Chamber check-in

A year's time can bring major business development and economic growth to cities. Leaders of area chambers of commerce took some time to fill us in on what notable changes their cities underwent during 2013, and what residents can expect to see happening in their neighborhoods within the next year:

John Mehner

John Mehner, president and CEO of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce

BT: What was the development that impacted your city the most in 2013?

Mehner: Probably the most significant development that impacted Cape Girardeau in 2013 was the continued progress made in downtown revitalization. The Broadway streetscape project helped lead to consistent and continued interest in the downtown area. The Isle Casino Cape Girardeau operated for all of 2013 and drew thousands of visitors to the region and provided the city of Cape Girardeau with a nice revenue stream. It should be noted that development occurred in other parts of the city as well, including Academy Sports + Outdoors on the city's west side.

BT: What is in store for the city's development in 2014?

Mehner: We expect an excellent 2014 for development. Several announcements are on the immediate horizon and interest continues to escalate. The new business park opens additional developable ground close to the interstate and several of our excellent private development partners are working on great projects.

BT: What is at the top of the chamber's priority list?

Mehner: Chamber priorities for 2014 are numerous. But always at the top of the list is providing value to, and taking care of, our existing membership base. We will also be updating our three year strategic plan in 2014.

Brian Gerau

Brian Gerau, director of the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce

BT: What was the development that impacted your city the most in 2013?

Gerau: The expansion of Mondi and expansion of Liberty Utilities have been highlights of growth in Jackson. The job creation between these two industries has had a great effect on the Jackson community. Along with industrial growth, Jackson has seen tremendous growth in residential construction. The housing market is alive and well in Jackson. Retail growth continues to grow as well. Several new retailers and restaurants have opened in Jackson. East Main Street continues to grow and more, and we expect more growth with the eventual completion of the new Jackson R2 Elementary School.

BT: What is in store for the city's development in 2014?

Gerau: (The year) 2014 looks to be a great year for growth. More and more businesses look to expand and establish in Jackson. We will continue to assist our current businesses in their growth. A key component to economic development is making sure you strengthen what you currently have and retaining business. It's a lot easier to keep what you have currently then seek what you don't.

BT: What is at the top of the chamber's priority list?

Steve Halter

Gerau: Priorities include assisting in the continued development of the Jackson Community Center, the new elementary school, educating our businesses on changing laws and reforms, and strengthening our workforce.

Steve Halter, president of the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce

BT: What was the development that impacted your city the most in 2013?

Halter: The development that impacted Poplar Bluff and Butler County the most in 2013 was the opening of Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center's new $173 million, 250 private-bed hospital. This is the largest private investment in the history of Butler County and will greatly improve patient care.

BT: What is in store for the city's development in 2014?

Halter: The Poplar Bluff area has so many exciting things happening in 2014, it is hard to list them all. We plan on opening another five miles of four lanes on Highway 67, just south of town. The retail development north of town around the hospital called "8 Points" will open Menards, Walmart Neighborhood Market and many other new businesses yet to be announced. Hobby Lobby will open in the newly renovated Valley Plaza shopping center. Three Rivers College has a new grand entrance and some additional buildings, which should be completed in 2014 and many other infrastructure improvements due to the 2013 approval of a Regional Transportation Development District.

BT: What is at the top of the chamber's priority list?

Halter: Our top priority is always helping our business community prosper. Many communities strive for growth, however we believe that growth is the natural progression from prosperity. Our specific areas of focus are leadership, economic development, business education/advocacy, networking and tourism. Lastly, Butler County plans on being the second county in the state to become Work Ready Certified; showing our continued focus on workforce development.