Instead of having our own bed build this year, your EDC has decided to join Elaina on July 16th from 8AM-4PM at Kauffman Stadium’s lot N. Last year we built 50 beds and finished 30 others at the Liberty Square allowing 80 Northland kiddos to have the ability to no longer sleep on the floor. Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation Elaina was granted one ask. While most kids pick a destination vacation, Elaina wished to put 300 kiddos in beds through Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Three local chapters of SHP will gather to make her dream come true. If you would like to join us click here. No experience or tools are necessary. Like last year, Harrah’s has donated $5,000 and will bring a team of workers. If you would like to contribute you may click here or bring bedding to either the build or your EDC. No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.
In less than two weeks you EDC will host the annual State of the Cities/County luncheon. You may see what is new in your city, but this gives you a once-a-year update on everything happening in Clay County. We only host two luncheons a year, plus our annual meeting as we spend a lot of time attending and presenting at other EDCs. Chambers and businesses. Tickets are $35 or a table of eight for $250. You can register here.
This week let’s just take a tour of our County and watch the fireworks. Starting tonight in Smithville you can join the festivities beginning at 6PM at 17201 Paradesian St. You can enjoy a meal at any of their fine restaurants beforehand or maybe catch the Eagles tribute band, Lyin’ Eyes, at Gladstone’s Linden Square before heading north. Sunday night the fireworks will be in Kearney at The Amphitheater where you can listen to Tate Stevens. Of course Kearney has a lot of fun places to visit and dine so why not make a day of it? Also on Sunday it is time to head to Liberty’s Cap Fed Sports Complex for the fireworks and find a meal or two as you enjoy their amenities. On the Fourth you can spend the day in Excelsior Springs, Gladstone or Worlds of Fun before catching their shows. As always, you can find more details and events at the bottom of our letter.
There will be no Coffee Connect this Wednesday but IWerx at 1520 Clay Street in North Kansas City will host a meet the author at 4PM this Thursday. On hand will be Terry Reed, the co-author of the best selling book “Compromised: Clinton, Bush and the CIA”. The book was made into the movie “American Made” starring Tom Cruise. It is the story of the pact which had Bill Clinton made Governor of Arkansas. It tells how his political ambitions and his pledge to create jobs for Arkansas led him to compromise his ideals in exchange for support for his presidential candidacy in 1992. The author writes as an insider in the deal. He was recruited into Arkansas operation by Oliver North, and reveals how the black operations in Arkansas worked, from the training of Contra pilots and the manufacture of weapon parts – all in violation of a congressional ban on Contra aid – to the airdrops of cash into Arkansas by CIA operative Barry Seal. Seal disclosed to Reed that more than nine million dollars was dropped from planes onto secret drop zones and later laundered through an investment banking firm whose president had close ties with Clinton.
Northland CAPSis looking for a new Medicine & Healthcare instructor for the 2022-23 school year. If anyone is interested in joining their team to provide professional learning experiences and career exploration opportunities for high school juniors and seniors from across the Northland, the job description and application can be found HERE. If a potential candidate has questions, they can email info@northlandcaps.org or call the Northland CAPS office at (816)977-8111. Northland CAPS is in the process of curating business partner projects for Fall of 2022. If your business has a project that’s important enough to be on your to-do list but you can’t ever seem to find the time do it, consider passing it along to Northland CAPS student associates to tackle! You can get started by completing their Project Request form. If you just want to brainstorm some ideas, you can schedule a meeting or simply call the Northland CAPS office at (816)977-8111.
Liberty Public Schools will again be hosting the Virtual Vendor Fair in August 2022! As was offered the last two years, an online portal will be available to our staff that will showcase raffle items (gift certificates, coupons, discounts,etc.) from local businesses. This is also a great way for businesses to advertise their products/services! If you would be interested in participating in this virtual event, please contact Andrea Snider (andrea.snider@lps53.org) for more information. They are also excited to bring back the LPS Youth Mentor Program! Through this program, community volunteers are paired with a student(s) and can participate in activities such as tutoring, reading, having lunch together and more. For more information or to sign-up, please click here to view the program flyer.
A long-time effort by Deb Hermann and her team at Northland Neighbors, Inc. has been to have a complete makeover of the former K-Mart Plaza at Vivion and Antioch Roads. While a purchase has not been finalized, the KCATA has hired a firm, IFF, wanting you to share your opinion with them to help future developments for childcare. Two big parts of providing a necessary workforce are transportation and childcare. This survey is for Greater Kansas City residents to provide ideas and opinions for potential future childcare options in their neighborhood. This survey will take about 5 to 10 minutes and closes July 10th. The summarized results will be shared with the KCATA and RideKC Development Corp and other organizations that want to support childcare options in your area. As a thanks, IFF will send you $15 gift card to Amazon (email gift cards). You can take the survey 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 5.477% for ten years, 5.588% for 20 years and 5.628% 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: Gladstone’s Linden Square’ featuring Lyin’ Eyes July 1st at 7:00
Tonight: Smithville’s Fireworks display July 1st at 6PM 17201 Paradesian St.
Tomorrow: Kearney Fireworks Celebration July 3rd at 5:30 at the Amphitheater – Tate Stevens
This weekend: Liberty FestJuly 3rd – Cap Fed Sports Complex 2200 E Old 210 Highway 6PM Lost Wax
This weekend: Gladstone’s 4th of July Celebration at Oak Grove Park 7656 N Troost Ave at 7PM
This weekend: Excelsior Springs 4th of July fireworks at 9:15 at the Elms Hotel and Spa
This weekend: Worlds of Fun July 4th at 9:30. Park opens at 11AM and closes at 9:00
This week:
Liberty’s Corbin Theatre presents Heaven is Beautiful June 30th -July 2nd at 7:30PM
Gregg Williams Tiger Classic Golf Tournament July 6th – 8th
Excelsior Springs’ Second Fridays July 8th
North Kansas City’s Friday Night Concert July 8th – 7PM – Macken Park – Rock & Roll Never Forgets
Gladstone’s Theatre in the Park featuring Legally Blond July 8-10 at Oak Grove Park
Kearney’s Second Saturday July 9th – 5:00 pm – Kearney School District office parking lot
Gladstone’s Linden Square’ featuring Switch July 15th at 7:00
Gladstone’s Linden Square’ featuring Burning Piano Show July 16th at 7:00
Northland Chamber’s Golf Tournament July 27th at 7AM at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex
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
