Saint Luke’s to Form Partnership: Darren Bass, Saint Luke’s North Region CEO, announced Wednesday that they have signed a letter of intent with BJC HealthCare to form an integrated, academic, Missouri-based health system. Upon completion, the integrated health system will continue to serve Saint Luke’s and BJC’s distinct markets, maintain their existing brands and operate from dual headquarters under regional leadership teams— one in Kansas City serving western Missouri and portions of Kansas, and one in St. Louis serving eastern Missouri and southern Illinois. All hospitals, clinics and facilities will continue their day-to-day operations as usual, and they do not anticipate any reduction in workforce. There will also be no interruption to patient care or access to resources as a result of this agreement. Click here for more information.
NKCH & MH Named One of KC’s Best Employers: Ingram’s Magazine named North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health one of Kansas City’s Best Companies to Work for. NKCH and MH is one of only two hospitals or health systems included among the 18 companies honored this year. Since the program launched in 2008, Ingram’s has recognized approximately 225 companies from more than 75,000 licensed in the area. For more information click here.
Yatsook to Develop Kearney: The City of Kearney has selected Carolyn Yatsook as its new in-house economic development director. Yatsook brings her broad-based knowledge and practical experience in economic development initiatives and will serve as a resource to existing businesses and the development community. Click here for more information.
Weekend Day Trips in Clay: This week let’s visit the Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum at 4109 NE Pleasant Valley Road in Gladstone. Through ongoing events, exhibits, and engaging educational programs, the Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum seeks to encourage a greater awareness of and appreciation for local history and farm-to-table concepts. By collecting and preserving cultural material for future generations, the museum aims to use a multifaceted approach to share Clay County farm history with visitors. Originally a two-story log cabin built between 1831-1834, this home is recognized as one of the oldest continuously occupied homes in Clay County. The original one-room log home was converted into a four-room I-house in 1853 by the Atkins family. Please click here for a list of their events.
Nonprofit Grant Program Open: The Department of Economic Development’sARPA Nonprofit Grant Program opened for applications May 31, 2023. You can apply now using the MO DED ARPA Federal Initiatives Submission Manager. Please note that you will need to sign up for a Submittable account to apply. Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a first come, first served basis. For eligibility information, required documentation and other details, please review the Nonprofit Grant Program’s final guidelines.
Legislative Town Hall: Please consider joining Northland representatives for a Town Hall meeting discussing the latest legislative session Wednesday, June 7th beginning at 6PM at Northland Neighborhoods, Inc 5340 NE Chouteau Trafficway in the Raymond R. Brock Jr. Hall.
Coffee Connect: This week we are going to hear from Andrew Potter who opened RoKC upon returning from his tours in Afghanistan and learn how his passion for climbing has turned into three gyms. Drop by this Wednesday at 7:45AM for networking with an 8AM presentation at 1501 Howell Street, North Kansas City, MO 64116.
Liberty to be Featured: 98.1FM KMBZ will be kicking off their 2023 City Spotlight series the week of June 12th with the spotlight on Liberty. The Liberty City Spotlight will provide an opportunity to “Tell the Liberty Story,” featuring historical information, the growth of the community, and future opportunities. They will talk with Business, Government, and Educational leaders that are making an impact in the community. This week-long event includes 98.1FM KMBZ News, On–Air Talent, and over the air assets.
Only One Pup Left: Maple Woods Vet Tech School still has not found a home for Ethel. You can meet your new best friend by clicking 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:
Today: Excelsior Springs Healthcare Foundation Golf Tournament June 2nd at 8AM
This Weekend:
Gladstone’s Food Art and Drink Festival June 2nd -3rd Linden Square
Friday 6PM Magician Augie G and 7PM Cherry Bomb.
Saturday 5:30PM Nick Nave, 7PM Sass Monkey and 8:30PM Women of Rock
Tomorrow: Historic Downtown Liberty Art on the Side-Liberty Art Fest June 3, 8am-7:00 p.m.
