Nevada, Mo sees increase in new businesses - KOAM TV 7

City officials in Nevada, Missouri have noticed more than 40 shops and offices either expanding or opening for the first time.

David Cherry took an old location and turned it into a successful restaurant, Cherry's Sports Pub & Grill, which opened over the summer.

"This used to be a bar that was open in the early 60's and it had kind of been ran down but it was always a hot spot and I got an idea that I took all of my life savings and I rolled the dice," says Cherry.

"We have a good work force in this area, we have a good base in this town, the town takes care of itself on streets and infrastructure and I think that's a part of a calling card too," says Nevada resident Larry Rose.

While the city says only a handful of businesses have closed over the past year, Cherry's is one of about 30 new businesses that have opened in the community.

City manager J.D. Kehrman says once Highway 71 becomes Interstate 49 more stores may be opening their doors.

"Nevada is very fortunate with the upcoming project and expansion of I-49, to see local businesses investing in themselves and investing in it's employees," says Kehrman.

In addition to the new businesses, others like Reinheart Jewelry are expanding.

"We are located at a place with a lot better parking and a lot better visibility right on Austin Street," says Kathy Butler, the owner and president of family owned Reinheart Jewelry.

Butler says that businesses expanding and being created will help the entire community.

"It helps everyone, not just the merchants they do business with, but then those merchants and then hire more people and spend other money with other local businesses too," says Butler.

"A diverse tax base is a solid tax base, so when you've got many small businesses hiring and expanding and investing, it's a signal to the market that Nevada is a good place to do business and a safe investment for the future," says Kehrman.

Future business is something Kehrman says is something to plan for.

Transitioning the 180 mile highway between Joplin and Kansas City to an interstate is expected to be finished by the end of the year.  Eventually I-49 will go south all the way to New Orleans.