How many people complaining about inflation and the high price of gas kept us up late with their fireworks last week? Just saying.
The sign-up deadline for our State of the Cities luncheon, sponsored by Ford Motor Company, is today at 5:00PM. A lot has happened in the past year so you will not want to miss it. Tickets are $35 or a table of eight for $250. You can register here.
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.
North Kansas City Hospital’s VP of Facilities and Support Services and EDC Board of Directors Nic Riesenberg was featured last week in the American Health Care Leader. When your EDC has an issue or needs to be introduced, Nic is a go to leader. Read the article here.
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.
This week let’s go to the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary at 407 N. La Frenz Rd. in Liberty. With a motto of “Leave only footprints, take only memories” the sanctuary offers engaging hands-on environmental and natural science education for all ages, along with biodiversity of native plants and animals through wise management of our natural resources. With an understanding that all of earth’s inhabitants are part of complex, interdependent ecosystems while providing opportunities for quiet reflection with the natural world. The area is open for hiking, nature study, birding, photography, sketching and relaxing in the beauty of the natural world. Their nature center has live animal exhibits, classrooms and a library.
Mid-Continent Public Library’s Board of Trustees appointed Susan Wray as the Acting Director until the Board selects a permanent replacement. Wray, the library’s Assistant Director and Chief Operating Officer, took the place of Steve Potter who retired June 30th.
Kearney was once again ranked in the 20 safest cities in Missouri by Safewise coming in at twelve.
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.
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: Excelsior Springs’ Second Fridays July 8th
Today: North Kansas City’s Friday Night Concert July 8th– 7PM – Macken Park with Rock & Roll Never Forgets
This weekend: Gladstone’s Theatre in the Park featuring Legally Blond July 8-10 at Oak Grove Park
Tomorrow: Kearney’s Second Saturday July 9th
This week: Northland Neighborhood Inc’s Quarterly Crime Watch Meeting July 11th 6-8PM 5340 NE Choteau Trfw
This week: Liberty’s Moonlight Yoga July 13th at 9:45PM at Stocksdale Park
Gladstone’s Linden Square’ featuring Switch July 15th at 7:00
Smithville’s Whiskey Walk & Summer Market July 16th from 3PM-7PM 107 E Main St.
Gladstone’s Linden Square’ featuring Burning Piano Show July 16th 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
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
