KC Options | 2019-2020

We’re creating the blueprints for tomorrow’s big ideas.

Innovation happens when we color outside the lines, pushing the creative boundaries to enhance the world around us. Whether it’s drawing plans for efficient refineries or envisioning technology uses for connecting smart cities, we put our heart and soul into each and every project. With offices worldwide, our creativity can cross many platforms, paving the way for more inspired yet secure cities and communities for us all. Start your journey at burnsmcd.com/MyCareer.

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Your Next Phase of Life Being Your Best Phase of Life, Right Here in Kansas City.

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913.599.6363

Watch KC Relocation Success Stories at

GroupODell.com/RelocationSuccess Kansas City Area Development Council Investor

Dan, Maria, and Mike O’Dell

CONTENTS

19

16

26

67

81

62

Inside...

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CONTRIBUTORS

6 KC, WE’RE SO IN LOVE

18 WORK

Stories of professionals living their dreams in Kansas City

8 ON THE COVER

38 LIVE

16 WHAT MAKES

60 PLAY

Get the inside scoop on KC king, Tech N9ne

KC SPECIAL?

Hear from a variety of individuals on why they choose KC

Discover the vast array of living options available in KC

Explore high-end amenities and local must sees

94 F ACES OF CREATIVE KC Meet some of KC’s most creative individuals

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Same extraordinary service.

Fresh, new look.

CrossFirst Bank was founded in 2007 by a small group of business leaders to bring a level of service to banking that can only be described as extraordinary.

Contact us to learn more about our commitment to serving people in extraordinary ways.

At CrossFirst Bank we want you to know that you can

expect extraordinary.

913.327.1212 | 4707 W. 135TH STrEET | LEAWOOD, Kansas 816.895.4600 | 4435 Main Street, suite 1100 | kansas city, missouri 913.312.6800 | 11440 tomahawk creek parkway | LEAWOOD, Kansas crossfirstbank.com

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CONTRIBUTORS

Writers

2019/2020 EDITION

ANN M. CLIFFORD

PUBLISHER, KC OPTIONS MANAGING DIRECTOR, TEAMKC JESSICA PALM

Clifford is a freelance writer specializing in blog, ghostwriting and content marketing strategies. Through her business, Write Hand Ann, Ann collaborates with a range of Kansas City-area entrepreneurs to tell their stories and grow their businesses.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, KC OPTIONS MARKETING MANAGER, TEAMKC & KCADC INVESTOR RELATIONS ANGELA ORR

PORCSHE N. MORAN

EDITOR, KC OPTIONS SPECIALIST, TEAMKC & KCADC INVESTOR RELATIONS ADDIE LINN

Moran is a lifestyle journalist and content creator. She operates a freelance business called PNM Media. She develops multimedia content on a variety of topics, including food, travel, home and garden, fashion and business. She is a graduate of the University Of Missouri School Of Journalism.

MATT SMITHMIER With a specialty in news and feature writing, Matt’s work has also appeared in the Kansas City Business Journal, The Kansas City Star, Missouri Life, Northland Lifestyle and many others. He lives in Parkville, Missouri with his wife and three children.

KATIE VAN LUCHENE “Kansas City” appears frequently in Katie’s bio: columnist for Kansas City Magazine and KC Home Design, executive editor at KC Magazine, and author of Insiders’ Guide to Kansas City. She loves sharing stories about her hometown’s most fascinating people, including this issue’s cover profile, Tech N9ne.

Photographers KIM GOLDING Golding is a KC-based freelance photographer. Prior to working at Hallmark Cards, she had a studio in Los Angeles and shot photos for a variety of publications and personalities. She was educated at Plymouth College of Art in England.

CAMERON GEE Based in KC, Gee explores his craft through both commercial and personal work. Holding his images to a minimal aesthetic in an attempt to slow people down in our fast-paced, digital world, he offers a glimpse of a genuine version of his subjects, as opposed to a constructed persona.

EDITOR, KC OPTIONS KCADC SPECIALIST, COMMUNICATIONS LEXI RYAN KCADC VICE PRESIDENT, DESIGN & CREATIVE JONATHAN KNECHT KCADC VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS ASHLIE HAND KCADC MANAGER, CREATIVE SERVICES & DIGITAL CONTENT KARA BROCK

THANKS TO OUR TEAMKC ADVISORY BOARD FOR GUIDING EDITORIAL: AEROTEK / ASTON CARTER BLACK & VEATCH BURNS & MCDONNELL CHILDREN’S MERCY HOSPITAL CHOWNOW DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA GARMIN INTERNATIONAL, INC. GO TOPEKA H&R BLOCK HALLMARK CARDS, INC. HONEYWELL IMPERIAL PFS KC TECH COUNCIL KPMG LLP LOCKTON COMPANIES MALFER & ASSOCIATES MCCOWNGORDON CONSTRUCTION PLEXPOD SAINT LUKE’S HEALTH SYSTEMS SPRING VENTURE GROUP SPRINT SS&C TECHNOLOGIES STATE STREET SUPERIOR BOWEN UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI VMLY&R

KATE SWEETEN Sweeten is a KC-based freelance photographer that spends her 9-to-5 hours working in marketing, communications and economic development. In addition to wedding and lifestyle photography, Sweeten’s Kansas City imagery has been featured in nearly a dozen regional art shows and is available on the Made in Kansas City online marketplace.

