Down to Two Royals Sites: From the original fourteen sites the Kansas City Royals were looking for as a new home for their team, the potential locations are down to two, including the former AMF Pro Bowl land in North Kansas City. North Kansas City and Clay County officials have been working with the Royals for months. Your EDC has been busy helping to set the table so that if the Royals choose Clay County we’ll have a lot of the answers. There is way more than the prestige of being one of 27 markets in the world when it comes to having a Major League Baseball franchise in your county. Underdogs do not make it to the finals without teamwork.
Screenland Armour Under New Ownership: Long-time Theater operators Adam Roberts and Brent Miller have purchased the Screenland Armour Theatre in North Kansas City. These two entrepreneurs have been so innovative with the theater by adding a full-service bar and food service along with the 80’s style lounge, Rewind Video, in their basement. The building is also the home for numerous businesses. If you have not been there lately, you should take a look or catch an outdoor movie in their courtyard. Your EDC’s Midwest Small Business Finance was honored to help with the purchase. If you are interested in purchasing or constructing a building or buying equipment, please reach out to Ethen Pineda at EthenP@ClayEDC.com or 816-468-4989.
North Kansas City Nursing Rocks: North Kansas City Hospital has earned ANCC Magnet Recognition for the second consecutive evaluation period. This prestigious designation is the gold standard for nursing excellence. Of the 6,093 active hospitals in the United States, NKCH is one of only 595 ( 9.96%) to earn this distinction. Read more by clicking here.
Planning and Development 6-20-23: To fix the I-29/I-35/Highway 169 split in Clay County might cost $324 million. We will have to make sure federal, state and local leaders are working together. MoDOT is looking forward to talking with Clay County EDC members and supporters on June 20th at 7:30 a.m. about the I-29/I-35/U.S. 169 PEL study. They will present the findings and recommendations of the study prior to submittal to the Federal Highway Administration at the end of June. This is the final opportunity to view and ask questions about this portion of the study before it moves to the next phase. Invite a friend, as this study involves everyone who works, lives and travels through the Northland. We will gather at your EDC’s office at 7001 N Locust in Gladstone.
Weekend Day Trips in Clay: This week let’s visit the Jerry Litton Visitors’ Center at 16311 County Rd. DD in Smithville. Named after our former Congressman who died in an election night plane crash in August 1976 after he had won the Democratic nomination for a US Senate seat, the center provides information on the many things to do at Smithville Lake through displays and exhibits where you can learn about the area wildlife, the history of Smithville and why the lake was created. Find out more about boating and fishing on the lake as well as hunting, trails for pedestrian and equestrian use and camping. Encouraged to go into politics by former President Harry S Truman, many, including former President Jimmy Carter, thought Litton was headed to public housing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (that’s the White House). Read more about Congressman Litton here.
Coffee Connect: This week we are going to hear from Mike Shannon and learn his story about establishing Restless Spirits Distilling. We will meet at 109 E 18th Ave. in North Kansas City Wednesday at 7:45 for networking with the presentation at 8AM.
Ethel is Still Homeless: 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
Tonight Gladstones Linden Square presents Lyin Eyes June 16th 7PM
Tonight: Liberty’s Popcorn in the Park June 16th 6PM at Bennett Park Baseball Field featuring Minions: The Rise of Gru
This Weekend: Smithville Lake Festival June 16th 5-11PM and June 17th 10AM-11PM Downtown Smithville
This Weekend: Excelsior Springs’ Slightly off Broadway Theatre presents Twelve Angry Men June 16th & 17th
Tomorrow: Kearney’s Shop With a Cop Golf Tournament Jun 17th 9AM MarMack Golf Complex
Tomorrow: Kearney Amphitheater presents Shooting Star and Missouri June 17th at 7PM
Tomorrow: Excelsior Springs Chamber’s Third Saturday Wine Tours June 17th 10:30-5
Tomorrow: Gladstones Linden Square presents Landslide June 17th 7PM
Tomorrow: Screenland Armour Theatre presents Purple Rain June 17th at 7:15PM
This Week: Smithville’s Art in the Park Jun 21st 10AM at Heritage Park Shelter House
This Week: Historic Downtown Liberty Girls Night Out and Make Music Day, June 21st 4:00 to 8:00PM
North Kansas City’s Movie in the Park Jun 23rd 9PM featuring Turning Red at Macken Park
Gladstones Linden Square presents Phil Vandel June 23rd 7PM
Excelsior Springs’ Waterfest June 23rd and 24th downtown 2-10PM
Smithville’s Movie at the Courtyard June 24th at 6PM movie to be announced
Gladstone’s Movie in the Square June 24th presents Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania at Linden Square
Northland Therapeutic Riding Centers’ Aim for Abilities Trap Shoot Jun 24th 9AM-1PM Smithville Lake
Liberty’s Summer Band Concert June 27th and July 2nd 7:30PM Rooney Justice Center 11 S Water
Kearney’s Second Saturdays July 8th
Historic Downtown Liberty’s presents KC Wide Open Block Party July 8th
NKC’s Friday Night Concert July 14th 5:30 with Scotty & Deann and Carl Worden Band at Macken Park
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).
Farmers’ Markets: It’s that time of the year when the farmers’ markets start popping up. Here are the ones your EDC found in Clay County. Lawson, Smithville, Gladstone, Liberty, Downtown Libertyand Excelsior Springs. Simply click on the location for more information.
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 One courses 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
