Clay County Resident Stacey Graves Becomes First KC Female Chief of Police: Kansas City’s Board of Police Commissioners unanimously named Stacey Gravesas the first female Chief in the department’s 148 year history yesterday. Chief Graves is a former Major of the Shoal Creek Patrol Division. Since April, Joseph Mabin, has been the Interim Chief of Police. Another former Shoal Creek Major, Chief Mabin showed during his eight months of leadership that the Board will not have to search too hard for Chief Graves’ replacement when she decides to call it a career.
Great Fundraising Start: Hunt Midwest became the first commitment to help the new Northland Workforce Development Center reach the $30 million match by pledging $2 million. President and CEO Ora Reynolds does not just lead in the Northland but also regionally as the Incoming Co-Chair of the Kansas City Area Development Council. During the last session our State Legislators allocated $30 million, half the cost of the $60 million project, with the caveat that we would have to raise the matching funds.
Thank You: We want to thank everyone who attended our Look North-Keystone Awards luncheon yesterday. At the same time we are so grateful for those of you who have invested in us by being members. You all have other opportunities to spend your time and money and we are humbled that you receive value by helping us make Clay County a better place to live, work and play.
Midwest Small Business Finance Success Story: In 2017 Neil Wilkerson was working as a computer engineer for a customer in the same building as your EDC and wanted to know about the SBA loans we offer. A year later Neil opened Dubious Claims Brewing Company in Excelsior Springs following his passion for brewing. Watch the N-CAPS students’ video telling his story by clicking here.
FCC Broadband Map to Determine How $42 Billion is Spent: This from Kearney ADC Executive Director Shawna Searcy: The FCC recently released maps of broadband coverage to be considered when determining Missouri’s share of federal broadband funding. I encourage you to make sure that your home and businesses are correctly represented on the map! See full details from the MO Office of Broadband Development here! “Missourians have until January 13 to file challenges to the FCC Broadband Map to be considered when determining Missouri’s share of federal broadband funding. The Office of Broadband Development encourages Missourians to make sure their homes, businesses, and communities are correctly represented on the maps to ensure locations are eligible for funding and receive their fair share.
Supply Chain Education: In response to the need to address today’s critical supply chain challenges, the MU Extension is now offering a non-credit Certificate in Supply Chain Management. This 100% online, two-course certificate is designed and delivered by MU experts in global supply chain management. The certificate program is a great professional development opportunity for all levels of supply chain roles in manufacturing. For this spring they are offering the certificate program as a workforce training under the UM System Manufacturer Partnership’s project fund. Interested Missouri manufacturers can request up to 50% in funding from the Partnership to send one or more employees through the certificate program. Spots are limited and manufacturers would need to enroll their employees prior to Friday, January 6 to take advantage of the matching funding. For more information click here.
NKC Streetscape Completed: On Tuesday city officials cut the ribbon on the new downtown streetscape project in North Kansas City. The third of three phases began in July. Read more by clicking here.
Election Filing Ends Soon: Filing for candidates for the Tuesday, April 4, 2023 election ends Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at 5:00 PM in accordance with 115.127.5 RSMo.
We Are Down to Three Pups and Two 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.
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: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR, Liberty’s Corbin Theatre Dec 16th & 17th 3 shows
Tomorrow: National Wreaths Across America Day Dec 17th at 11AM
Tomorrow: Smithville’s The Tree of Honor Dec 17th 1-3PM American Legion Post 58, 2607 MO 92
Tomorrow: A Little Christmas Music, Liberty’s Corbin Theatre Dec 17th 7PM
Through December 25th: Excelsior Springs’ Lane of Lights 5:30PM through Lover’s Lane
Sunday: Ava Powers Live, Liberty’s Corbin Theatre Dec 18th 6PM
William Jewell’s High School Holiday Classic Dec 27-30
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
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
