Chamber celebrates successful 2019 and $400K in tourism grants

The past year was very successful for the area and for the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce, with job growth and voter approval of a tax that will fund improvements to Highway 67 south, according to outgoing board chairperson Andy Moore.

Moore was unable to attend the 82nd Annual Chamber Banquet held Saturday at the Black River Coliseum, but his remarks were presented by chamber President Steve Halter.

Poplar Bluff was one of only three communities specifically mentioned by Gov. Mike Parson during the State of the State address, Halter said.

It was highlighted for job growth.

An announcement was made in May concerning new manufacturer Empire Comfort Systems, Halter said. The announcement was made during the chamber’s largest ever luncheon, with 175 people attending.

The work of city and county officials also helped not only keep Briggs & Stratton operating in Poplar Bluff, but will add more than 350 jobs to the local plant, he said.

“These two wins alone should help our business community prosper for many years to come,” Halter said, on behalf of Moore.

Tourism grants topping $400,000 were received by the Poplar Bluff area in 2019, helping with efforts like a new website to promote the area, See the Ozarks.com, and to advertise many area attractions and events.

“We continue to work hard to bring people to and through our community to spend their money in your businesses,” Halter said.

Changes were made to the Holiday Open House event to promote local small businesses and a partnership with the city, county and Daily American Republic allowed the give away of $2,000 in local gift cards during the promotion.

Poplar Bluff residents also passed a measure in August that will help fund an effort to four lane Highway 67 south.

“I would like to thank the Highway 67 board and specifically Bill Robison from Smith & Company for continuing this push,” Halter said. “Thanks to Bill’s efforts, the state awarded the Highway 67 south project an additional $11 million. City manager Mark Massingham also played a major role in both the funding and the election.”

Moore also recognized incoming board members: Jeff Welker of Wil Fischer Distributing; Jeff Baldwin of Baldwin Automotive Group; chair elect Todd Bullington of Sterling Bank; Poplar Bluff Industries chair elect Austin Williams of Cane Creek Stone; and treasurer elect Josh Harmon of Walmart Supercenter.