SHOWCASE PUBLISHING, INC. CELEBRATING 36 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE PRESIDENT DAVE LEATHERS GRAPHIC DESIGNER LOUISE SCOPELITIS CONTROLLER/BILLING MARCIA MYERS

Additional photography courtesy of Bar K Dog Bar; Bradley Cain; Dave Reno; Folk Alliance International; Gaskins Photography Collection; J. Rieger & Co.; KC Global Design/HOK; KC PrideFest; Latino Arts Festival; Middle of the Map Fest; NiahRose Photography, PhotoExpectations and Visit KC.

PROUD MEMBER OF KCADC Showcase Publishing, Inc. ©2019. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in any form is strictly prohibited without written consent of the magazine publisher.

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E D I TO R - I N - C H I E F

KC, We’re So in Love What’s that they say about falling in love?

Right. When you know, you just know.

Every day I seem to fall a little harder for KC, and I’m not alone in that. You’ve seen it too - KC is on a roll. We’ve been named one of the best cities in the U.S. by National Geographic, a top place for work-life balance

by Business Insider and a top city for job hunters by Fast Company. In fact, when it comes to the job hunt, KC’s industry make-up mirrors that of the U.S. - meaning we have a bit of everything and a place for everyone.

It’s not all work though, there is plenty of time and space to play. Our nationally recognized museums, James Beard Award winning chefs, vibrant fashion design culture and world-renowned music scene are just a drop in the bucket of available lifestyle amenities. And of course, we also happen to be home to NFL MVP - Patrick Mahomes II. Flip through the pages ahead to discover personal stories of local executives, international transplants, home-grown talent and more. See why we say the state line is “invisible,” examine cost of living comparisons between KC and the U.S. and get a tiny taste of what makes KC a hub for collaborative innovation.

The secret is out and your very own love story awaits. n

Angela Orr Editor-in-Chief KC Options orr@thinkkc.com

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Here today.

Here tomorrow. bv.com/careers

O N T H E COV E R

The King of Kansas City

By KATIE VAN LUCHENE

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TECH N9NE

It’s a title usually reserved for a business or sports icon whose name is on a skyscraper or sports arena. But if the sole criterion is hometown love, Tech N9ne earns the moniker hands down.

Denmark, Los Angeles, Miami. Tech N9ne, the world’s most successful independent hip-hop artist, has the fan base and money to live in any of these cities.

But KC, he says, is “where I lay my feet and lay my head and forever I will. There’s nothing like Kansas City. It inspires me so much.”

“Without KC, there would be no Tech N9ne.” The artist reps his hometown around the world, from wearing a No. 9 Chiefs jersey and red shorts to inspiring audiences in Hamburg to chant, “KC M-ohhhhhhhhhh!” His “Red Kingdom” should be the anthem for every Chiefs fan during the season.

It’s been an inspiring journey from a kid growing up in what Tech calls “gang bang neighborhoods,” to his stature as a respected artist and owner (along with partner Travis O’Guin) of Strange Music, Inc. The company they founded in 1999 is now the most successful independent music company in the world.

Songs are recorded, business deals inked and concert merchandise produced in the Lee’s Summit sprawling headquarters.

At 48, Tech is known as much for his unmatched energy and work ethic as his intricate lyrics, staccato delivery and synchronized choreography on stage. During the photo session for this article, he admitted to being a bit tired. He’d been up late the night before writing new episodes of his video series, Kathartic.

The work is paying off. Local actor, writer and producer, David Wayne Reed, who appears as the Evil Doctor in the series, notes that the first four videos have been viewed more than 20 million times.

One viewer was Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson who posted the “Like I Ain’t” episode on his Instagram page and talked about Tech N9ne’s new album (N9NA, which dropped in April 2019) at the Time 100 Gala. “That’s when I knew this was really huge,” says David.

“I don’t know if people in KC have an idea of just how famous Tech is. And here’s the thing: he’s just as nice and approachable as he is famous.”

With so many creative ideas swirling in his head, does Tech ever sleep? At first he answers no, then laughs and replies, “Yeah. I need my eight hours. You can’t do what I do without eight hours.”

His favorite place to spend that pillow time is with his lady, who was also born and raised in KC. Other hometown anchors are his son and two daughters. “Seeing them smile is my favorite thing,” he says.

While he preserves his family’s privacy, the artist himself is open and genuine, proud to show off what he’s earned from decades of hard work. In a local documentary, the king of the castle—in this case his Leawood, Kansas, home—displayed his massive shoe collection and a wine cellar where bottles spell out “T and “9.”

With his touring schedule, which averages nearly 200 shows a year, the cabernets will get additional aging time.

Like a true Kansas Citian, his first thought when returning from the road isn’t wine, but food. “There’s not a Topsy’s Popcorn anywhere else in the world. There’s not a Go Chicken Go, not a Gate’s, not a Jack Stack, not a Lufti’s, not another Arthur Bryant’s.”

In fact, he solidified his love for local barbecue in his song “O.G.,” which stands for Ollie Gates, the man behind one of KC’s most popular restaurant chains. Lyrics describe Tech’s usual order: “strawberry (soda), baked beans, mixed plate.”

But if a mixed plate makes it into his music, so does his implausible, inspiring life—the good and the bad. “I write my life as it happens. As it happened. I write my pain, I write my happiness, my confusion.

“It’s good to be confused. You’re eager to learn if you’re confused. I’m a storyteller, and my fans say I do it very well. I paint pictures with music. I can make you see it through my eyes.”

