Aurora, Monett grow via different sectors

by Eric Olson

SBJ Reporter

eolson@sbj.net

With corporate names like EFCO Corp., Tyson Foods, Miracle Recreation Equipment and Wells Aluminum, industrial/manufacturing business is the leading sector in Monett.

And those corporations have been the town's primary source of business growth, according to Suzy McElmurry, Monett Chamber of Commerce executive director.

"Several of the existing industry and businesses have grown and maintained (operations)," McElmurry said. "That is very important. It is easier to expand than to get someone to relocate."

Physical expansions by International Dehydrated Foods, which employs more than 100, and Jack Henry & Associates, Monett's leading employer with 2,000, led the way last year, McElmurry said. Jack Henry just completed the eighth building on its Monett campus, an 85,000-square-foot structure called J8.

In Aurora, recent commercial growth has been largely retail and restaurant related.

"Aurora is known for, more than anything, restaurants," said Cheryl Dandridge, Aurora Chamber of Commerce executive director. "We have three of the best-known restaurants around. People come from Springfield and all over to eat here."

Locally owned eateries such as Bootleggers Restaurant & Brewery, Richard's Hawgwild BBQ and Tom's Deli & Grill provide solid employment and revenue to the town of more than 7,000, Dandridge said.

As many as six new restaurants have opened in the past year, including national chains Braum's and Long John Silvers.

The menus have grown in variety, too, with authentic Mexican fare, a family diner and two Chinese restaurants now serving Aurora.

"We have really taken off in the restaurant business," said Don Buchanan, administrator of St. John's Hospital Aurora.

Buchanan, who also serves as chairman of the Aurora chamber's economic development committee, said manufacturing is showing positive signs as well.

Light bulb manufacturer Damar Worldwide 40 LLC filled the 350,000-square-foot former Little Tykes toy manufacturing building a year ago when Damar moved a plant from Nashville, Tenn. Damar employs 34 at the industrial park, according to the Aurora chamber.

And a vacant 50,000 square feet, formerly occupied by Delta USA, will soon be home to a light manufacturer employing about 15 to start. Buchanan said the building's sale and a company announcement are expected this month.

Dandridge said the key to attracting business is establishing one-on-one relationships with the top personnel.

"We really take each (business) individually and work with them on their needs," she said.