Clay County business and political leaders have been fighting for more bus routes for years. While there is limited service in the Northland, employment centers in the southeastern portion of our county were left to fend for themselves. That all changed May 1st when RideKC created a new route along 210 Highway. The discussion first began during planning meetings for the Northland Gateway community improvement district. The RideKC people were invited in and the plan hatched from getting the right people in the room. We still have a long way to go, but this was a nice add. To see all the routes, click here. The Northland Gateway is the area where you get your first impression of Clay County when you cross the river at I-435 and continue north past Worlds of Fun. We want to make a better impression on our residents and visitors.
While our crowds have been growing at a nice pace for Coffee Connect, a lot of you have not given the networking event a try. It’s worth your time. In April we took two mornings to listen to four of our CAPS kids in the Business Accelerator track talk about their becoming entrepreneurs. Very nice presentations and a lot of good advice was given from the business leaders in attendance. This week we had Robin Moore, the founder of MyCo Planet and her mushroom growing business. She went from sales of ten pounds a week to over 500 with some of the best-known restaurants as clients. On May 18th Joni Wickham, the Chief of Staff for and current business partner of former KC Mayor Sly James, will present. If any of you thought Joni was just in the room when the James’ Administration transformed KC with the new airport terminal, streetcar, convention hotel etc., you have not met her. You may want to read her book “The Thin Line Between Cupcake and Bitch” before attending. 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. And by the way, Sly finally saw the light and is now a Northlander.
Every year the Kansas City Business Journal announces their Capstone Awards to honor projects completed in the last year throughout the metro. Under Architectural design an award was given to the North Kansas City School District’s Winnetonka High School addition with JE Dunn Construction as the general contractor. Under the Office category the expansion and renovation at CRB received an honor. Briarcliff Development Company was the developer and the general contractor was Kelly Construction.
Our friends at Northland Neighbors Inc., through the Kansas City Health Department, are offering a Covid Booster Clinic May 14th from 10AM-2PM. On May 19th they will administer adult vaccinations for shingles, Pneumonia and TDAP from 2-5PM. NNI is located in the former Burlington Coat Factory at 5340 NE Chouteau Trafficway in Kansas City. The shots will be administered at the Raymond J. Brock, Jr. Hall.
This from our friends at the North Kansas City Business Council concerning a proposed streetcar route through Northtown: Something many of us have been discussing in recent months is the possibility of a streetcar extension into North Kansas City. A thorough feasibility study is in the process of being finalized. There are many logistical and financial issues to be considered. The study team has asked for your input in the form of a survey. Here is the link to an explanation of the study and a link to the survey. https://kcstreetcar.org/about-streetcar/northrail/. When you come to the Community Outreach section please take a few minutes to complete the survey. The online self-guided survey will be active from April 20 – May 13, 2022, and accessible from this webpage. Click here to provide feedback through an interactive online map and survey tool.When the link is connected you will see a reddish-orange block on the right-center side of the screen inviting you to take the survey. There is also a blue box above that inviting your comments. The schematics you will see shows two options for the streetcar through North Kansas City: along Burlington and along Swift. It also shows two options for linking the current streetcar route to get onto the Heart of America Bridge to cross into North Kansas City.
Interested in continuing education? The Missouri Department of Economic Development has set up a Computer Virtual Learning Platform for In-demand, On-demand stackable computer certifications with online monitored learning, including hands on labs. It is also an introduction to basic IT knowledge and skills. One of the programs ITF+, helps someone decide if a career in IT is a right fit for them. Click here for more information. You can also learn about Coursera, which Is taught by top instructors worldwide. Someone can earn industry recognized professional certifications. Most Courses can be learned in six months or less and at the person’s speed. It can also be used with employers and candidates and is free. It is a statewide project and there are no income guidelines. Clickhere for more information.
The Clay County 4-H Fair will be July 8-9 in Smithville this year’s. Sign up to be a contestant, sponsor or judge by clicking 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:
Today: Kearney Historic Museum presents Parade of Hearts artist Lisa Healey May 6th from 3-6PM
This weekend: Liberty’s Corbin Theatre presents The Laramie Project Ten Years Later 7:30PM
Tomorrow: Smithville’s Evening of Jazz May 7th at 7PM. Courtyard Park
Tomorrow: Gladstone’s Atkins-Johnson Farm’s Afternoon Tea 12-1:30 May 7th
Tomorrow: 14th annual Larson’s Cruise for the Cause May 7th at 1PM in downtown Smithville
Tomorrow: Historic Downtown Liberty Museum Walking Tour May 7th 10AM-3PM
Sunday is Mothers’ Day so do something nice at a Clay County venue
Excelsior Springs’ Second Friday May 13th
North Kansas City’s Friday Night Concerts May 13th at 7PM The Phil Collins Experience.
Northland Therapeutic Riding Center’s Mayfair, May 14th 10AM-4PM. Find out more about NTRC here.
Smithville’s Cornhole for a Cause May 14th at 1PM in front of the Bike Co-op at 112 S. Bridge St.
Smithville Main Street District’s Humphrey’s Gravel Grinder and Mental Health Awareness Fair May 14th
The Brandon Russell Flash Dash 5K in North Kansas City on May 21st
Maple Woods Community College’s Rockin’ in the Woods May 21st 1-7PM featuring Kansas City All Star Band
NKC Business Council’s Mickey Finn Scholarship Golf Tournament June 2nd at 12:30 at Staley Golf Course
Excelsior Springs Health Care Foundation golf tournament June 3rd at 9AM
Gladstone’s Linden Square’s Food.Art.Drink presented by ArtWerx June 3rd and 4th 5-9PM
Gladstone’s Atkins-Johnson Farm’s presents Yoga on the Farm Saturdays at 8AM June 11th – July 30th
Gladstone’s Bluesfest June 17th and 18th at Oak Grove Park
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.
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
