From international giant Cerner Corporation to a Gladstone auto parts store, a wide range of area companies were honored at the Star Partner Awards Luncheon March 6.

Created by the Northland Education and Business Alliance, the Star Partner Awards recognize companies and community organizations that have expanded the area’s educational opportunities and workforce development in the region. Nearly 200 people attended the event, held at Harrah’s North Kansas City.

The 2012 Star Partner organizations were Beverly Lumber in Platte City, Cerner Corporation, Garden Valley Manor of Kansas City, the Liberty School District Social Services Department, NAPA Auto Parts in Gladstone, Shawmet Homes, Inc. (Parvin Estates) in Kansas City, Spectrum Station Preschool in Platte City and Walgreens in Parkville.

Rachel Hack, named in September as leader of Google’s Kansas City fiber optic project, outlined the dramatic Internet speed increases that will be available for Kansas City homes beginning this year. She predicted that health care, education and entertainment would be among the most impacted by access to speeds up to 100 times current broadband capability.

"It’s going to be a dramatic change,” she said. “We’re still finding new areas that will be impacted every day.”The luncheon also featured presentation of a poster campaign on this year’s NEBA theme: initiative, innovation and integrity. Liberty School Superintendent Mike Brewer recognized the work by designer Emily Duncan, a Liberty High School student. Bill Nicely, Kearney superintendent, presented a video on NEBA produced by students at Kearney High School.

Both the luncheon and posters were sponsored by Citizen’s Bank and Trust. Copies of the posters are available free by calling the Clay County EDC at (816) 468-4989.