Worlds of Fun is turning 50 this year and brining back the Zambezi Zinger. Unfortunately it is a new roller coaster with an old name and not the original. Those of us old enough to remember recall the park’s first power roller coaster which had no seat belts or height restrictions. It’s amazing how much the rides have developed over the years and while the original Zinger would probably be boring in this day and age, the memories of almost touching the trees and zipping through a concrete tunnel will be special to those of us who got zinged around.
Groundbreaking for the new Woodneath Library Center Auditorium is at 9AM today. Construction on the new 236-seat auditorium began on September 14, 2020 at the library located at 8900 NE Flintlock Road in Kansas City. The project was completed in Winter 2021 but has not hosted public programs due to delays in delivery of technical equipment. The new facility, which offers a range of technology and audiovisual capabilities, was built as part of the Library’s Capital Improvement Plan.
We hosted our first Quality of Life committee meeting this week. Tammy Henderson, Executive Director – Community Relations for the North Kansas City School District was appointed Chair. There was a great discussion of what is missing from our county and how do we bring those amenities to the Northland. Your EDC, through this committee, is working to create strategic growth instead of hodge-podge development. Our population is going to continue to grow and how we do it is still up to us. Remember to mark your calendars for our Civic and Legislative Affairs Committee gathering August 16th at 7:30AM.
NetWerx will be hosting a Female Forward Networkingevent to be held the first Thursday of every month starting September 1st from 5:30-7PM at the iWerx Bui9lding 1520 Clay St. in North Kansas City. They will have drinks and light treats. The first one is going to be very laid back so they can get input on what everyone is really looking for in a networking event. Text or e-mail Heather for more information at 660-539-5494 or iwerxevents@gmail.com.
Clay County Sheriff Will Akin will host a Citizens’ Academy to offer a behind-the-scenes look into the daily operation of the Sheriff’s Office. This free program aims to increase rapport with the public through education, thereby dispelling misinformation and giving participants a greater understanding of why they do what they do. The course is a nine-week, 30-hour program and meets on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. There are typically sessions in the spring and fall. This program allows Sheriff’s Deputies and Clay County residents to interact and exchange ideas about making our community safer. The next Citizens Academy session will be Sept. 20 – Nov. 15, 2022. Graduation will be Nov. 17. You can applyhere.
This week lets visit the Excelsior Springs’ Museum and Archives located at 101 E. Broadway. The Museum & Archives houses the largest collection of Excelsior Springs artifacts and art anywhere. In recent years, several traveling exhibits have been displayed here. The building itself is a major attraction, designed by noted architect Louis Curtis as the Clay County State Bank, with a unique arched ceiling and reproductions of “The Gleaners” and “The Angelus” — considered invaluable today. Offering displays in two historic buildings, the museum gift shop has specialty items including the famous “Tripp Flag” print. Kids will enjoy playing on the replica of the Lake Maurer Special train engine. A genealogical center is also housed in the museum space. While there, take time to enjoy the tastefully redone downtown.
Networking Event 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 helps to sponsor weekly educational programs designed to engage, educate and accelerate communities of entrepreneurs and small business owners.
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 August 12th
Today: NKC’s Friday Night Concerts Raitt & Rondstat Revival August 12th 7PM at Macken Park
This weekend: Gladstone Theatre in the Park presents Li’l Abner August 12-14th
Tomorrow: Smithville’s Festi-Ville – Diamond Rio is August 13th at 3:00 Town Square
Tomorrow: Kearney’s Second Saturday August 13th
North Kansas City’s Movies in the Park featuring Sing 2 August 19th Macken Park
Excelsior Springs’ BBQ & Fly-in on the River August 19th and 20th Downtown
Gladstone’s Linden Square’ featuring Vinyl Revival August 19th at 7:00
Gladstone’s Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum Restoration Run August 20th at 8AM
Excelsior Springs’ Home Brew CompetitionAugust 20th 11-4 at downtown Excelsior
Liberty’s Dog Days of Summer Craft Beer Crawl August 20th 1-5PM at the Square
Kearney’s Amphitheatre –Silver Bullet: A tribute to Bob Seger August 20th at 7:00
Gladstone’s Linden Square’ featuring Ridin’ the Storm Out August 20th at 6:30
Gladstone’s Linden Square’ featuring State Line Drive August 26th at 7:00
Kearney’s Amphitheatre’s Tom Carey Appreciation Night – Great Balls of Fire August 27th at 7:00
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 State of the Cities’/County presentations are on our webpage. You can also go to the individual reports by clicking here. Great information.
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.
North Kansas City Hospital opened its third northland outpatient location yesterday at 5400 N. Oak Trafficway with a physical therapy and sports medicine clinic. For more information, click here.
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.
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.
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
