Ford Delivers for the Post Office: Ford Motor Company announced yesterday that the United States Post Office will purchase 9,250 E-Transit Vans. Located in Claycomo, the plant recently announced a third shift on the Transit line brining their area workforce to over 9,000 jobs. When you count the ancillary needs, Ford is responsible for over 60,000 jobs in the Metro. Read more by clicking here.
Zambezi Zinger-Big Slick: Want to be the first to ride the re-imagined Zambezi Zingerroller coaster? The more you donate to Big Slick, the more entries you’ll receive in the Zambezi Zinger First Rider Expedition fundraiser. Worlds of Fun is holding a historic fundraiser that will donate 100% of the proceeds to Big Slick, a non-profit that supports pediatric cancer research at Children’s Mercy. The more money individuals and parties donate, the more entries they’ll receive to be the first-to-ride the return of the Zambezi Zinger!
Hennen, Hartman and Bagbys Awarded for Leadership: Darren Hennen, Vice President/Office Leader for Olsson, has been named the Northland Regional Chamber’s Northlander of the Year. Darren’s leadership in the Northland has resulted in numerous amenities and necessary infrastructure improvements. Dan Hartman, area realtor and member of the Smithville Board of Aldermen was named Smithville Chamber’s, Citizen of the Year. You can see the other winners by clicking here. Bridget and Bob Bagby were named Liberty Sertoma Club’s Service to Mankind Award winner. Click here to read the Courier Tribune article.
Sheriff to Staff More Women: Sheriff Will Akin wants 30% of his staff to be women by 2030. He was the first sheriff in Missouri to sign the 30×30 pledge. Read more here.
College For Kids: The Metropolitan Community College is hosting College For Kids to offer enrichment opportunities for those ages 11-15. Click here for more information.
State of the Cities/County: Your EDC’s most fun event of the year has been set for March 30th. The State of the Cities/County luncheon will be held at Harrah’s in North Kansas City beginning at 11:30AM and concluding by 1:00PM Our mayors have a good time poking fun at their cohorts while letting you know what is going on in their cities. To register click here. To sponsor, call Julie Lewis at 816-468-4989.
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:
Tonight: Find a fish fry on Friday nights through 3-31-23
This Weekend: Liberty’s Corbin Theatre – On Golden Pond Mar 3rd – 5th 7:30PM
Tomorrow: Oakhill Day School’s Gold Rush Silent Auction Mar 4th 7PM
This Week: Liberty’s Corbin Theatre presents Jazz at the Garrison Mar 6th 6:00PM
This Week: Liberty Mayor and Council Candidate Forum Mar 9th 6-8PM Liberty City Hall
North Kansas City’s Snake Saturday Parade March 11th at 11AM. Click here for the route
Liberty/Jewell Half Marathon/5K Mar 25th 8AM at William Jewell
Excelsior Springs’s Sippin’ Into Spring Mar 25th 11AM-5PM
Smithville Alderman Candidate Forum Mar 26th 6-8PM at Humphreys
Excelsior Springs’ A French Quarter Fete Piccadilly Gala Apr 1st 5PM 425 S Thompson
Northland Ethnic Enrichment Festival Apr 1st 11AM-3PM Staley High School
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).
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.
Liberty North High School – Mock Interviews: LPS is hosting a Mock Interview Day for Juniors and Seniors on March 14 from 9:15 am – 11:00 am at Liberty North High School. This event will prepare our students for the career world and help them sharpen their interview skills. If you or anyone you know would like to help out as an interviewer, please click here for more information and to sign-up. Interview questions and any other necessary information will be provided to all interviewers upon arrival.
KC Council Candidate Forum: Your EDC has partnered with Northland Neighborhoods, Inc and the Platte County EDC to host candidate forums for the Kansas City Council races for the 1st, 2nd and 4th District At Large candidates along with the 4th In District hopefuls who will represent the Northland. Moderated by former KMBC political reporter Michael Mahoney, the 4th district hopefuls will debate March 9th. The program is scheduled from 6-8PM at the Raymond R Brock Jr. Hall located in the NNI office at 5340 NE Chouteau Trafficway in Kansas City. The events are free and open to the public.
Smithville Mock Interviews: As part of their Real-World Learning Program, Smithville’sIntroduction to Business students will be working on their resumes and interview skills March 13-16. If you would like to assist our future workforce by helping out, click here.
April Municipal and School Board Ballot: The April 4th ballot is available by clicking here. Your EDC encourages you to vote, but only after studying the candidates and issues. Please take a few minutes with a search engine to help you get a full perspective.
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
Ethen Pineda, Loan Officer EthenP@clayedc.com
7001 N. Locust, Suite B101 – Gladstone MO 64118 – (816)468-4989
