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Newsletter for March-April 2014
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GOING NORTH NEWSLETTER MAR-APR 2014 ISSUE 133 320 ARMOUR RD, SUITE 220, NKC, MO 64116 816-472-7700 WWW.NKCBUSINESSCOUNCIL.COM NKC First Look Presidents Level Sponsors A public meeting at the North Kansas City Community Center was led Thurs- day, February 13, by the team responsi- ble for preparing a comprehensive study to determine the feasibility and cost of a possible streetcar line extension into North Kansas City. The purpose of the meeting was to provide an update and to get additional input from citizens and business leaders. Three critical questions were discussed by attendees: 1. Which of two options should be con- sidered for crossing the Missouri River? A lane on the Heart of America Bridge? or a new bridge dedicated to rail? 2. Which route should be used through the city? Burlington? or Swift? 3. How far should the line be extended into North Kansas City? Only to Ar- mour? or all the way to 32nd Ave? There was not much consensus on any of these. The discussion was distributed among 10 tables with a facilitator for each table and a “reporter” to the total audience for each table. Almost every table seemed to have strong differences of opinions. Most of the discussion was on Burlington vs Swift with the Burling- ton option seeming to get slightly more favor because of the potential long-term economic benefits and because it might fit better with future rail extensions beyond North Kansas City. The likely cost of the project is immense – estimates range from $100 million to $200 million depending on the options chosen. The method of financing is unclear at this time. Federal assistance is anticipated. Local funding of some type will certainly be needed in addition to federal funding. The impact on property taxes or sales taxes is unclear at this time. At the previous meeting in November there was a desire to consider including Armour so that significant populations at Cerner, North Kansas City Hospital and Harrah’s could be included. How- ever, the realities of crossing over or under I-35/I-29 make this option almost totally unfeasible. A clearance of at least 15 feet is needed – preferably 18 feet. The current clearance is a few inches less than 15 feet. The study is funded by MARC, MoDot, the City of North Kansas City and the City of Kansas City. The project team is comprised of architectural and engineer- ing firms HNTB, BNIM, HDR Inc. with legal and regulatory input from Polsi- nelli LLP. Additional information about the proj- ect is available on the project website at www.northrailkc.com. STREETCAR STUDY UPDATE RECOGNITION AWARDS If your business has made a notable improve- ment in its exterior appearance, is a new business in North Kansas City or has made a significant expansion or has added new jobs in the past year, you need to be recognized. Through a joint effort by the North Kansas City Business Council and the City of North Kansas City, recognition will be given for three types of business investments: 1) New Businesses, 2) Expansion or Renovation and 3) Beautification. The intent of this program is to recognize and support investment, new de- velopment and beautification projects which benefit and enhance the North Kansas City business community. Nominations can come either from the busi- ness themselves or from others who have noticed the significance of projects at North Kansas City businesses. Refer to www.nkc- businesscouncil.com for specific details and the application form which should be submit- ted to the North Kansas City Business Council office at 320 Armour, Suite 220, or to [email protected], if sent by e-mail. Recognition will be given in the form of press releases, recognition at the program on August 28, 2014, website and Facebook recognition (NKC Business Council and City of North Kansas City), window cling “seal of excellence” for all successful nominees and a plaque for “The Mayor’s Choice” of the most outstanding beautification project. NKC Mayor Don Stielow (right) presents the 2013 Mayor’s Beautifi- cation Award to Rick Simon, presi- dent/CEO of Industrial Hardware Distributors, at last year’s awards luncheon.
Transcript
Page 1: Nkcbc mar apr'14

GOING NORTH NEWSLETTER MAR-APR 2014 ISSUE 133 320 ARMOUR RD, SUITE 220, NKC, MO 64116 816-472-7700 WWW.NKCBUSINESSCOUNCIL.COM

NKC FirstLook

Presidents Level Sponsors

A public meeting at the North Kansas City Community Center was led Thurs-day, February 13, by the team responsi-ble for preparing a comprehensive study to determine the feasibility and cost of a possible streetcar line extension into North Kansas City. The purpose of the meeting was to provide an update and to get additional input from citizens and business leaders.

Three critical questions were discussed by attendees:

1. Which of two options should be con-sidered for crossing the Missouri River? A lane on the Heart of America Bridge? or a new bridge dedicated to rail?2. Which route should be used through the city? Burlington? or Swift?3. How far should the line be extended into North Kansas City? Only to Ar-mour? or all the way to 32nd Ave?

