Congratulations to Excelsior Springs leaders for being awarded a $21.5 million RAISE Grant with help from Congressman Sam Graves. The infrastructure injection will improve the entire west side of the city. The amount is even more impressive when you see that Kansas City received $5 million, Independence $10.16 million and Maryville, another city in the Congressman’s district, $5,925,780. Read more from our friends at Kearney’s 102.7 KPGZ news by clicking here.
CNBC ranked Missouri as the best state in the US for low business costs. Per Missouri Partnership “Starting in 2020, Missouri’s corporate income tax rate dropped to 4 percent, making it one of the most tax-friendly states in the U.S. Missouri also moved to a single factor, market-based corporate income tax apportionment model based only on sales. Corporate benefits such as low business and labor costs, customized training programs, reliable and inexpensive energy, aggressive and performance-based incentives and a statewide commitment to attracting companies and investment, make Missouri the best state in the nation for companies looking to grow and thrive”. Unfortunately a 49th ranking for workforce and 46th rating in life, health and inclusion dropped us to 25th overall. Our State Legislature is looking at a new tax cut next year. Maybe we would be better off if the income reduction might be better used by enhancing these areas?
We were excited to learn from Representative Doug Richey (R38) of Excelsior Springs that he is running for the powerful Speaker of the House position. Representative Richey is the only candidate in the race at this time. No Clay County legislator has ever been voted Speaker. First elected to the House in 2018, you can read more about Representative Richey’s work in Jefferson City here. You will be impressed.
KCSourceLink announced that the Global Entrepreneurship Week will be held right here in Clay County. The weeklong event that draws thousands to network, learn and grow will have its main events at iWerx in North Kansas City and surrounding locations from November 14th-20th. “The iWerx team is excited to be the base camp for GEWKC 2022,” says Bob Martin, founding partner of the iWerx family of coworking and enterprise development facilities. “The small businesses that have set up shop here have defined our character and made North Kansas City a destination for entertainment, culture and community,” says Adam Roberts, serial entrepreneur, owner of Screenland Armour Theatre and North Kansas City councilmember. “We hope to foster some of that entrepreneurial energy at GEWKC, as entrepreneurs and their champions connect to learn more about how to start, grow and accelerate businesses.”
Last Friday afternoon Governor Mike Parson announced two new members to the six-person MoDOT Commission. Both are friends of your EDC. Warren Erdman, EVP of KC Southern, played a large role in the 2018 Prop D gas tax ballot issue. Even though the measure failed statewide it passed in the Kansas City Metro and led to the increase recently passed by the General Assembly. The other appointment is Brian Treece, the former Mayor of Columbia from 2016-2022.
The Urban Louvre open house and art sale takes place tomorrow from 10AM-3PM. Hosted by Jan Jensen Artists, this is a delightful opportunity to meet members of Kansas City’s vibrant art community. The event will be at iWerx, 1520 Clay St. in North Kansas City.
Do you want to know what is going on in the Northland concerning economic development? The Parkville Chamber is hosting the directors of both the Platte and Clay County EDCs for their September 13th luncheon. For more information or to register, click here.
This week lets visit Smithville Lake, a 7,200-acre lake with more than 175 miles of shoreline. Located just 20 miles from downtown Kansas City, there are several recreational opportunities available to the outdoor enthusiast that include: 2 swim beaches, 752 campsites, reservable shelters, 2 full service marinas including boat rentals, 1 sailboat only marina, dockside restaurant, 2 public 18-hole golf courses within the Paradise Pointe Golf Complex, 4 disc golf courses, great fishing whether from shore or by boat, 37 miles of walking/biking trails, 11.5 miles of single-track mountain biking trails, 32 miles of equestrian trails, home to Kansas City Trapshooters Association, public hunting that includes managed goose hunts as well as youth and ADA white-tail deer and wild turkey hunts, and an aggressive 2,300 acre native grassland revitalization project. If you are in for an adventure stop by Paradise Outfitters and rent a kayak, paddleboard or bike.
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: North Kansas City’s Movies in the Park – Sing 2 Aug 19th dusk at Macken Park
Today: Gladstone’s Linden Square’ featuring Vinyl Revival August 19th at 7:00
This weekend: Excelsior Springs’ BBQ & Fly-in on the River Aug 19th -20th Downtown
Tomorrow: Gladstone’s Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum Restoration Run Aug 20th at 8AM
Tomorrow: The Urban Louvre open house and art sale Aug 20th 10AM-3PM iWerx NKCMO
Tomorrow: Excelsior Springs’ Home Brew CompetitionAug 20th 11-4 downtown Excelsior
Tomorrow: Liberty’s Dog Days of Summer Craft Beer Crawl Aug 20th 1-5PM at the Square
Tomorrow: Kearney’s Amphitheatre – Silver Bullet: A tribute to Bob Seger Aug 20th 7:00
Tomorrow: Gladstone’s Linden Square’ – 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
Kansas City’s Shoal Creek Reenactment – Sept 3 -10AM-3PM Shoal Creek Living History Museum
Excelsior Springs’ Second Fridays September 9th
Kearney’s Second Saturday September 10th
Northland Neighborhoods Inc., Muffins & a Movie (Mr. and Mrs. Bridge) Sep 14th 9AM. Terri 816-454-2000
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).
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 apply 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.
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 5.520% for ten years, 5.349% for 20 years and 5.419% 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.
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
