New County Commissioners Sworn In: Clay County ushered in its new form of government with Tuesday’s swearing in of Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte, Western District-At Large Commissioner Jason Withington, Eastern District-At Large Commissioner JoAnn Lawson, Western Commissioner Jay Johnson, and Eastern Commissioner Scott Wagner. Nolte, Johnson and Wagner were elected to four-year terms while Withington and Lawson won two-year seats. They will join sitting commissioners Megan Thompson (Eastern District) and Jon Carpenter (Western District). Also sworn in were County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson and County Auditor Victor Hurlbert. Two years ago over 81% voted to adopt a new Clay County Constitution which changed the number of commissioners from three to seven. Kellie Houx, Community Editor of the Courier Tribune did a great job of covering the event. You can see her detailed report by clicking here.
Start With Older Homes: While the rest of the world is concerned about the high cost of homes and interest rates, your EDC’s Quality of Life Committee wants to talk about how some of our older housing stock would be great fits for first-time homebuyers. How do we get the word out about starting out in Clay County? The committee will be meeting this Wednesday, January 11th at 3:30 in our conference room. If you want to help make the Clay County quality of life better, come and join the discussion.
Planning the Future of Our Infrastructure: Your EDC is hosting the first of many future transportation planning sessions January 17th at 7:30AM in our office. It is imperative that our members, elected officials and those involved with the infrastructure needs of the Northland come together to set not only priorities but funding mechanisms. Our growth demands that we either be out front on this issue or have years of consequences. Please join us as we talk everything from interstates to bike trails. We need your input. The Mid-America Regional Council, the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Metro, has numerous funding sources that can assist in the costs, but many other counties and municipalities are after the same dollars.
Municipal Elections: Kearney Mayor Randy Pogue, former Liberty Mayor Greg Canuteson, Glenaire’s Frankie Petty and former Pleasant Valley Board President James Smith will be unopposed in their mayors’ races this April. See who filed for Smithville, Liberty and North Kansas City by clicking on the city’s name. We’ll track down the other cities and school districts as they become available.
Eagle Days This Weekend: Your EDC has been promoting a trip to Smithville Lake to see eagles up close for about a month. This weekend will be the best opportunity to also learn about these majestic birds. Eagle Days at Smithville Lake activities will be held at Paradise Pointe Golf Course beginning at 9AM Saturday and 10:30AM Sunday ending both days at 3:30PM. Missouri Department of Conservation agents will be on hand for information and to answer questions.
Vaccines Available This Week: Northland Neighborhoods, Inc is hosting a vaccine clinic this Thursday, January 12th from 2-5PM at the Raymond R Brock Jr. Hall 5340 NE Chouteau Trafficway. Flu, COVID, pneumonia and shingles vaccines will be administered.
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 week: Northland Neighborhood’s Muffin & Movie Jan 11th 9AM Jerry & Marge Go Large
Liberty’s Girls Night Out Jan 26th 4-8PM in Historic Downtown Liberty
Excelsior Springs’ Chocolate Tour Feb 4th 11AM-5PM Downtown Excelsior
Kearney’s Wine and Chocolate Tour Feb 11th 4-7PM
Smithville’s 2nd Annual Fat Tuesday Crawfish Boil Feb 21st 5-9 American Legion Post 58
Smithville’s Community Awards Banquet Feb 23rd White Iron Ridge. director@smithvillechamber.org
Click on the high 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).
Missouri Enterprise’s 2023 Kickoff to Funding Opportunities for Manufacturers will be held January 24th from 8AM until noon at the North Kansas City iWerx, 1520 Clay Street. For more information and to register, click here.
Time to Enroll: Excelsior Springs’ Job Corps is now accepting enrollment applications. For more information or to apply click here.
Site Development Grants: The Missouri Department of Economic Development has opened applications for its Industrial Site Development Grant Program. For eligibility information, required documentation and other details, please review the program’s Final Guidelines. To apply click here.
Missouri Apprentice Ready Program: The Kansas City MARP will begin its second year with a cohort beginning February 13th with additional sessions in April, July and September. For more information contact Program Coordinator Rudy Chavez at rudychavez@moaflcio.org or 816-806-1840
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 Onecourses 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, 6.491% for 20 years and 6.550% 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 invest with 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
