The Clay County audit, initiated by a 2018 citizens’ petition, was recently finalized with our County Commission receiving a “poor” audit rating. This would be very embarrassing unless you read the report and note the changes over the past four years, especially those since Commissioners Megan Thompson and Jon Carpenter joined Jerry Nolte on the three-member Commission. Of the eleven “findings,” every one of them have been cured or is in the process of being fixed. There is no recommendation of jail time, just plenty of questionable decisions. If you want to read the entire document click here. As a concerned citizen of the county, please at least read the first two pages.
At this week’s Coffee Connect there was a robust discussion of the county’s surtax. Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte, Auditor Victor Hurlbert and Assessor Tracy Baldwin had noticed that the surtax was substantially higher than other counties. The three of them were joined by a panel of business leaders to discuss the need for a reduction. Of course any reduced revenue would come from the budgets of our schools, cities and other jurisdictions. The consensus was that your EDC will gather interested parties and work out a tax plan that will be fair to all so that we can be a county businesses want to invest in with excellent schools and safe cities.
Gladstone just launched their Comprehensive Plan and are asking for your ideas for the collaborative preparation process to grow the community together. The 20-year guide will address topics that impact the everyday lives of those living and working in Gladstone from quality of life and housing to transportation, infrastructure and the economy. For more information click here. Register to stay up to date with the plan by clicking here. To take the survey click here.
Our friends at Northland Neighbors Inc. will be offering adult vaccinations for shingles, pneumonia and TDAP March 10th, 17th and 31st from 2-5PM. NNI is located at 5340 NE Choteau Trafficway. No appointments are necessary. Please call 816-454-2000 with any questions.
EDC Chair Julie Sola, Vice President and General Manager of Harrah’s Casino, pulled her Board together for a strategic planning session facilitated by iWerx’s Bob Martin. We are planning the future of Clay County. If you want to share an idea please contact a staff member below or reach out to one of our Directors here.
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.
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 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.
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). The State of Missouri has resource teams to assist businesses and community with getting connected to Mo Jobs resources. Contact Pam Harris, Missouri Department of Economic Development, pam.harris@ded.mo.gov or Allan Hedrick, Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development, allan.hedrick@dhewd.mo.gov.
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, 3.915% for 20 years and 4.040 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:
Fridays throughout Lent: Find a local fish fry for dinner
North Kansas City’s Snake Saturday Parade March 12 at 11:00AM
Liberty Hospital’s Half Marathon and 5K March 26th
Excelsior Springs’ Sippin’ Into Spring March 26th from noon – 5PM
Kearney Education Foundation Breakfast April 22nd at 7AM
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.
Thanks, from your friends at the Clay County EDC
David Slater, Executive Director davids@clayedc.com
Frances Sheffield, EDFP Loan Officer francess@clayedc.com
Julie Lewis, Business Retention Specialist juliel@clayedc.com
Ethen Pineda, Loan Officer EthenP@clayedc.com
7001 N. Locust, Suite B101 – Gladstone MO 64118 – (816)468-4989
