Jabroni, Burrowhead and Dork Defined: Just in case your EDC was not the only one who had never heard of “jabroni” before Travis Kelsey’s rant we give you this from The Rock. Burrowhead was almost as clever as it was bulletin board material so we’ll let Mike Hilton explain. We’ll let a true dork explain a dork. Please don’t take this time for granted and think it is anything short of amazing. Those of us who witnessed the Chiefs in two of the first four Super Bowls and thought it routine had no idea we would have to wait 50 years for another. Of course the Bengals are still waiting on their first championship.
Dr. Daniels to Lead NKCSD: After serving in the North Kansas City School District for 24 years Dr. Rochel Daniels was selected to lead the state’s second largest school district following Dr. Danny Clemens’ retirement next year. She is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Organizational Development. You can read the press release here.
Horn Group Purchases Sam’s Town: It’s an exciting day when Dave Horn, your EDC’s 2022 Look North Award winner and his investor group makes a purchase of a struggling piece of property in Clay County. Metro North Crossing and Antioch Crossing have gone from eyesores to destination locations due to the group. Originally opened as a casino in 1995 Sam’s Town sits at the southwest corner of I-435 and 210 Highway.
Smithsonian Selects Kearney: The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street, in cooperation with Missouri Humanities Council, presents “Crossroads: Change in Rural America.” The exhibition examining the evolving landscape of rural America opens at the Mid-Continent Public Library Kearney Branch on Friday, May 10, 2024. “Crossroads” will be on view through Friday, June 21, 2024. As one of only six sites in Missouri, obtaining this exhibition was done thru a grant process and in collaboration with the Kearney Historic Museum, Kearney Chamber of Commerce, Kearney Enrichment Council, and the Mid-Continent Public Library Kearney Branch.
Cisneros Named Player of the Year: Liberty North junior Carlie Cisneros has been named Missouri Volleyball Gatorade Player of the Year. The number one recruit in the nation for the class of 2024 has given a verbal commitment to the University of Arizona. Read more here.
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: Smithville High School – The SpongeBob Musical Feb 3rd, 4th & 5th at 7PM
This week: Excelsior Springs’ Chocolate Tour Feb 4th 11AM-5PM Downtown Excelsior
Kearney’s Wine and Chocolate Tour Feb 12th 4-7PM. tickets rachel@kearneyenrichment.org
Kearney High School presents Newsies Jr. Feb 14th-18th
Historic Downtown Liberty – Let’s Wine About Winter Feb 18th 1-5PM 118 N Main St.
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
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 Argosy Casino and Spa
Liberty Chamber’s 2023 State of the City Luncheon Feb 28th 12-1 Liberty Community Center
William Jewell’s Achievement Day Dinner Mar 2nd at the Downtown Marriott 5:30PM
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).
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.
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