There was not much consensus on any of these. The discussion was distributed among 10 tables with a facilitator for each table and a “reporter” to the total

audience for each table. Almost every table seemed to have strong differences of opinions. Most of the discussion was on Burlington vs Swift with the Burling-ton option seeming to get slightly more favor because of the potential long-term economic benefits and because it might fit better with future rail extensions beyond North Kansas City.

The likely cost of the project is immense – estimates range from $100 million to $200 million depending on the options chosen. The method of financing is unclear at this time. Federal assistance is anticipated. Local funding of some type

will certainly be needed in addition to federal funding. The impact on property taxes or sales taxes is unclear at this time.

At the previous meeting in November there was a desire to consider including Armour so that significant populations at Cerner, North Kansas City Hospital and Harrah’s could be included. How-ever, the realities of crossing over or under I-35/I-29 make this option almost totally unfeasible. A clearance of at least 15 feet is needed – preferably 18 feet. The current clearance is a few inches less than 15 feet.

The study is funded by MARC, MoDot, the City of North Kansas City and the City of Kansas City. The project team is comprised of architectural and engineer-ing firms HNTB, BNIM, HDR Inc. with legal and regulatory input from Polsi-nelli LLP.

Additional information about the proj-ect is available on the project website at www.northrailkc.com.

STREETCAR STUDY UPDATE

RECOGNITION AWARDSIf your business has made a notable improve-ment in its exterior appearance, is a new business in North Kansas City or has made a significant expansion or has added new jobs in the past year, you need to be recognized. Through a joint effort by the North Kansas City Business Council and the City of North Kansas City, recognition will be given for three types of business investments: 1) New Businesses, 2) Expansion or Renovation and 3) Beautification. The intent of this program is to recognize and support investment, new de-velopment and beautification projects which benefit and enhance the North Kansas City business community.Nominations can come either from the busi-

ness themselves or from others who have noticed the significance of projects at North Kansas City businesses. Refer to www.nkc-businesscouncil.com for specific details and the application form which should be submit-ted to the North Kansas City Business Council office at 320 Armour, Suite 220, or to [email protected], if sent by e-mail.Recognition will be given in the form of press releases, recognition at the program on August 28, 2014, website and Facebook recognition (NKC Business Council and City of North Kansas City), window cling “seal of excellence” for all successful nominees and a plaque for “The Mayor’s Choice” of the most outstanding beautification project.

NKC Mayor Don Stielow (right) presents the 2013 Mayor’s Beautifi-cation Award to Rick Simon, presi-dent/CEO of Industrial Hardware Distributors, at last year’s awards luncheon.

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Branding UpdateThe City of North Kansas City en-gaged a Lee’s Summit firm, candid marketing & communications, to evalu-ate its current brand perceptions and develop a relevant brand position and creative treatment that embraces the feeling of the City, while capturing the essence of everyone in the community.

A summary report of research find-ings was given to City Council at the February 18 meeting. The next step is to create options for promotional themes, logos and tag lines. After selection of the preferred approach, candid marketing will develop all the resources needed to implement the brand. The brand is slated to roll out by mid-year this year.

Make plans now to join a hundred or so other Business Council members and guests at Tiffany Greens Golf Club Thursday, June 5, for the 18th annual Mickey Finn Scholarship Golf Classic. The proceeds from this event support several scholarships to deserving North Kansas City High School students as well as provide financial support for the on-going operations of the North Kansas City Business Council.

You can participate in a variety of ways: as a member of a team, as an individual golfer, as a hole sponsor, as a major sponsor or by donating golf related items for give-aways and auction. Details about participation can be found in the insert page accompanying this newsletter.

MICKEY FINN SCHOLARSHIPGOLF CLASSIC

The 2014 Title Sponsoris Mid-America Contractors.

Chamber Nightat Sporting Park

Once again the North Kansas City Business Council is participating in Sporting KC’s “Chamber Night”. This time it is early in the season, Saturday, March 22. The opponent is the San Jose Earthquakes. The Chamber Night seats are in the General Admission section. The event is considered “family friend-ly”. Children are welcome. No charge for children three or younger. If you are interested in participating, contact [email protected] or call 472-7700. Tickets for Business Council members are $19 each. Tickets for those not associated with a Business Council member business are $23 each. The normal ticket price is $27 each.

