Dianna Wright was unanimously appointed as the Clay County Administrator Wednesday night following an in-depth nationwide recruiting process by the County Commission. A Missouri native, Ms. Wright has extensive public sector experience serving over 30 years at the executive level. For the past ten years she has worked as the Director for the Economy Focus Area and Resource Management for the City of Olathe. Prior to this, she served as the City Administrator for Wentzville and Harrisonville. She began her career in public administration in Gladstone as Assistant to the City Manager/Administrator of Management Services. She is a graduate of Missouri State University and University of Virginia, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service LEADS program. She is an active member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and has earned the designation of “Credentialed Manager.” She has an extensive background in all areas of local government operations including fiscal management, economic development, public works, public safety, community development, historic preservation, public relations and parks and recreation. She has developed and managed multi-fund budgets in excess of $430 million dollars, oversaw major infrastructure improvements and worked on a variety of commercial development and redevelopment projects.
The Northland Therapeutic Riding Center was the presenter at this week’s Coffee Connect. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with special needs through equine assisted activities and therapies. If you know someone who could use the therapy, would want to volunteer or donate, this is a great program. Your EDC hopes all of you visit their website here. More information on Coffee Connect is below.
The KC Spirit Playbook has upcoming meetings February 22nd at 3:30 on Livability and February 24th also at 3:30 on Serviceability. It is very important to give input from the Northland and your EDC is asking you to join us in participating in both of these sessions. The City Planning and Development Department is leading an update of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. This plan sets priorities and guides land development decisions to ensure Kansas City, Missouri is a thriving, people-centered community and a successful model for other American cities to follow for future generations. Read more about the update in their Comprehensive Plan Update Fact Sheet.
This is the last week to apply for the Caesars Foundation of Harrah’s 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 last 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.
Your EDC played a significant role in changing our county government last year. The county commission will soon include seven members rather than the current three. Filing for the newly created positions will take place until March 29th. For more information on how to be placed on the August 2nd ballot click here.
The SBA has set February 15th as the deadline for Economic Injury Disaster Loan reconsideration. These are for loan applicants who were previously denied and are seeking an appeal. These advances do not need to be repaid and are similar to a grant but without the typical requirements that come with U.S. government grants. Click here for more information.
Kyana Bowers of EDCKC has grant funds available to invest in promising social entrepreneurs with sustainable business models that create social, racial, and/or environmental change. The application deadline is March 30, 2022. For more information click here.
The Northland Education and Business Alliance continues with our Career Speaker Series February 15th. Click here if you are interested in Health Science and here if you are thinking about a career in Human Services. If you are considering joining NEBA, our next membership meeting is March 1st. You can register here.
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City has a speakers’ series this month. On the 16th at 6:00 Dr. Warren Haynes will host Courageous Conversions and on the 23rd at 6:00 Dr. Crystal Johnson presents 2 Steps Forward 2 Steps Back: Historical Amnesia’s Impact on Social Progress.
The Doniphan Leadership Institute’s fall 2022 and spring 2023 cohorts are accepting registrations now. These tend to fill up very quickly. You can register or get more information here. The classes are offered through William Jewell’s Pryor Leadership Program.
The United States government has set up a website for free at-home COVID-19 tests. Each household is allowed up to four tests. Get more information and place your orders here.
Rich Groves, the Executive Director of the North Kanas City Business Council, became certified to facilitate the Jon Schallert Destination Creation training course. The Destination Creation class runs February 14, 21, 28 and March 7, 14 and 21 for 2 hours each from 3 to 5 p.m. It will be ideally set up for hybrid training using the North Kansas City Fire Department training room which can hold up to 28 participants and a newly acquired Owl Pro camera/microphone. 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.
Our Mid-Continent Public Libraries offer many classes including the Square One courses on how to operate a business. The website offers many opportunities, both virtual and in-person.
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).
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 3.633% for ten years, 3.532% for 20 years and 3.659 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:
Tomorrow: Mr. Grant Modified 12:30 at the Garrison School Cultural Center 502 N Water St. Liberty
Tomorrow: Downtown Kearney’s Wine and Chocolate Tour 4:00 – 7:00
Tomorrow: To Broadway With Loveday at Liberty’s Corbin TheatreFebruary 12th at 7:00PM
The Sophia Kenville Showat Liberty’s Corbin TheatreFebruary 18th at 7:00PM
Liberty’s Let’s Wine About Winter February 19th 1PM – 5PM
Excelsior Springs’ Mardi Gras Murder Mystery February 19th at 6PM and 20th at 1:30PM
MCCKC presents A Raisin in the Sun Viewing and Discussion February 28th at 6:00PM
Smithville’s 1stAnnual Crawfish Boil March 1st from 5:00 – 9:00PM
Macbeth A Comedy of Terrors at MCC Maple Woods March 2nd & 3rd at 3:00 PM & March 4th & 5th at 7:00PM
Northland Prevention Conference March 4th 9:00AM- 3:00PM. More information and registration here
Excelsior Springs’ Sippin’ Into Spring March 26th from noon – 5PM
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.
Your CCEDC is on the move. Click to join a committee, or to invest with us.
