By now it is common knowledge that Cerner Corporation, founded in 1979 with its World Headquarters campus in North Kanas City since 1994, was acquired by Oracle on Monday. Your EDC has been discussing the potential sale with local officials since May, when the speculation started getting hotter. As of now we agree with comments made by Jill McCarthy of the Kansas City Area Development Council, “Based on the company’s news release, it appears that Cerner will be organized as a dedicated industry business unit within Oracle”. We feel that the potential to enhance the local employer in this acquisition is very possible, but like any merger you also need to prepare for other outcomes. Our partners at the KCADC are “poised on both the external and internal front to support local employees, as well as the company’s future talent needs.” KCADC’s talent recruitment and retention initiative, TeamKC, offers a robust portfolio of tools to support a company and its talent throughout the employment journey. “From dedicated relocation support to its nationally recognized resume sharing platform, KC Career Network, connecting job seekers with 1,200+ corporate recruiters across the region, TeamKC is ready to roll. In addition, KCADC’s business development team is gearing up efforts to highlight our region’s tech assets and talent strengths to national site location consultants, key business leaders in parallel industries across North America and more.” Cerner employs 12,800 individuals in the KC area and 26,000 worldwide.
Our friend Rich Groves, the Executive Director of the North Kanas City Business Council, became certified to facilitate the Jon Schallert Destination Creation training course. So far he believes he is the only certified trainer for this course in Missouri. A “destination” business isn’t limited to customers within a small geographic region. People will travel from far away for a destination business that has unique appeal. Internet traffic, too, will rise when searchers discover something unique and special about a destination business. When your business becomes a destination, sales and profit can exceed what you originally considered possible. For more information or to register click here.
In March 2021, Governor Parson established the Show Me Strong Recovery Taskforce by executive order. The purpose of the Show Me Strong Recovery Task Force is to study and develop recommendations on ways to support small businesses, including minority-owned businesses, throughout Missouri. The Task Force also considers ways to better engage minority-owned businesses through existing economic development tools. An important part of this taskforce is that it does not just speak to the issues COVID-19 has created for Missouri’s small businesses, but it works to bring solutions prior to its sunset. A report of the findings of the taskforce will be delivered to Governor Parson by December 31st, 2021. To provide the best possible feedback to the state, the Kansas City Regional Engagement Team is submitting a link to our partners and their colleagues and members, especially those who identify as small businesses. Please consider providing feedback on how the State of Missouri can provide more supportive economic tools and how the state can encourage participation with more minority businesses. The link for submittal can be found here:
The Caesars Foundation of Harrah’s is now taking applications for donations. You can get more information here. You may remember that your EDC received a $5,000 grant towards our project with Sleep in Heavenly Peace where we built 50 beds and finished 30 others earlier this year. As our Chair Julie Sola pointed out at our Annual Meeting, there are 80 less kids sleeping on the floor right here in the Northland than there were a year ago.
Our friends at the Missouri Department of Economic Development are hosting a Youth Opportunities Program Workshop January 12th. For more information or to register, click here.
KCSourceLink started a new program called BuyKC that helps you to purchase from an area company or hire a local company to help build opportunities, communities and our metro economy. Learn to sell online or to the government by signing up with a navigator from our partner MoSourceLink. For personalized business help, more information or to sign up for a navigator, click here. If you are interested in starting or building a business, this is a great place to get more information.
Your EDC wants to make sure you know of the great resources provided by our state that address job seekers, employers and our community. The information provided at https://jobs.mo.gov/is both relevant and timely. You can also reach them at 1-888-728-JOBS (5627).
Are you tired of having to get permission to hunt on someone else’s land? Want some acreage and a hunting lodge or event center near Chillicothe? Your EDC is working with Whitetail Properties to sell a piece of property that currently belongs to us. Take a look here.
Did you know that your EDC provides small business loans through our partnership with Midwest Small Business Financing? We want to put your business into buildings and purchase the required fixed assets. Our rates include the Small Business Administration fees and are currently 3.666% for ten years, 3.495% for 20 years and 3.612 for 25 years. Please contact us with any questions. You can read about upcoming SBA trainings and get more information about the SBA’s Resource Partner Training here.
Your EDC helps to sponsor weekly educational programs designed to engage, educate and accelerate communities of entrepreneurs and small business owners. Hosted in-person by iWerx, 1520 Clay Street, North Kansas City, MO 64116, Coffee Connect starts at 7:45 and the program begins at 8. To sign up or for more information click here.
Your EDC’s Friday Facts is your go-to read to see what is happening in our County. We want you to see Clay County while spending your disposable income right here:
The next couple of weeks: Spend some time with your family, maybe do a little volunteer work. Maybe attend an event at your favorite high school linked below.
Click on the school of your choice to see their calendar of events. Excelsior Springs, Kearney, Smithville, Liberty, Liberty North, North Kansas City, Winnetonka, Oak Park, Staley, St. Pius, Kansas City Christian and Platte County R-3 (yes, part of their district is in Clay County).
The Northland Education and Business Alliance now has its own YouTube channel. This organization just continues to grow and get things right and your EDC is proud to be a part of it. Feel free to view the dozens of videos from various career opportunities right here in Clay County.