FINANCIALUPDATE

Members of the North Kansas City Business Council were treated to an interesting and insightful presenta-tion by Dr. Chris Kuehl, Managing Director of Armada Corporate Intel-ligence, at a Business Focus Forum on January 14 at the American Inn. He showed that economists can also have a sense of humor. He reported on a relatively good year in 2013 and a somewhat optimistic view of 2014.

Dr. Kuehl shared this list of keys to future economic improvement:

• The right people for the jobs available

• The right connection between education and the needs of the community and the business world

• Regulations that advance the logic of business and which do not serve as a barrier to growth and innovation

• Access to money and credit

• Access to new markets and new opportunities – in the U.S. and around the world

• A modicum of predictability from government – at all levels

It is noteworthy that the first two points are in high focus by the North Kansas City Business Council as a participant in the Northland CAPS program. More details about the Northland CAPS program are avail-able in a separate article and at www.northlandcaps.org.

The six Kansas City area offices of Express Employment Professionals began hosting a weekly radio show on February 24 on the KMBZ Business Channel 1660 AM on Mondays at 1:00 p.m. The show is called the Express Employment Hour. Jill Hickey, co-owner of the North Kansas City office, is the radio host. Topics of discussion will include the Kansas City job market, employment issues, current events in Human Resources, take live callers... all with great music and an air of light-hearted fun! Guests on the premiere show were Bret

Burnside with Aviation Technical Services, a huge aviation conglomerate coming to Kansas City, Jim Hampton from the Clay County Economic Development Council on the ACT Work Keys program and Express Staffing Consultant Clinton Bradley (veteran) on putting the military back to work.

Jill Hickey is the current “Mrs. Missouri International” and is a noted mom blogger and online talk show host as the “Not-SoSoccerMom”.

RADIO SHOW WITH AN EMPLOYMENT FOCUS

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North Kansas City’s Farmer’s Market will return to Caboose Park (southeast corner of Armour and Howell) Friday morning, May 2. It will be open every Friday morning from 7 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. until October 31. The market is man-aged by the North Kansas City Business Council with support from the City of North Kansas City.

Once again the North Kansas City Farm-ers Market will accept SNAP debit cards and is able to double the amount of debit through the Beans and Greens pro-

gram. A person with a SNAP card can get $50 worth of fresh produce, bread products or honey with only a $25 debit on their card.

If you are acquainted with people using SNAP debit cards, please pass along this information.

If you are aware of vendors who might be interested in participating, ask them to call 472-7700 for more information, email [email protected] or apply using the online application on www.nkcbusinesscouncil.com.

Twenty years ago, Mayor Elizabeth Short and a committee of business leaders took the first steps to create the North Kansas City Business Council. Creation of such an organization was believed to be needed to serve as an advocate for the businesses in North Kansas City and to provide a vehicle for better communica-tion between the City and its businesses.

North Kansas City had a long history of having a strong Chamber of Com-merce from as early as the 1920s. But that organization merged with another organization in 1992 to form the North-land Regional Chamber of Commerce and moved its office out of North Kansas City.

Today, the North Kansas City Business Council represents more than 200 North Kansas City businesses, providing timely communication to its members about discussions and decisions by the City government, being active in economic development and workforce develop-ment and providing opportunities for member businesses to promote them-selves and network with other businesses.

Members of the North Kansas City Business Council must have a business location within the municipality of North Kansas City, unlike many Chambers which have an “area” or “regional” membership eligibility.

The Business Council is led by a Board of Directors of twenty business leaders representing differ-ent business sectors and a staff of two – Executive Director Rich Groves and Administrative Assistant Jennifer Keller. The current President is Mike Hayes, with ProPrint Digital. The incoming President is Brian Hughes, with Lei-sure World Pool & Hearth. Recent Past Presidents are Tom Furdek, with Ingredion, and Carolyn Henry, with Concerned Care.

The March Monthly Membership Lun-cheon of the Business Council on March 27 at Black on Burlington, 2027 Burling-ton, will include a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the North Kansas City Business Council.

NKC-Connect Referral Partners

If you have business goals that depend on more referrals you may want to consider par-ticipating in the NKC-Connect Referral Partners group. At these gatherings you will have the opportunity to meet others who share a belief that getting to know more about each oth-er’s businesses is a good way to increase your own business. At-tendees should be prepared to share a very short description of their business and to briefly describe what a good referral would be as well as to share referrals when a trust level is attained.

