Saint Luke’s and Northland Leader to Retire: Adele Ducharme, MSN, MBA, FACHE, CEO of Saint Luke’s North Hospital has announced her intention to retire March 24, 2023. Your EDC is thankful for her service to the Northland and especially her contributions to our Board as a Director. The search for a new CEO will be conducted soon. Adele will work to make sure the leadership transition is seamless.
Last Day to Register for the Look North and Keystone December 15th: Dave Horn, who led the effort to revitalize both the Antioch and Metro North Malls, will be honored with the Look North award at your EDC’s luncheon December 15th. Businesses in the Northland that have made a significant contribution to help build Clay County’s economy will also be recognized with a Keystone. Seats are $40 with tables of eight for $300. You can register here.
Graves is in the Final Three for KCPD Top Job: Acting Deputy Chief Stacey Graves, the former Major in charge of the Shoal Creek Patrol Division, has been named one of the three finalists for the Kansas City Chief of Police. A 25-year veteran, Graves would become the first female Chief in KCPD’s history. The two other candidates are outside the department. A Board of Police Commissioners’ press release states that the three finalists will participate in a community town hall tomorrow from 10-11AM at the Mohart Center, 3200 Wayne Avenue. Current Interim Chief Joseph Mabin was the Shoal Creek Major before Graves.
Senator Roy Blunt’s Farewell Speech: A former dairy farmer and history teacher, Roy Blunt will retire from the United States Senate next month. Serving as Secretary of State from 1985-1993, Senator Blunt was elected to Congress in 1997. Since 2011 he has represented Missouri in the US Senators. Here is his final Senate speech.
Gladstone Receives Outstanding Plan Award: The American Planning Association-Missouri Chapter selected Gladstone’s North Oak Corridor Complete Street Plan for their outstanding plan award per the City’s press release. The award panel felt this plan should be an example for other plans throughout the state of Missouri.
Alpha & Omega and the Bell Rings Twice on Simone Award: For 40 years the Thomas A. Simone Award has been given to the most outstanding high school football player in greater Kansas City. Kendrick Bell, the Park Hill quarterback, received the 2022 award. In 2017 his brother Ronnie Bell won the honor as a Park Hill wide receiver. They are the first siblings to receive the honor. The inaugural award went to Park Hill quarterback Jeff Kelso in 1983. Click here for the story of the 12-year-old namesake of the award.
We Are Down to Four Pups and Three Kittens: There are still dogs and cats available for adoption at the Maple Woods Veterinary Technology School. What a great Christmas present for both of you! Click here to see who is still in need of a new home.
Maple Woods Award Seven Scholarships: MCC Maple Woods President Dr. Larry Rideaux presented seven $500 scholarships Wednesday at the second annual President’s Northland Scholarship Breakfast. The recipients were Rylan Bishop, Robert Blann, Mary Lewis, Ellie McCroskie, Samantha Simmons, Olivia Sudmann and Unique Watson. You can still donate by clicking here. For more information, contact President Rideaux at MW.President@MCCKC.edu.
Things To Do in Clay: 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: Atkins-Johnson Farm’s Holiday Toys Dec 9th & 10th 11AM-4PM
Tomorrow: Christmas at Shoal Creek Dec 10 10-3PM at the Shoal Creek Living History Museum 7000 NE Barry Rd
Tomorrow: Kearney’s Magical Night Dec 10th 6PM in Downtown Kearney
Tomorrow: Smithville’s Santa at the Fire Station Dec 10th 10AM-2PM 341 Park Drive
Tomorrow: Pleasant Valley and Glenaire’s Santa on the Firetruck Dec 10th at 9AM
Tomorrow: Excelsior Springs Cocktails & Candy Canes Dec 10th noon-5
Tomorrow: Atkins-Johnson Farm’s Holiday Nights Dec 10th 7-9PM
This week: Briarcliff Business Partner Alliance will host their Holly Jolly Jackpot Event Dec 16th
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).
Wreath For a Veteran: December 17th is National Wreaths Across America Day when volunteers remember, honor and teach via a coordinated wreath-laying ceremony. At the same time veterans are acknowledged at Arlington National Cemetery, more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 States, at sea and abroad will have grave sites decorated. To learn, volunteer or donate, click here. Four cemeteries in Clay County, Terrace Park, Fairview, White Chapel and Fairview-New Hope are participating.
Eagle Days: If you are not getting the Missouri Department of Conservation’s monthly magazine you might want to look into it by clicking here. Even if you do not hunt or fish the magazine has great information and outstanding photography. The latest edition may be read here. The December issues features information on Eagle Days. From now until the end of winter is a great time to head to Smithville Lake to watch these majestic birds in action. Your EDC suggests Eagle’s View Trail.
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 5.877% for ten years, 6.586% for 20 years and 6.654% 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.
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
