Congratulations to our friends at Clay County Savings Bank who will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of this Clay County cornerstone on March 29th. “This is truly exciting for us,” says President and CEO Mario Usera, who himself will be celebrating 25 years with the Bank. “Given the consolidation of our industry, to continue to be part of this community is quite an accomplishment.” For more information, click here.
The new State Senate map is out and northern and eastern Clay County have been moved into the 21st district represented by Senator Denny Hoskins beginning next January. Smithville, Kearney, Excelsior Springs and Liberty will be joined by Ray, Lafayette, Saline, Howard and Cooper counties. Senator Hoskins is a member of the Conservative Caucus, a group of seven senators (Senator Cindy O’Laughlin went back into the mainstream recently) that has been holding up legislation in order to get a 7-1 congressional map and refer to Governor Parson as a Republican in Name Only. Senator Lauren Arthur will continue to represent the rest of Clay County in the 17th district. For the past eight years the northern part of Clay County has been represented by Senator Dan Hegeman who rose through the ranks to Chair the powerful Appropriations Committee.
The Northland Education and Business Alliance continues our Virtual Career Speaker Series March 22nd with business leaders talking about Hospitality and Tourism at 8:00AM and noon and Marketing at 9:00AM and 1:00PM. Please consider joining us or sharing with an interested party.
Northland State Representative Maggie Nurrenbern serves as the Scholarship Chair for the Women Legislators of Missouri. The group is offering 16, $1,000 scholarships to young women graduating this spring. The students need to write a 500-word essay on “if you were a state legislator, what would you hope to accomplish and why?” Click here for the application.
Please consider making time to help our Liberty High School students out by giving mock interviews March 29th. There are two 45-minute zoom sessions, 8:10-8:55 and noon-12:45. It is very important to assist our young adults to be workforce ready and this is a big help. For more information and to sign up, click here.
The Kearney School District and Chamber are hosting a Hiring Fair March 30th from 2:30-6PM. For more information, click here.
Did you ever want to judge, sponsor or volunteer at a robot competition? Our KC Tech Academy is very involved with BotsKCwhich is having their annual competition April 22nd and 23rd. For more information, click here. To see some fun videos, click here.
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 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’sBob 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 resourceteams 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 3.820% for ten years, 4.226% for 20 years and 4.370 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
Tomorrow: Stars of Tomorrowat the Corbin Theater March 19th, 26th and 27th at 2:00
Liberty Hospital’s Half Marathon and 5K March 26th
Excelsior Springs’ Sippin’ Into Spring March 26th from noon – 5PM
Kearney High School presents Steel Magnolias March 28th -April 2nd at 7:00PM
Liberty High School mock interviews March 29th. Two 45-minute zoom sessions, 8:10-8:55 and noon-12:45
The Kearney School District and Chamber are hosting a Hiring Fair March 30th from 2:30-6PM
Oak Park High School presents Sabrina Fair March 31st -April 2nd at 7:00PM
Hillcrest Hope’s annual gala, Night of Hope, April 2nd. Check in at 5:30
Kearney Education Foundation Breakfast April 22nd at 7AM
BotsKC’s annual competition April 22nd and 23rd. For information click here. To see videos click here.
Northland Ethnic Festival April 23rd from 11AM-3PM at Staley High School. Free admission and parking
Northland Community Foundation’s Annual Celebration Breakfast May 6th at 7:30
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 investwith us.
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
