Downtown Poplar Bluff Inc. Executive Director Morgan McIntosh’s trip to her mailbox Wednesday surprised her with an unexpected Missouri Bicentennial Award from the state’s Attorney General.
McIntosh is one of the first to receive the award “to celebrate the past, present, and future of Missouri, and celebrate those who work hard to improve our state or work hard in our community.”
“It just showed up,” McIntosh said. “I was completely shocked. I actually spoke to the attorney general’s office yesterday. They told me that this is something they’re doing for Missouri’s Bicentennial and I was one of the first people in Missouri to ever receive it.”
Eric Schmitt’s staff explained to McIntosh, she, along with Jen Berti, vice president of the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce; Felecia Blanton, Richmond + Blanton in Sikeston; and Adrienne Henry, real estate and lease administration at Drury Southwest, all received the award.
They were featured in the Southeast Missourian’s March edition of ‘B magazine,’ where they talked about why it’s important for women to take a seat at the table and join the conversation.
“All four of us received it,” McIntosh said. “We were the first ones to get it.”
Schmitt’s letter stated McIntosh’s dedication and contribution to the state is remarkable and worthy of recognition.
“Your personal touch in helping revitalize Poplar Bluff, like repainting the storefront sign of Jim Faith’s Business Equipment and the clearing out of a downtown building for a prospective restaurant, is truly outstanding and something that Missourians should be proud of,” it said.
McIntosh, who was born and raised in Poplar Bluff, started March 30, 2020, as the executive director for Downtown Poplar Bluff Inc.
Early in her new position, McIntosh said, “I’m over the moon and thrilled.”
Seeing downtown flourish is her top priority.
“I would love to see some new businesses come into downtown and see them grow,” McIntosh said. “Maybe we could see people who are already established add another location down here.”
The success of businesses in the downtown area, McIntosh said, also is personal for her.
“I love community involvement. I love business development … I’ll do anything I can to help these businesses or bring in new business,” she said. “Locally-owned small businesses I just love to see thrive.”
McIntosh is married to her high school sweetheart, Bobby McIntosh, and together they have a daughter, Stella.
McIntosh is a 2010 graduate of Poplar Bluff High School and continued her education at Three Rivers College.
For five years, she worked at Southern Bank before taking over after former director Jerrica Fox left for another opportunity.