FRIDAY OPINION:
KC Star and the Royals in the Northland: When you are raised by great parents you learn many lessons. Two of them are to never get in a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel (newspapers) and that if a bully punches you in the nose you can either fight back or let it continue to happen. I picked the second lesson. Last Sunday the Kansas City Star’s Editorial Board published their lead editorial about “a new stadium for the Kansas City Royals anywhere but downtown makes no sense at all”. This comes from a company who sold their downtown office to move to Crown Center and their downtown printing press so the paper can be printed in Des Moines. The latter allows us to read about Tuesday’s Royals game Thursday morning. Their description of a “Potemkin Wrigleyville in North Kansas City instead is a joke that is not funny” is an insult not only to the Northland but also the Royals who have invested countless hours and dollars into paring down the original 14-location possibilities into two.
Your EDC is quite OK with the Royals moving to the East Village if that is what the Royals choose, but as long as the largest economic development opportunity ever presented to Clay County is in play we will try to knock down any potential barriers. It’s true that “Clay County doesn’t have the tax base that Jackson County does”, but we have generated the numbers necessary to keep us in play. I have no idea what the Royals will ask for, but when they do the North Kansas City Council and Clay County Commission will evaluate the request and determine if the ask is appropriate for their constituents. If yes, then the County Commission will vote whether to put the question on the ballot and the residents of Clay County will make the final decision. Leave no doubt that the possibility is feasible and the opportunity to get this recognition for Clay County has been priceless.
Of course the Star mentions “the nightmare inconvenience for fans, since all of those south of the river would have to cross a crowded bridge twice to attend a game”. At least they have experience crossing a Northland bridge as they have to travel to and from Des Moines six days a week to pick up their printed paper. A Tuesday conversation with Editorial Board member Derek Donovan revealed that the entire Board did not write the article. He did not know if the author had contacted anyone involved or just wrote an opinion piece without doing any homework. Of course that would be terrible journalism. He let me know that the writer would reach out to me with that information…I have not heard back.
They also said “the involvement of the Merriman family in putting together the plan for North Kansas City also deserves further scrutiny if taxpayers are to be on the hook for the stadium”. Maybe the Merriman family should purchase the Star so their product can be scrutinized? A balanced and accurate printed press is a key part of any Democracy. We deserve better.
Fortunately, the Royals will make their own final decision. I doubt they will turn that responsibility over to the Star. Clay county — the Northland — is flattered to be in the conversation.
-David Slater, Executive Director
Clay County Economic Development Council’s
Friday Facts
More Water in Excelsior Springs: The new Aquatic Center opened this week in Excelsior Springs as an addition to their Community Center. The $6 million project took just less than a year to build. It includes an eight-lane competitive swimming pool as well as a rock climbing wall and many other amenities.
Hunt Midwest’s Logistics Park: While located in Platte County, Hunt Midwest’s KCI 29 Logistics Park will be a game changer for the entire Northland. Governor Mike Parson was the guest of Ora Reynolds for the groundbreaking Wednesday. The 3,300-acre site has a yet-announced tenant, but Governor Parson does not make trips for every groundbreaking. Read more by clicking here.
Children’s Mercy Ranked 1st in Missouri: Children’s Mercy Kansas City is proud to once again be recognized as one of the nation’s top pediatric hospitals, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 “Best Children’s Hospitals” report. Children’s Mercy is listed with the best in the country in multiple pediatric specialties. See the rankings by clicking here.
Healthy Conversations: The Clay County Public Health Center through the Northland Health Alliance has released their community conversations schedule for this summer. Learn about access to mental health, healthy food and transportation by attending. Click here for more information.
Weekend Day Trips in Clay: This week let’s go to the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary at 407 N. La Frenz Rd. in Liberty. With a motto of “Leave only footprints, take only memories” the sanctuary offers engaging hands-on environmental and natural science education for all ages, along with biodiversity of native plants and animals through wise management of our natural resources. With an understanding that all of earth’s inhabitants are part of complex, interdependent ecosystems while providing opportunities for quiet reflection with the natural world. The area is open for hiking, nature study, birding, photography, sketching and relaxing in the beauty of the natural world. Their nature center has live animal exhibits, classrooms and a library.
Coffee Connect: This week we are going to hear from Jeanette Prenger and learn her story about establishing ECCO Select. ECCO provides people, process and technology for their clients. We will meet at 1601 Iron Street 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 Phil Vandel June 23rd 7PM
Tonight: North Kansas City’s Movie in the Park Jun 23rd 9PM featuring Turning Red at Macken Park
This Weekend: Excelsior Springs’ Waterfest June 23rd and 24th downtown 2-10PM
Tomorrow: Smithville’s Movie at the Courtyard June 24th at 6PM movie to be announced
Tomorrow: Gladstone’s Movie in the Square June 24th presents Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania at Linden Square
Tomorrow: Northland Therapeutic Riding Centers’ Aim for Abilities Trap Shoot Jun 24th 9AM-1PM Smithville Lake
This Week: Liberty’s Summer Band Concert June 27th and July 2nd 7:30PM Rooney Justice Center 11 S Water
Gladstone Theatre in the Park features Sister Act June 30th, July 1st & 2nd 8PM at the Gladstone Amphitheater
Kearney Amphitheater presents Kansas City Groove Therapy July 3rd at 7:30PM
Liberty Fest July 3rd 6-10PM at the Capital Federal Sports Complex 2200 Old State Hwy 210
Gladstones Linden Square presents One Night Stand July 7th 7PM
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
Excelsior Springs Chamber’s Third Saturday Wine Tours July 15th 10:30-5
Liberty’s Popcorn in the Park July 28th 6PM at Liberty Community Center featuring Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Excelsior Springs’ Slightly off-Broadway Theatre presents Bye, Bye Birdie July 28th & 29th
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. Kearney, Lawson, Smithville, Gladstone, Liberty, Downtown Liberty and 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
