Knoppe named Game Changer

Stephanie Knoppe says she was “shocked” to be named the 2024 Downtown Game Changer by Downtown Poplar Bluff Inc.

Knoppe is a real estate agent, downtown Poplar Bluff business owner and volunteer who shows great dedication to the revitalization of Downtown, Morgan McIntosh said. Knoppe was recognized for her work to help the historic heart of the city.

McIntosh is the executive director of Downtown Poplar Bluff, Inc. and membership director for the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce.

Knoppe is president of the Poplar Bluff Historic Depot Restoration Corporation and is owner of The Prom Closet, in addition to working as a real estate agent with PB Realty.

“I had no clue,” Knoppe said. “It is an honor. I love Downtown. ”

Calling the award “great and wonderful,” Knoppe said. “I do what I do to make Downtown a thriving destination spot to shop. It has nothing to do with putting myself in the spotlight. I am honored and flattered. I have memories of shoe shopping with my grandmother. Another fond memory is shopping at Roth’s Department Store with my grandmother.”

As a realtor, Knoppe said, she tells anyone who wants to open a business “I’ve got a great spot.”

Eager to promote upcoming activities, she quickly turns any conversation to downtown businesses and activities. She said while the Iron Horse Festival this weekend will have more than 100 vendors down Vine and Main streets, the car show will be on the parking lot of the Black River Coliseum. The Cruise-In is a joint sponsorship with the city and the park department. The depot group will charge $20 a car and will have a pancake breakfast from 8-11 a.m.

McIntosh explained, nominations for the award are opened to the public and placed on the Downtown Facebook page, the chamber Facebook page, and an email goes to all Downtown chamber members. The chamber asks nominations for the game changer award be someone who has shown great dedication to downtown Poplar Bluff over the last year and specifically revitalization,

Once the nominations were in, McIntosh presented them to Downtown Poplar Bluff Advisory Board, who make the selection. While six different people were nominated, McIntosh said, “We had a pretty overwhelming amount for Stephanie, it was pretty obvious whenever we received the nominations, who it should be.”

McIntosh said, “We’re very appreciative of all of Stephanie’s efforts, both with her multiple businesses and properties she owns.”

Previous winners are Larry and Lisa Hafford (Haffy’s and Haff Whiskey Saloon), who received the honor in 2021; Shawn Adams and Evan Holley (Forum Fifty Fifty and Backroom Boardshop) in 2022; and Debbie Sliger (Myrtle’s Place) in 2021.

Knoppe was presented the award Wednesday by Downtown Poplar Bluff Advisory Board Chair Beverly Roach, Chamber President Steve Halter, and McIntosh.