Buckle up, KC. Tech is taking us along for the ride. n KC OPTIONS 2019 | 2020

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AWARD WINNING CITY Topeka Zoo is home to the award winning exhibit Camp Cowabunga

Topeka Metro won the Transit of the Year award

Better Cities for Pets certified city

Evergy Plaza will host over 250 events per year

PLAY

Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library is recognized as a Library of the Year

Stormont Vail Events Center and Topeka Performing Arts Center host national acts and events year-round

Topeka Civic Theatre is the longest running community dinner theatre in the country

Topeka is the new home for Country Stampede, now known as Heartland Stampede

Barrister’s Brewing Blind Tiger Brewery Happy Basset Brewing Iron Rail Brewing Norsemen Brewing Crooked Post Vineyard Glaciers Edge Winery Prairie Fire Winery

There are more than 30 miles of paved trails and nearly 28 miles of natural surface trails

CONNECT With over 2,000 members and 8 initiatives, Forge Young Professionals will help you find your place in #TopCity

4 major universities within a 60 mile radius Kansas Avenue is the backdrop for a wide variety of major festivals and events, such as the Concert & Food Truck Series Downtown Topeka is home to approximately 900 apartments and historic lofts with176 being planned or under construction

6 technical schools

LIVE The median cost for a house in Topeka is $128,600

LEARN

DYNAMIC CORE

DOWNTOWN & NOTO

Over 3,000 people visit the NOTO Arts District each month for the First Friday Art Walk, murals, visiting artists and more

On average, a 2 bedroom apartment costs $680 - $1,130

WORK Topeka is headquarters to national and international companies including: Advisors Excel, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Security Benefit.

The Finance and Insurance sector in Topeka has grown approximately 12% since 2010.

Educational Services and Health Care have added over 300 positions.

Topeka & Shawnee County is home to over 101,898 jobs, and contains 38% of jobs in Northeast Kansas First Quarter 2019

GOTopeka.com/QualityofLife

W E LCO M E TO KC

Districts Districts

Neighborhoods Neighborhoods and and entertainment entertainment areas areas in in the the core core of of downtown downtown Kansas Kansas City, City, Missouri.

Missouri.

VER VER I RI I RI OUROUR M I S SM I S S

TE E T ER T R ET 5 th S 5 th S

River River Market Market

Downtown Downtown

West West Bottoms Bottoms 12 th12 th STREET STREET

Power Power && Light Light 670 670

Crossroads Crossroads

B

lv

d.

18th 18th && Vine Vine

MAIN St .

MAIN St .

BROADWAY

SUMMIT St .

SUMMIT St .

Valentine Valentine && Roanoke Roanoke

BROADWAY

U

TH

W

ES

T

Union Union Crown Station Station Crown Center Center

SO

SO

U

TH

W

ES

T

B

lv

d.

e e estessitdsid WW

GRAND Bl vd.

GRAND Bl vd.

18 th18 th STREET STREET

Union Union Hill Hill

Midtown Midtown

Martini Martini Corner Corner

39th 39th Street Street 39 th39 th STREET STREET

Hyde Hyde Park Park

Westport Westport

43 rd43 rd STREET STREET

Nelson-Atkins Nelson-Atkins Country Country Club Club Plaza Plaza

47 th47 th STREET STREET

K K REE REE S H CS H C BRU BRU

UMK UMK CC 12

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KANSAS CITY AREA MAP

KC

Region

map courtesy of VisitKC

KC OPTIONS 2019 | 2020

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W E LCO M E TO KC

The K

1 GIGABYTE HIGH SPEED GOOGLE FIBER 27 MAJOR COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES 1850 FOUNDED 9,193 SQUARE MILES s s City Re io BY THE NUMBERS

The Peo le

s ort tio

13 MAJOR AIRLINES SERVE KANSAS CITY 2.5

37

MEDIAN AGE

MILLION

170 DAILY DEPARTURES 72%

92%

HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATED

37%

COLLEGE EDUCATED

Cost of Livi

$89,949

FREE

KANSAS CITIANS THAT REPORT A DAILY COMMUTE OF <30 MINUTES

KC STREETCAR

OF 2.2 MILES LENGTH KC STREETCAR GROWING TO 6.2 IN 2023

Arts & Culture

AVERAGE PER HOUSEHOLD INCOME

$205,400 MEDIAN HOME PRICE IN THE METRO

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ART 70+ PERFORMANCE VENUES IN THE REGION

$276 M ECONOMIC IMPACT IN KC

KC FA C T S & F I G U R E S

To 10 City for Economic Growth Potential

We ther

BUSINESS FACILITIES, JULY 2019

Average Temperatures JAN:

19°F / 39°F

To 20 Walkable Cities in the Country

FEB:

23°F / 44°F

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, JULY 2019

MAR:

36°F / 56°F

APR:

44°F / 66°F

MAY:

55°F / 75°F

JUN:

66°F / 85°F

JUL:

68°F / 88°F

AUG:

66°F / 86°F

SEPT:

59°F / 80°F

OCT:

45°F / 68°F

NOV:

35°F / 55°F

DEC:

24°F / 42°F

No. 1 Place to Raise A Family WALLETHUB, JULY 2019

Best Cities for JOB HUNTERS FAST COMPANY, JUNE 2019

To 10 City for Creative Professionals THRILLIST, MAY 2019

Average Precipitation

Best Cities for NEW COLLEGE GRADS

JAN:

0.7 IN.

SMARTASSET, APRIL 2019

FEB:

1.5 IN.

MAR:

2.6 IN.

TOP AFFORDABLE Place to Live

APR:

4.2 IN.

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT, APRIL 2019

MAY:

5.3 IN.

JUN:

4.7 IN.

JUL:

4.4 IN.

AUG:

5.1 IN.

SEPT:

3.3 IN.

OCT:

3.7 IN.

NOV:

2.2 IN.

DEC:

1.8 IN.

To 10 Easiest Cities to Buy a Home CNBC MAKE IT, FEBRUARY 2019

Best Cities for WOMEN IN TECH SMARTASSET, FEBRUARY 2019

No. 7 Best City to Live in America NICHE, JANUARY 2019

*SOURCE: WEATHER.COM

KC OPTIONS 2019 | 2020

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W E LCO M E TO KC

What Makes

KC Special?