Tomorrow: Historic Downtown Liberty Quilt Walk, Saturday, June 3, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This Weekend: Excelsior Springs’ Slightly off Broadway Theatre –Twelve Angry Men June 3rd 4th
This Week: Liberty’s Jazz at the Garrison June 5th 6PM 502 N Water
This Week: Smithville’s KC Symphony in the Park Jun 6th -6PM at Smith’s Fork Park
This Week: Liberty’s Summer Band Concert June 6th, 13th 27th and July 2nd 7:30PM
This Week: Smithville’s Art in the Park Jun 7th 10AM at Heritage Park Shelter House
This Week: Smithville’s Learn to Kayak June 7th 6PM Jerry Litton Center 16311 DD Hwy
This Week: North Kansas City Business Council’s Golf Tournament June 8th
North Kansas City’s Friday Night Concert June 9th 5:30 Dropkick Mollies and Selekto at Macken Park
Gladstones Linden Square presents Platinum Express June 9th 7PM
Clay County African American Legacy Inc’s 27th Annual Juneteenth Celebration June 9th& 10th
North Kansas City’s Arts in the Park June 9th and 10th at Macken Park
Kearney’s Second Saturdays June 10th
Oakhill Day School’s Helen Willis Golf Tournament June 12th 8AM at Staley Farms Golf Club
Liberty’s Popcorn in the Park June 16th 6PM at Bennett Park Baseball Field featuring Minions: The Rise of Gru
Smithville Lake Festival June 16th 5-11PM and June 17th 10AM-11PM Downtown Smithville
Kearney Amphitheater presents Shooting Star and Missouri June 17th at 7PM
Excelsior Springs Chamber’s Third Saturday Wine Tours June 17th 10:30-5
Historic Downtown Liberty Girls Night Out, June 21st 4:00 to 8:00PM
Excelsior Springs’ Waterfest June 23rd and 24th downtown 2-10PM
Smithville’s Movie at the Courtyard June 24th at 6PM movie to be announced
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 Juneteenth: Come Join the 27th Annual Clay County Juneteenth Freedom Celebration on June 9th & 10th hosted by the Clay County African American legacy Inc. on the Historic Downtown Liberty Square and at Garrison School Cultural Center. This two-day celebration of history and culture will begin at 10:00 am. on Friday morning with trolley tours of over 10 historic African American sites and monuments in Liberty, with local tour guides Dr. Cecelia Robinson, city councilmen Shelton Ponder and Harold Phillips portraying 19th Century Liberty pioneers. The two trolleys will load from the Liberty Fire Station located on the corner of Mississippi and Prairie Street. Tours are $20.00 and will be sold on a first come, first serve basis with one morning tour and one afternoon tour: 10:00-12:00 am and 1:00-3:00 pm. Friday evening events at Garrison will include guest speakers, food trucks and musical entertainment by local DJ, Kent Houston.
Saturday morning events will begin at 10:30 am with a ribbon cutting and dedication of a permanent exhibit room in honor of Clay County African American Veterans followed by a skit on the life of Underground Railroad Conductor Harriet Tubman, starring Kansas City Actor Shirley Johnson. Afternoon events will feature a Community Parade from Garrison Cultural Center on Main Street to the Historic Liberty Square for live entertainment: Concert with rapper, singer, and song writer Krizz Kalicko, and J.J. and the Old School Blues Band, Prose and Poetry, Juneteenth history, Step Show, Martika Daniel’s One-Woman Carnival Show, and a Beer Garden at La Costa Mexican Restaurant.
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.
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 6.506% for ten years, 6.410% for 20 years and 6.320% 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.
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 of 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 Specialist juliel@clayedc.com
Ethen Pineda, Loan Officer EthenP@clayedc.com
7001 N. Locust, Suite B101 – Gladstone MO 64118 – (816)468-4989
