Congratulations to our friends in Kearney for hosting a successful groundbreaking for their I-35 and 19th Street interchange project. Many people have been involved for many years beginning with the late Bill Dane, the long-time Kearney Mayor and Jim Eldridge who has been the City Administrator since 1991. Kearney Mayor Randy Pogue was joined by Congressman Sam Graves, Clay County Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte, State Representative Josh Hurlbert and other dignitaries at the event. For more information please click here to read what our friends at KPGZ 102.7 had to say.
Many people have been involved with making the Northland what it is today but no one could argue that Anita Gorman played a tremendous role that affected the entire metro. Tuesday is Kansas City Fountain Day and the event will be hosted in the Northland for the first time. Of course it will be at Anita Gorman Park at the intersection of North Oak and Vivian Road at 10AM. If you have not yet had the pleasure to meet her, Mrs. Gorman will be on hand to give us a little history of the Kansas City Parks system.
This afternoon the Metropolitan Community College-Maple Woods is inviting our readers to a groundbreaking for their new sports training center at 1PM at 2601 NE Barry Road in Kansas City. Please call Susan Chiappone at 816-604-3044 to make a reservation or with any questions.
Speaking of MCC-MW, their Vet Tech Program has several animals ready for adoption. The students in the program can arrange for visits and provide more information. There are several future family members needing homes so please consider adopting one of these cuties.
When Governor Mike Parson talks of workforce development he means it. Pam Harris, the Manager of the Regional Engagement Division for this area, meets with your EDC quarterly to let us know and be able to share information. The Missouri Department of Economic Development, along with the General Assembly, created the Missouri Technology Corporation with a public-private partnership to promote entrepreneurship and foster the growth of new and emerging high-tech companies. MTC focuses on 21st Century bioscience industries that build on Missouri’s rich history in agriculture. We were also given a presentation on their International Trade and Investment Office. Learn more about our international trade by clicking here.
Your EDC is pleased to announce that once again the Caesar’s Foundation will donate $5,000 through Harrah’s for another Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed build. We do not have a date yet but will let you know soon. In the meantime we would love to have you start collecting bedding for these kiddos who will soon be off the floors and into their own beds. Last year we were able to build 50 beds and finish 30 others putting 80 kids in a position for a good night sleep. No kid sleeps on the floor in our county.
The Kansas City zoo is looking for teenagers who love the outdoors, talking to people and have a love of animals to become VolunTEENs. To apply or 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.
EDC Chair Julie Sola, Vice President and General Manager of Harrah’s Casino, pulled her Board together last week for a second strategic planning session. 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.
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.
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:
Tomorrow: Gladstone’s Atkins Johnson Farm Civil War Muster April 16th 11:00AM – 4:00 PM
This week: KC Park’s Fountain Day April 19th at 10AM at Anita Gorman Park
This week: Kearney Education Foundation Breakfast April 22nd at 7AM
KC Park’s Spring Cleaning at Winnwood Park April 22nd 9AM-noon.
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 Regional Chamber’s Education Banquet April 26th at 5:00PM
Claycomo’s Historical Society meeting April 27th at 10:30AM at Claycomo City Hall
Kearney Enrichment Council’s Mardi Gras Gala April 28th
Gladstone’s Adkins Johnson Farm Walk N Wag April 30th 9:00AM
Pleasant Valley’s Stream Clean April 30th 9AM to noon
Northland Community Foundation’s Annual Celebration Breakfast May 6th at 7:30
Excelsior Springs’ Second Friday May 8th
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.
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