By PORCSHE N. MORAN

National media often calls Kansas City one of the best places to live, but no one knows better than the people who actually call this vibrant metro home. Chatting at Mockingbird Cafe in Strawberry Hill, three locals share their â&#x20AC;&#x153;whyâ&#x20AC;? for loving life in KC. Tyler Enders, Aviva Ajmera and Shanita McAfee-Bryant

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W H AT M A K E S K C S P E C I A L ?

What makes KC a great place to build a career or launch your own business?

Aviva: “The ecosystem we have to support, refine and nurture small businesses and entrepreneurs is tremendous. There are incubators, accelerators, banks, angel investing groups and organizations such as the Kauffman Foundation, and the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program (HEMP) that all help great ideas become viable businesses.”

Tyler: “As a small business owner, I have an unparalleled ability to access city management and leaders, to connect with resources, and to engage with customers and local media outlets. This all contributes to an extremely advantageous business climate.”

Why is KC an attractive place to live and play?

ABOUT THE THREE:

Shanita: “I grew up in KC - it’s always been a great place to live. It’s family-oriented, the schools are great, and there’s so much to do. You can enjoy both a small town feel and a big city environment depending on where you are.”

Tyler Enders

Tyler: “You can live a dynamic and fulfilling life that includes recreation, travel, hobbies, passions and your career. So many cities tout a workaholic culture in spite of the other things that make a life well-lived. In KC, you really can have it all.”

Aviva: “Being born and raised in Upstate New York, KC was not on my radar when I was growing up. That said, I love KC. My family and I are able to travel, afford a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks, and go to concerts and sporting events. These things are very difficult to do in larger, more expensive cities where your paycheck is eaten up by basics like housing, food and taxes.”

What are your thoughts on how Kansas City has evolved over the years?

Tyler: “Our growth hasn’t been led by a single industry or a few large employers; it’s come from small businesses. Whether it’s a new restaurant, coffee shop or store, Kansas Citians mobilize to patronize local businesses.”

Shanita: “My dad’s business was on 19th and Vine when I was in high school, and I remember all the planning that was going on for that area. It’s amazing to see all the things they described back then coming to fruition now. “ Aviva: “KC is on the verge of becoming the “It” city for young professionals. More and more companies are starting to launch their businesses and create HQs here. This will bring KC into the minds of people across the country in a different, better, exciting way.”

Tyler Enders is the co-founder of Made in KC, a destination for local goods, gifts, apparel and more. The business has six locations that feature nearly 300 brands. Tyler is a thought leader behind the “KC pride” movement in our region.

Aviva Ajmera Aviva Ajmera is the cofounder and CEO of SoLVE KC, a business consulting firm that provides growth solutions for clients. In 2018, Aviva was named by the KC Business Journal as a Woman Who Means Business. She is also the chair of Women’s Capital Connection, a network of accredited angel investors who support womenled ventures.

Shanita McAfee-Bryant Shanita McAfee-Bryant is an award-winning chef and restaurateur with a knack for southern and modern-style cooking. Since winning Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen in 2014, Shanita launched a series of dinners and classes in the KCarea and is leading a culinaryfocused workforce development and entrepreneurship training program called The Prospect.

She is a founding board member of the National Minority Chef’s Summit. n

KC OPTIONS 2019 | 2020

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WORK

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INNOVATION FUELS SURGING INDUSTRIES

24 NEW EXEC RECEIVES WARM WELCOME 26

THE ART OF INVOLVEMENT

30

SIGNS OF CARING

32 ROOTED IN A BETTER FUTURE 35

CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T STOP THE HUSTLE

Work

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I N N O VA T I O N F U E L S S U R G I N G I N D U S T R I E S

Innovation

Fuels Surging Industries

AND HIGH-DEMAND CAREERS ACROSS KC

By ANN CLIFFORD

KC OPTIONS 2019 | 2020

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I N N O VA T I O N F U E L S S U R G I N G I N D U S T R I E S

Opportunities to grow in professional development and make a global impact are around every turn - and in just about every industry - in the Kansas City region.

The local economy is powered by strong financial services companies, including the headquarters for H&R Block, Commerce Bank and Waddell & Reed. And, when you factor in offices for the “Big Four” accounting and audit firms, plus locallybased firms like RubinBrown and MarksNelson, it’s clear the area boasts exceptional financial talent.

As the home to tech leaders like Cerner, Garmin and Sprint, this fast-growing industry employs one in 10 area workers.

KC is also consistently ranked in the top 10 on SmartAssets’ 2019 list of best cities for women in tech, with 29 percent of the industry workforce being women.

