Dr. Clemens to Retire: One of the worst kept secrets has been officially announced. After eight years of being in charge and 23 years with the North Kansas City School District, Superintendent Dr. Dan Clemens will retire following the 2023-2024 school year. Your EDC has enjoyed watching Dr. Clemens lead the way as the district became the second largest in the state. The Board is looking at internal candidates first and they will have some quality one’s to choose from. For more information click here.
Mayor Boley Now MARC Treasurer: Smithville Mayor Damien Boley has been promoted to Treasurer of the Mid-America Regional Council’s Board of Directors. MARC is the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the nine-county Metro. Mayor Boley represents the Clay County Municipalities. Your EDC understands the importance of MARC and their distribution of Federal and State funds and continues to work with Northland leaders to make sure our needs are funded.
Gupta Named Liberty Chief Medical Officer: Liberty Hospital has named Chakshu Gupta, MD, FCAP, as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Gupta replaces Raghu Adiga, MD, who was named hospital president and CEO in September 2022. “Dr. Gupta has demonstrated exceptional capability in his medical staff leadership roles at Liberty Hospital,” Dr. Adiga said. “I am confident he will serve our patients, institution and staff with expertise and compassion, and I look forward to his insights and guidance as part of our hospital leadership team.” Read more by clicking here.
Clay Teacher Receives $25,000: Vanessa Thomson, a second grade teacher at Chapel Hill received the prestigious Milken Educator Award given to only 30-40 outstanding educators in the country each year. It recognizes their excellence in teaching and promise in the profession. The award comes with exclusive continuing professional growth and networking opportunities, along with a $25,000 check.
Hillcrest Hope’s Annual Event: Hillcrest Hope’s annual gala is February 25th. A new addition to the evening is a VIP party with limited tickets at Corbin Mill. The gala will be held at Heritage Hall in Liberty and this year’s theme is “Speakeasy at the Night of Hope.” All funds raised go to serve the working poor and homeless in Clay County. For more information click Speakeasy at the Night of Hope.
Clay County Visitors’ Guide: Our friends at the Courier Tribune created a Guide to Clay County for visitors and locals alike. If you are a subscriber and already got this then great. If not, here is a link to some super cool things to do right here.
Gary Crossley 1st in State: EDC partner Gary Crossley Ford received the number one ranking for Ford Dealerships in Missouri for 2022. Beating the second place dealer by 34 units, the Crossley team has set a goal to be in the top 100 dealerships nationwide in 2023.
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: Excelsior Springs’ Chocolate Tour Feb 4th 11AM-5PM Downtown Excelsior
Kearney’s Wine & Chocolate Tour Feb 11th 4-7PM. For tickets contact rachel@kearneyenrichment.org
Kearney High School presents Newsies Jr. Feb 14th-18th
Historic Downtown Liberty presents Let’s Wine About Winter Feb 18th 1-5PM 118 N Main
Smithville’s 2nd Annual Fat Tuesday Crawfish Boil Feb 21st 5-9 at American Legion Post 58
Smithville’s Community Awards Banquet Feb 23rd at White Iron Ridge. director@smithvillechamber.org
Hillcrest Hope’s Annual Event is Feb 25th For more information or to register, click here.
Northland Chamber’s Annual Banquet February 25th at 5:30 at the Argosy Casino and Spa
Liberty Chamber’s 2023 State of the City Luncheon Feb 28th noon-1 at the Liberty Community Center
North Kansas City’s Snake Saturday Parade March 11th at 11AM. Click here for the route
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).
Liberty Public Schools Mock Interviews: If you want to help build our future workforce, you can spend less than two hours helping juniors and seniors with mock interviews March 14th from 9:15 to 11AM at Liberty North High School. Students will bring a resume for your review and critique so that they are better prepared for the future interviews that will count. To register, click here.
Kansas City Parks Activity Guide: If you’ve had enough winter and want to get back at it, the Kansas City Winter/Spring Activity Guide lists their events 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.
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 6.748% for ten years, 6.739% for 20 years and 6.707% 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
then Pineda, Loan Officer EthenP@clayedc.com
7001 N. Locust, Suite B101 – Gladstone MO 64118 – (816)468-4989
