Leaders Magazine, a national publication, did a spot on the Kansas City Metropolitan area and of the five leaders selected, two are people making a huge difference in the Northland. Ora Reynolds, President and CEO of Hunt Midwest, leads the largest full-service real estate development firm in the Kansas City Metro. She is also the Co-Chair of the Kansas City Area Development Council. You can read her story here. The other Northland selection is Pat Klein, the Director of Aviation for both KCI and the Wheeler Airports. In addition to leading the airports he is in charge of overseeing the $1.5 billion new terminal at KCI. The terminal is set to open on time and on budget this March. You can read about him here. Also on the list is KCADC President and CEO Tim Cowden whose team is responsible for recruiting and retaining businesses to the Metro. With the new terminal, his group will spend a lot of time in the Northland. Read his story here. It goes without saying that these three leaders and their teams played a huge role in bringing the 2023 NFL draft and the 2026 World Cup to Kansas City.
A big thank you to all of you who attended our State of the Cities/County luncheon yesterday. Our Mayors and Presiding Commissioner did a nice job of presenting the great information their staffs provided. There were so many comments from our guests about how well the cities work together and with the county. That collaboration is just huge when it comes to getting things done. If you weren’t one of the over 200 people in attendance, you can soon see all of the presentations on our webpage. It also has gone unsaid for way too long but Dale Garrison of Dale Garrison Editorial Services makes sure the presentations are put together and properly ran at your EDC events. He also writes our monthly detailed newsletter. We are very pleased with his work.
This week let’s go to the Shoal Creek Living History Museum in Kansas City’s Hodge Park. The museum has 21 structures with 17 authentic 19th century buildings dating back from 1807-1885. The historic log cabins and homes were relocated from surrounding counties to create a village setting. The grounds are open daily, dawn until dusk, and free of charge unless during a special event. The buildings are open during special events. You can enjoy self-guided tours by using the walking tour guide brochures which has building details and dates. Brochures are located at the front entrance off Barry Road at the information box, kiosk and mercantile front porch. Picnic under the large shade trees or venture out on the walking trails throughout Hodge Park. Catch a glimpse of the bison and visit the chickens (spring through the fall) in the coop behind the Stollings House. You can walk a trail from Barry Road to Shoal Creek Parkway.
Our friends at Northland Neighborhoods, Inc. have invited all of the candidates for the Clay County Commission to a forum on July 20th beginning at 7:00PM. While Clay County mayors and your EDC led the effort to change our county government, creating seven commissioners instead of the previous three members, we know those efforts will be futile unless quality candidates are elected by informed voters. This is an opportunity to get the facts instead of reading only what a candidate wants you to see from a brochure. Moderated by retired political journalist Mike Mahoney, the forum will be held at the Raymond R. Brock, Jr. Hall located at 5340 NE Chouteau Trafficway in Kansas City.
It will be hot so no one is expecting anyone to stay for the whole time but we hope that many of you can help Elaina’s wish come true this next Saturday. 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.
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 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 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 Switch July 15th at 7:00
Tomorrow: Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed build 8AM-4PM at Lot N at the Truman Sports Complex
Tomorrow: Smithville’s Whiskey Walk & Summer Market July 16th from 3PM-7PM 107 E Main St.
Tomorrow: Gladstone’s Linden Square’ featuring Burning Piano Show July 16th at 7:00
This week: County Commission Candidate Forum at Northland Neighborhoods July 20th at 7:00
North Kansas City’s Movies in the Park featuring Encanto July 22 at dusk in Macken Park
Gladstone’s Linden Square’ featuring Flashback July 22nd at 7:00
Kearney presents Shooting Star at the Amphitheater July 23rd at 7:00PM
Grand Carnivale Ethnic Festival at Worlds of Fun July 23rd through August 7th at 5:00PM
Northland Chamber’s Golf Tournament July 27th at 7AM at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex
Liberty’s National Night Out August 2nd from 6-9PM on the Historic Downtown Square
Excelsior Springs’ Second Fridays August 12th
Kearney’s Second Saturday August 13th
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