Continued

KC OPTIONS 2019 | 2020

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WORK

KC is also the nexus for innovative bioscience, healthcare and animal health companies. Along with a 22 percent jump in life science employment since 2015, the region added more than 43 life science-focused companies in the same period, further inspiring a collaborative atmosphere focused on healthcare innovation, bioinformatics and cancer research.

The KC Animal Health Corridor is home to more than 300 animal health companies, the largest concentration in the world. Stretching from Manhattan, Kansas, to Columbia, Missouri, the Corridor combines a highly skilled workforce with a strategic, central location and specialized top-tier educational resources. These advantages were key factors in the USDA’s decision in 2009 to locate the National Bio and Agro-Defence Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas, to protect the nation’s food supply, and most recently, relocate two of its top research agencies to KC in 2019.

A few highlights from KC’s growing healthcare industry include Saint Luke’s Mid-America Heart Institute’s recognition as one of the nation’s top 50 cardiology and heart surgery programs; AdventHealth Shawnee Mission’s expanded, cutting-edge emergency and outpatient facilities and Children’s Mercy Hospital’s ranking among the top 30 programs nationwide for all 10 pediatric specialties by U.S. News and World Report.

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I N N O VA T I O N F U E L S S U R G I N G I N D U S T R I E S

Beyond health, KCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design expertise is known around the globe, leading the way with innovative water infrastructure, energy grids and solar design.

A leader in sports architecture, the KC area ranks among the top five in the nation for architecture and engineering employment.

Entrepreneurship thrives in KC. Ranked ninth among the best cities for startups by Commercial Cafe, Kansas City placed number one in startup growth rate. The KC-based Kauffman Foundation empowers entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to start and grow a business.

Due to its central location, KC is a top-tier supply chain hub with shipping access to 85 percent of the U.S. population within two days or less. Located at the intersection of four major interstates and boasting the largest rail center in the U.S. by tonnage, the region offers robust intermodal capabilities and industrial space to a range of e-commerce, food manufacturing and automotive companies, including Amazon, Overstock.com and Hostess Brands. n

KC OPTIONS 2019 | 2020

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WORK

New Exec Receives Warm Welcome

By MATT SMITHMIER

LOCAL COMMUNITY SPIRIT MAKES BIG IMPRESSION

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JEFF JONES

It’s a story Jeff Jones loves to tell.

Previously with Uber, the newly minted president and CEO of tax-prep giant H&R Block was unfamiliar with Kansas City before accepting the job in 2017. But during his first downtown exploration, the sight of so many locals sporting KC apparel opened his eyes.

“I’ve lived and traveled all over the world … and I’ve never seen that many people showing local pride,” he said.

“You just really got a sense the city was young and moving forward and people were really proud of it.”

The father of two daughters, Jeff and his wife, Margaret, have thrown themselves in head-first, exploring the local arts scene, trying new restaurants and checking out a golf course or two. Jeff is also a vocal advocate of organ donation, his father was the recipient of a donor kidney, and he’s become a Green Ribbon Champion for the Midwest Transplant Network—even appearing on billboards around the city.

Aside from work and family activities, he and his wife are also doing their part to spread the word about KC. “One of our strengths and curses is humility,” he said. “We have to get our story really clear and be unashamed to tell it, and brag and celebrate. I’m blown away by what I find in Kansas City.”

Now that he’s had time to settle in, he said he has a new appreciation for the best parts of KC. “Way more than barbecue, incredible creative class, great diversity, more places and more ways to live than I ever imagined—and just warm, authentic people,” he said. “We’ve lived in several places. How we’ve been welcomed here, it’s the best ever. We absolutely love being here.” n

KC OPTIONS 2019 | 2020

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WORK

The Art OF

Involvement

AN AREA NATIVE TAPS INTO DIVERSE OPPORTUNITIES

By ANN CLIFFORD

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The best place to get care.

Because our people care.

Whether caring for patients, implementing the latest software, or balancing the books, our employees choose Saint Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because they are passionate about taking care of people.

Make your next move saintlukeskc.org/careers

WORK

Godfrey Riddle describes himself as a connoisseur of all things Kansas City.

After growing up in the KC suburbs and attending the University of Kansas, he spent a year in Phoenix, AZ, as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer. There, he discovered his passion for urban planning and a deeper appreciation for his hometown.

“I love this city. I think it’s one of the few places in the world where you can afford to not only live but also thrive,” he explains. “There are so many opportunities to get involved. The number of arts organizations alone rivals cities many times larger.”

Community involvement also defines Godfrey’s career. In his first job at ArtsKC, he launched the Arts Leadership Series, which provides people from diverse backgrounds with the skills and network they need to be successful in volunteer or board member positions.

“As a gay man of color, I care a lot about diversity and inclusion,” Godfrey says. “The arts had a transformative impact on me growing up.

I love being able to share that with others, while also affecting positive change, driven by ethnic, gender and lifestyle diversity within arts organizations.”

Now the Vice President of External Affairs at Rightfully Sewn, a startup nonprofit with an innovative approach to creating jobs and opportunities for the business of fashion, Godfrey recommends newcomers to the area get plugged into community organizations right away.

“Kansas City is an open, welcoming city,” he says. “It’s easy to jump in, get involved and meet people.” n

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THE WORLD IS FULL OF MEDIOCRE EXPERIENCES.

WE HELP OUR CLIENTS CREATE REMARKABLE ONES. We are Dimensional Innovations, an Experience Design + Build + Tech firm dedicated to creating immersive and engaging experiences for our clients and their audiences. While there are other companies that may appear similar to us, we don’t fit neatly into any category.