NKC-Connect Referral Partners meet the second Tuesday of the month after normal work-ing hours (5 p.m.) and on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the morning (7:30 a.m.). You can find information about meeting locations using either the groups’ Linked-In or Face-book pages or the Business Council website www.nkcbusi-nesscouncil.com.

FARMER’S MARKET RETURNS ON MAY 2ND

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NORTH KANSAS CITY BUSINESS COUNCIL!

North Kansas City Master Plan Update Updating the City’s Master Plan is an opportunity to set a course for long-term community and economic development projects and strategies, with input from as many residents and business owners as possible. A committee including Rich-ard Lanning from NT Realty and resident Dave Wood as well as Councilmen Rick Stewart and Mark Connaroe recommended the consulting firm of Parsons Brinck-erhoff and a team of partners has been selected to assist with this project. When the consultant team has scheduled public meetings for community input, the Business Council will provide information to all North Kansas City businesses about the time and location of these meetings.

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NKC Business Council320 Armour Road, Suite 220North Kansas City, MO 64116

EXECUTIVE LEVELSPONSORS

Newest Business Council MembersWelcome to the following new members of the North Kansas City Business Council:

Above & Beyond Catering • Absolute Recycling • Advance Auto Parts • ArkemaBlack on Burlington Event Space • Centrix Innovations

Chiropractic Kinesiology Clinic • Clay County Commissioners Goodyear Auto Service Center • Harvest Productions

Missouri Credit Union Association • Northland Physical TherapyNorthtowne Arts Coalition • O’Dell Service Compnay

PrintResults LLC • W. D. Patterson, Inc.

Enthusiasm and awareness continues to build concerning the career strands that will enable more Northland high school students to become more aware and more pre-pared to pursue careers that are the best fit for them. This year, Cerner Corporation is hosting a half-day, five day a week Computer Technology class and Holland 1916 is hosting the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering class at its Liberty Heartland Meadows facility. Next year, these two classes will be joined by classes in Medicine and Healthcare at North Kansas City Hospital and Global Business and Entrepreneurship at a location to be deter-mined. The number of students is expected to grow from 28 this year to more than 200 next year.

In addition to real-world career exposure through half-day, every day classes, students with college in their future will gain additional admission credibility because of their CAPS involvement. Other students may discover that their ideal career may not need a 4-year college de-gree. In either case, participating students gain a network which will be helpful in later job searches. More informa-tion about the Northland CAPS program, a joint venture between six Northland school districts which, collective-ly, have a total of nearly 12,000 high school students and a growing list of business partners, can be found at www.northlandcaps.org

UPCOMING EVENTSFirst Friday Coffee – Fri, Mar 7, 7:30 a.m. – Morrill & Janes Bank, 2301 Burlington

NKC-Connect Referral Partners (afternoon gathering) – Tue, Mar 11, 5:00 p.m. – Paul & Jack’s Tavern, 1808 Clay

Business After Hours & Ribbon-Cutting – Wed, Mar 19, 4:30 p.m. – Breedlove Transformative Movement, 103 W 26th Ave, Suite 180

Chamber Night at Sporting Park, Sporting KC vs San Jose Earth-quakes – Sat, Mar 22 – call 472-7700 for reservations and $19 gen-eral admission tickets – family friendly event

Monthly Membership Luncheon – Thu, Mar 27, 11:30 a.m. – Black on Burlington, 1327 Burlington

NKC-Connect Referral Partners (morning gathering) – Tue, Mar 25, 7:30 a.m. – Aunt Mary’s Cookies, 309 Armour

First Friday Coffee –Fri, Apr 4, 7:30 a.m. – Synetic Technologies – 1941 Warren St

NKC-Connect Referral Partners (afternoon gathering) – Tue, Apr 8, 5:00 p.m. – Chappell’s

Business After Hours – Wed, Apr 8, 4:30 p.m. – Judi’s Bakery, 1250 Burlington

NKC-Connect Referral Partners (morning gathering) – Tue, Apr 22, 7:30 a.m. – Aunt Mary’s Cookies, 309 Armour

Monthly Membership Luncheon – Thu, Apr 24, 11:30 a.m. – Black on Burlington, 1327 Burlington


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