & Stratton announced in August it will invest $15 million in an effort to streamline production and increase the utilization of the Poplar Bluff factory. More than 200 new jobs are expected there in the next two years.

Both Massingham and Halter cite strong educational opportunities as another reason for Poplar Bluff’s growth.

“Three Rivers College keeps growing with new buildings and what has become a beautiful campus for the students and staff,” Massingham said.

The educational facilities are now the envy of many in the state, Halter said.

For many reasons, Poplar Bluff has a growing ability to draw new business and visitors, officials believe.

“We are the regional hub for manufacturing, health care, banking, education, transportation and retail,” Halter said. “I am more excited today than ever about the future for Poplar Bluff and Butler County.”

The growth is also seen in existing facilities, Massingham said.

“Even our municipal airport has seen a big increase in air traffic,” he said. “Sometimes we have five or six jets in a single day. We have pilots flying in to refuel their planes and sometimes coming into town to grab lunch or dinner before they fly out.

“With all of this going on Poplar Bluff has great potential ahead.”