Combine a team of graphic designers with interactive, environmental and interior designers and connect them to a team of engineers, throw in an innovation lab, then bolt on a fabrication shop (where we can build just about anything) and, well, you’ve got us. All of this headquartered in Kansas City and constantly growing into new markets—Los Angeles, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Denver are just a start.

There are a lot of specialty firms out there; the difference at DI is that there are a lot of special people here.

Interested in joining our team?

Go to dimin.com/careers for more information on open positions

KC OPTIONS 2019 | 2020

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WORK

Signs of

Caring

A SPECIAL FAMILY GIVES BACK

By ANN CLIFFORD

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With five children – Grace, Jack, Thad, Catie and Ellie – plus two dogs, Cathleen and Dan Flournoy are busy parents.

Still, in the midst of the active family’s hustle and bustle, there’s a shared focus on giving back.

“When Catie, our fourth kiddo came along, our world changed,” says Cathleen. “When she was a year-and-a-half old, we learned she had cerebral palsy. It’s been one of the biggest blessings as parents and as a family, because it opened up a whole new pathway for us.”

F L O U R N O Y F A M I LY

The family has been active volunteers for the KC chapter of Variety Children’s Charity ever since the organization gifted Catie with a modified tricycle that helped her keep up with her brothers and sisters. In fact, a frustrated social media post by Cathleen about people misusing disabled parking spots inspired Variety KC’s, “Think of me. Keep it free.” signs, featuring photos of Catie and other kids with special needs that appear below disabled parking signs at grocery stores and schools all over the city.

“Friends send pictures when they spot one of Catie’s signs,” Cathleen says. “Catie is so proud of her role in raising awareness and making a difference.”

“Kansas City is a community that wants to connect and help people tap into its many resources,” she stresses. “From the school districts doing an amazing job of looking outside-the-box to prepare children with special needs for true career paths, to the many strong groups providing support, it’s a loving, welcoming community.” n

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WORK

Rooted IN A

Better Future FROM MEXICO TO FLORIDA TO KC

By MATT SMITHMIER

As a young boy working in his grandpa’s engine rebuilding shop, Francisco GarciaMoreno

didn’t

realize

where

all

that

tinkering would lead.

“I didn’t know what I was doing,” he says. “But they were keeping me busy.”

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Mexico, Francisco soon went beyond engines, learning AutoCAD and 3D designs. Then, after a couple years of college in Mexico, he moved to Florida, working while he pursued his studies.

In 2005, he visited a friend in KC. Attracted to the cost of living, he decided to relocate and eventually graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City as a mechanical engineer.

“I didn’t move here for just myself,” he says.

“We’re trying to give a better life to our family.

Kansas City has been really good for that. They’ve embraced me.”

With his wife and infant daughter, Francisco spends much of his free time exploring the local museums, attending soccer events, appreciating the changing seasons and making plenty of trips to the dog park.

“It’s an interesting time in our life!” he says.

Working as an engineer at the Department of Energy’s Kansas City National Security Campus, managed by Honeywell, Francisco has also made it a personal goal to encourage inclusion at work by mentoring interns and leading the organization’s Hispanic network.

“It’s been an interactive lesson for everybody,” he says. “My job is to help educate … we just need to help everyone understand diversity.”

With his growing family he says KC is the clear choice for where he’ll build his future. n

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FRANCISCO GARCIA-MORENO

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HOW YOU LIVE, WHERE YOU LIVE

WE ARE

Eighty years. That’s how long Blue KC has made Kansas City our home. And we’ll be here – right in your community – for the moments that matter and the times you need us most. It all starts here, with you. And that’s a very good thing.

HereForGoodKC.com

©

2019 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

EDITH CRUZ

Can’t Stop the Hustle

COMMUNICATIONS PRO APPLIES HER TALENT TO THE DANCE FLOOR

By MATT SMITHMIER

A crowded room? A packed restaurant? For Edith Cruz, they’re all one big battery charger. “I love that. I need people and energy around me.”

Dominican by heritage, Edith moved to KC from New Jersey at age eight. In her “day job,” Edith works as a communications coordinator with construction firm J.E. Dunn. Beyond the office, the 24-year-old spends nearly every other minute moving—what she calls her “hustle moments.”

Continued

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WORK

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One person can make all the difference.

At KPMG, we never underestimate the power of an individual with passion.

Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and continued service to the community is what defines our culture.

We take great pride in making a positive impact in the workplace and in our community by encouraging communication and giving back. One person can make a difference when given a chance. Leadership matters.

When serendipity brought her an opportunity to teach at a local dance studio Edith quickly realized she was making an impact beyond choreography.

“I started realizing my students all had one thing in common: They weren’t confident in themselves,” she said. “I started speaking more and dancing a little less. It became a women’s empowerment class.”

In only 18 months the class grew from a handful of students to a packed studio. Edith now teaches at multiple locations including Quixotic Cirque Nouveau and MelRoe’s School of Dance, where she learned her first eight-counts. The energy that’s generated is not only transformative for her students, she said. It also refuels her spirit.

