In 2012 voters in Clay and Jackson Counties backed a 1/8th cent sales tax to support the Kansas City Zoo. The additional money, about $17 million, was to make a world-class zoo. Last year Kansas City wanted to cut their once $5 million allocation from $2 to $1 million dollars. This year the City wants to cut out the $2.7 million allocation for water reimbursement. Last year the Board was able to successfully return the $1 million to the budget. The Zoological Commissioners consist of two Clay County and two Jackson County representatives along with a KC Park Board member and the Zoo’s Executive Director. Representing Clay County are Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte and former EDC Chair Greg Canuteson who now Chairs the Zoo Board. Your EDC has discussed the situation with both of our representatives and one from Jackson County. The zoo is a regional asset owned by Kansas City. To get more regional support, maybe from the other six counties in the Metro, Kansas City will need to pay their fair share. The Zoo Board met yesterday and was very clear about proper funding.
Congratulations to our Northland Leaders! Northland leader and Riverside Mayor Kathy Rose was presented with the Distinguished Service Award at the Missouri Municipal League’s Annual Conference this week. Given to one person each year in the State for their impact on municipal government, this is quite the honor. The MML, formed in 1934 to strengthen cities through unity and cooperation, elected Kearney Alderwoman Gerri Spencer to their Board. She joins Smithville Mayor Damien Boley, North Kansas City Mayor Bryant DeLong, Kansas City Councilwoman Heather Hall and Mayor Rose to represent the Northland. Also at the conference North Kansas City Deputy City Administrator Kim Nakahodo was recognized for completing the Certified Municipal Official program.
This Tuesday at our Civic and Legislative Affairs meeting we will be discussing how to move forward with our “587” plan. You can review the Olsson draft here. We have to take the dream and make it happen. We need your help. This is more of a change of attitude than a plan. The Northland is approaching 400,000 residents yet we are content to go to other areas of the Metro for everything from entertainment to graduations. Help us make a difference. The CLA will gather September 22nd at 7:30AM in the lower level of the i-Werx building at 7001 N. Locust in Gladstone.
Last Friday afternoon Governor Parson appointed Clay County Prosecutor Dan White to fill the open 7th Judicial Circuit Associate Judge position. Serving as Prosecutor since 2004, White is a Democrat appointed by our Republican Governor who believes in putting tough on crime leaders into positions over party affiliation. Zach Thompson, also a believer in law enforcement, was unopposed in his bid for White’s job and will take over the office.
Our partner Rudy Chavez with the Missouri AFL-CIO notified us that the Missouri Apprentice Ready Program, Greater Kansas City is now accepting applications for the September cohort. This is an opportunity for anyone 18 years or older. Click here for more information or to register.
Our friends at MoDOT want us to fill out a survey about I-70. The concerned area is in Jackson County but so much of our business comes from I-70 and it is important that we give our input. Please click here.
Getting Involved! Know that we would love to have you get involved with one or more of our committees. NEBAmeets the first Tuesday of the month from 11:45 until 1. Quality of Life is at 3:30 on the second Wednesday and Civic and Legislative Affairs the third Tuesday at 7:30AM.
Northland Neighborhoods, Inc. is hosting the Kansas City Health Department for a vaccine clinic from 2-5PM on October 13th, November 10th and December 8th. They will administer Tdap, COVID and the flu vaccines. Please call 816-454-2000 with any questions.
Our friends at Meta have created a program to boost the marketing of your business on Facebook and Instagram. META has created a toolkit with marketing assets that can be accessed HERE. The website to register is fb.me/SmallBusinessStudioKC. The free workshops will be held September 21st to 22nd.
Our friends at William Jewell College will be breaking ground on a new Link capital improvement that will connect the college in various modes. Like virtual flying? Click here and hang on. The groundbreaking will be October 1st at 10:30AM at the Bowles Drive Triangle.
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.”
Coffee Connect – Networking! Your EDC helps to sponsor a weekly networking event, Coffee Connect, brining 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.
The Doniphan Leadership Institute’s spring 2023 cohort is 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.
Investing in your business with a new building or fixed assets? 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 5.877% for ten years, 5.797% for 20 years and 5.877% 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’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:
This Weekend: Kearney’s Jesse James Festival September 16th-18th at Jesse James Park
This Weekend: Worlds of Fun’s Haunt Fridays and Saturdays starting September 16th.
Tonight: Gladstone’s Linden Square’ featuring Retroactive September 16th at 7:00
Tomorrow: Smithville’s 5K and Family Fun Run September 17th at 8:30AM at Heritage Park
Tomorrow: Smithville’s Old Fashioned Street Faire September 17th 10AM-6PM downtown
Tomorrow: Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch opens September 17th to October 31st
Tomorrow: 33rd Annual Lake Clean Up Day at Smithville Lake Sep 17th-9AM-noon.
Meet at Sailboat Cove Shower House. Please call 816-407-3400 for more information.
Tomorrow: Gladstone’s Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum Big Shoal County Fair Sep 17th 10AM 4PM
Tomorrow: Gladstone’s Fiesta on the Square September 17th 5-9PM at Linden Square
Tomorrow: Worlds of Fun’sGreat Pumpkin Festbegins September 17th
This week: Liberty’s Corbin Theatre -The Iliad, the Odyssey and All of Greek Mythology in 90 Minutes or Less Sep 22nd-25th at 7:30
Gladstone’s Linden Square’ featuring Phil Vandel September 23rd at 7:00
Liberty’s Fall Festival September 23rd-25th at the Courthouse Square
Excelsior Springs Pups & Pumpkins 5K September 24
North Kansas City’s Pint Path September 24th from 12-5PM. Visit over 20 businesses.
Smithville’s BBQ Bash/Junkville September 24th
Excelsior Springs Mug Shots September 24th noon-5PM downtown Excelsior Springs
Kearney Chamber of Commerce 2nd Annual Harvest GalaSeptember 29th 6-9PM Tobacco Barn Farm
Gladstone’s GladfestSeptember 30th to October 2nd at Linden Square
Excelsior Springs Hospital Annual Gala October 27th at 6PM at the Elms Hotel
Kansas City Parks has published their Fall 2022 Activity Guide. Take a look at it here.
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).
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 CCEDC is on the move. Click to join a committee, or to investwith us.
Thanks, from your friends at the Clay County EDC
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
