KSHB 41 reporter Caroline Hogan covers developments in the Kansas City metropolitan area. If you have a story idea, email Caroline at . carolinehogan@kshb.com.
DeSoto residents have been watching the growth of a Panasonic electric vehicle battery factory, which is scheduled to break ground in 2022. Now, some local business owners say they're already reaping the benefits. Construction isn't scheduled to be completed until 2025.
One example is Co's Coffee, where owner Tara Stuckey said she has doubled her staff since construction began and has seen an increase in construction workers, managers and other business people as customers.
“We're hearing that real change has yet to come to town,” Stuckey said.
Because all of Cause Coffee's profits go back into the community and other nonprofits, Stucky sees the expansion as a positive.
“Our one coffee shop in town can't meet people's needs, so we support other people's dreams as well,” Stuckey said.
Related | 'Let's grow together': Panasonic electric vehicle battery factory less than a year away from completion
Donnie Crist of Via 30 said business has been tough because of COVID-19 and inflation, but the Panasonic factory has changed that.
“That kind of started to turn things around,” Crist said. “We had a lot of people coming from over there, and they're all nice people.”
Crist said local bars have seen a 5 percent increase in profits, but some customers aren't so thrilled with the plant.
“Taxes are starting to go up, people are moving into town and the residents are really not happy,” Crist said. “Like everyone, they don't want change.”
It's a big change for the area, but both business owners believe it's for the better.
“You can't stop progress, you just have to embrace it and do the best you can,” Christ said.
—