“You really have to feed off the energy of everybody else. I’m going to embrace it because this is a part of the journey, it’s a part of the process.” n

kpmg.com

© 2019 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.The KPMG name and logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of KPMG International. NDPPS 865056

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LIVE

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COST OF LIVING COMPARISON

44 ON-THE-GO: INNOVATION FUELS KCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TRANSPORTATION TRANSFORMATION 47 KC COMMUNITIES 52

ALL FOR THE CITY

57 KC AREA STUDENTS OF ALL AGES FIND OPPORTUNITIES TO THRIVE

Live

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WHAT WILL

MAKE A HEALTHIER

WORLD

FOR KIDS? LOVE WILL. Driven by love, our more than 8,000 dedicated employees are working to ensure that children everywhere spend less time as patients, and more time as kids. Learn more about us and how you can be part of our team at childrensmercy.org/careers.

LO VE W I L L .

LIVE

Cost of Living

Comparison KANSAS CITY

AUSTIN

BOSTON

CHICAGO

DENVER

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME

$63,404

$73,800

$85,691

$68,403

$76,643

HIGH SCHOOL GRAD RATE

91.50%

90.60%

91.70%

88.50%

91.20%

COLLEGE GRAD RATE

36.50%

44.80%

47.60%

37.70%

43.90%

SINGLE-FAMILY HOME –

$205,400 $303,400 $461,200

Median Price

RENT – Monthly 1 Bedroom Outside of Centre

UTILITIES

$245,400 $446,600

$773.83 $1,068.47 $1,768.76 $1,151.24 $1,256.08

$211.82

$138.91

$146.36

$129.73

$123.70

$57.50

$55.00

$70.00

$65.00

$60.00

$2.50

$2.34

$2.82

$3.06

$2.62

1 Seat

$10.00

$12.00

$14.00

$12.75

$12.00

INTERNET

$59.22

$60.49

$65.68

$62.48

$57.54

FITNESS

$34.33

$37.21

$61.18

$48.26

$38.19

915 SF Apartment

DINNER FOR 2 Mid-Range

GASOLINE 1 Gallon

MOVIE

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SAN FRANCISCO

UNITED STATES

$101,714

$60,336

FIND IT IN LEAVENWORTH COUNTY. Just 20 minutes from Kansas City’s landmarks and social scene, Leavenworth County encompasses four vibrant communities – Leavenworth, Lansing, Tonganoxie and Basehor.

88.90%

88.00%

49.30%

32.00%

$930,000

$254,800

Exceptional education and healthcare

$2,797.22

$1,017.61

Market-ready economic development portfolio

$129.37

$152.43

Access to six interstates in minutes

$80.00

$50.00

$3.93

$15.00

Work – Life Balance

Business friendly communities Diverse residential neighborhoods

$2.77

Home to Ft. Leavenworth, the “Intellectual Center of the Army”

$12.00

$66.30

$62.77

$84.42

$36.28

Shovel-ready business parks with incentives

CHECK US OUT. www.lvcountyed.org • 913.727.6111

KC OPTIONS 2017 | 2018

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kcrar.com

Kansas City’s local real estate market is strong and thriving

Kansas City Tops the List in Affordability and Quality of Life

There’s no doubt that Kansas City is abundant in art, culture, shopping and sports, but if we’re being practical, numbers matter too.

Fortunately, the Kansas City region scores just as well in cost of living as it does in quality of life. Kansas City’s local real estate market is strong and thriving, a trend that is expected to continue in the years ahead.

Kansas City also takes top rank when looking at livable home space for the investment. On average, a buyer looking in the $250,000 to $300,000 range in Kansas City can anticipate homes with two to four bedrooms. That same money in Chicago would likely equate to a one to three bedroom home or a studio to one bedroom home in San Francisco.

When stacked up next to comparable cities like Dallas, Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco, Kansas City’s home affordability stands above the rest. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, the median home price in the Kansas City region is just over $215,000 as compared to $275,000 for Chicago and over $1 million for San Francisco.

In that same $250,000 to $300,000 price range, you can buy 1,000 to 2,300 square feet of house here in Kansas City. In Dallas, that money will get you 800 to 2,000 square feet and even less in Atlanta, at 700 to 1,600 square feet on average.

And those numbers don’t change much if you’re looking at a home in a higher price range. Kansas City comes through for the win in number of bedrooms and square footage for the price, regardless of the price range.

‘‘

‘‘

IF YOU’RE LOOKING AT MOVING TO THE KANSAS CITY AREA, PARTNER WITH AN EXPERT.

But time is money too, and establishing a positive work life balance makes drive time another highly important factor. More than 80 percent of Kansas City residents report commute times under 30 minutes, regardless of which side of the state line or which community they live in.

From golf course communities to lake living and urban condos to quiet culs de sac, Kansas City has an option for everyone. If you’re looking at moving to the Kansas City area, partner with an expert.

Not only are REALTORS® experts on the city, but they are knowledgeable professionals who are dedicated to finding you the right home for you in the perfect location. REALTORS® are the best resource to begin your homebuying journey.

SPONSORED CONTENT

LIVE

On-the-Go: INNOVATION FUELS KC’S

Transportation

By ANN CLIFFORD

Getting from here to there in Kansas City comes with plenty of options - and a dash of innovation.

KC ranks third lowest in traffic congestion among large cities, according to the TomTom Traffic Index. And forget about range anxiety if you opt for an electric vehicle. The metro area’s Clean Charge Network maintains more than 1,000 EV charging stations, the most in the country.

But you don’t need a car to go places. The regional public transit system, RideKC, delivers a range of accessible transportation choices designed to work together.

The KC Streetcar runs along a 2.2-mile line in the heart of downtown, with plans to more than double the route by 2023. Free fares enable visitors

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TRANSFORMATION

and locals alike to get where they’re going, hopping on and off at 16 convenient stops.

