Staff of the new Love’s Truck Stop held a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday.
The store opened its doors on June 11.
Several members of the community including Poplarville Mayor, Brad Necaise, the members of the Poplarville Board of Aldermen and Sheriff David Allison attended the ceremony.
During the event, two check presentations were made. Each check was made out for $1,000 and was presented to Brother’s Keeper and Excel By 5.
Dr. Carolyn Tedford, certification manager for Poplarville Excel by 5, accepted the check along with Ernie Lovell, director of the Pearl River Community College Development Foundation.
Wayne Willoughby accepted the check on behalf of Brother’s Keeper.
Necaise commented on what an asset both organizations are to Poplarville.
“As a community we need to support both of these programs,” said Necaise.
Brad Peck, district manager of Love’s, was also on hand for the ceremony.
“Love’s is very proud to be here, it has been an exciting two weeks,” said Peck.
Love’s currently has more than 340 locations. This is the 10th in Mississippi, said Peck.
“We chose to put it here because we felt like this was a great spot between I- 20 and I-10, and we felt there was a void to fill,” said Peck.
Thomas Morrison, general manager of Love’s, said he could not be more pleased with the store’s progress.
“Business has been extraordinary, it has exceeded our expectations by miles,” said Morrison.
Morrison has been with Love’s for 1 ½ years, and has worked his way up to the position he currently holds with the company. Morrison could not be more pleased with the team surrounding him, including Arby’s manager Zac Close and Tire Care manager Dale Torrick.
“The staff has had to learn on the fly, and they have been awesome,” said Morrison.
Necaise is very excited about what Love’s will do for Poplarville’s economy.
“From a tax base position, Love’s is likely to generate more sales tax revenue than any other operation in Poplarville,” said Necaise.
Necaise is also excited about what Love’s will do for Poplarville’s community.
“Love’s is a perfect example of the direction Poplarville wants to move in as a city by design,” said Necaise.