The Kansas City Area Transit Authority regional bus systems connect highly populated areas throughout the city and its suburbs. Along the way, updated bus shelters with real-time information kiosks keep riders up to speed on routes and arrival times. Underscoring KC’s heart of America moniker, Veterans and kids in the Kansas City, MO, school district ride public transit for free.

RideKC Freedom offers a first-of-its-kind, ondemand form of public transportation. Originally designed for people with disabilities and the elderly, it has become an affordable ride-hailing service for all. Even better, through a unique publicprivate partnership, 10 percent of the proceeds go back into RideKC’s budget to help people with disabilities.

T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

If you prefer pedaling, RideKC Bike has 42 locations throughout the area. With walk-up fares or monthly memberships, the bike share program also offers electric bicycles and scooters when you need an extra power boost.

Innovation is in the air at Kansas City International Airport. In 2023, a new, state-ofthe-art, single terminal will add gates, flights and convenience. In the meantime, KCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central location makes travel easy with 54 non-stop flights throughout the U.S. Further down the road, imagine the first-ever hyperloop transforming travel between KC, St. Louis and beyond. With a feasibility study complete, the area is a leading contender for Virgin Hyperloop Oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier route, which would reduce the 3.5-hour drive between the two cities to less than 30 minutes. n

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WE DO WHAT MATTERS.

Every day, we impact the lives of our dairy farmer-owners across the country, and bring wholesome dairy to family tables around the world.

JOIN US From manufacturing and IT to accounting and communications, Dairy Farmers of America offers rewarding jobs in a variety of fields.

Apply now at DFAMILK.com/careers.

#1 city in America where milennials are buying homes. #1 most livable city in America.

LIVE

WORK PLAY

913-764-1050 | olathe.org | info@olathe.org 46

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-SmartAsset

KC CO M M U N I T I E S

KC Communities

Explore KCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s botanical garden, Powell Gardens, in Kingsville.

In suburban Blue Springs, the sense of community is strong with affordable housing and nationally-recognized schools.

Shawnee Mission Park offers a 120-acre lake, picnic area, trails, dog park and more.

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Cinder Block Brewery is a microbrewery with a local taproom in North Kansas City.

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Carousels in the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum in Leavenworth are historically registered.

KC CO M M U N I T I E S

Lenexa maintains more than 32 miles of trails for biking and hiking.

Take a break at XR Cafe in the Crossroads Hotel Kansas City.

The historic Independence Square is where Harry S. Truman spent a majority of his life.

The Hartley Heart is a classic icon in Downtown Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit.

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The culturally diverse Spencer Museum of Art is located on campus at the University of Kansas.

Strawberry Hill, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Kansas, is rich in culture and diversity.

The historic river town just north of KC, Parkville, is filled with local jewels.

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Gardner offers family-friendly fun all summer, including Movies in the Park.

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All for the City 52

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ALL FOR THE CITY

INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITIES & NEIGHBORHOODS

Build the Larger Fabric THAT IS KC

By MATT SMITHMIER

You can’t find Kansas City on a map.

Okay, so you can—at least in a geographic sense. But Kansas City as a community? As a feeling or an attitude?

Charting that lies beyond the skill of even the most talented cartographer.

The KC region covers a lot of map – officially, two states, 18 counties and more than 50 communities – but KC is more than boundaries. Thanks in part to an extremely low traffic congestion rate and an improving public transportation system, the Kansas City region is easily traversed, whether for work

or play — making seemingly separate neighborhoods dissolve into a singular community spirit.

That kind of flexibility is perfect for someone like Kara Brooks. The 29-year-old marketing professional lives in suburban Lee’s Summit, Missouri, but works in the Crossroads Arts District of downtown Kansas City.

“Living in Lee’s Summit and working downtown offers me the best of both worlds,” she said. “I love how KC is a big city with a small-town feel, and I love being a part of its bustling business community in the Crossroads. At the same time, it’s nice to retreat back to my own neighborhood.”

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ALL FOR THE CITY

Brooks and her husband spend a lot of their free time exploring the growing suburb of Lee’s Summit, including visits to a recently opened brewery and many of the locally owned shops in the community’s popular downtown. However, that doesn’t mean they limit their outings to only what’s familiar.

It’s not uncommon for the pair to enjoy a sushi burrito lunch at Komotodo in Overland Park, Kansas, then sample a cocktail at Restless Spirits Distilling Company in North Kansas City, Missouri. Then end the day with dinner and some play time with their Goldendoodle at Bar K Dog Bar, a restaurant/bar/dog park just north of downtown on the banks of the Missouri River.

The typical boundaries they cross in their travels don’t slow them down, Brooks said.

“While I’m always aware of the state line and the river, I never feel limited by them,” she said.

“If the best barbecue exists 45 minutes away, I’m going to make the drive regardless.”

Still, she’s quick to point out that the expanse of KC doesn’t mean the individual personality of each community is diminished. In fact, the history and culture you’ll find in all of these cities and neighborhoods play vital roles in what makes KC special.

In the urban core, for example, downtown is surging, thanks in part to the vibrant Power & Light entertainment district, a popular streetcar service and a residential population expected to grow by more than 30 percent by 2025. This focus on growing from the inside out has caused a ripple effect that has radiated in all directions—from the

historic River Market to the creative Crossroads Arts District, further south through the popular residential neighborhoods of Brookside and Waldo, and beyond.

The suburbs are no exception: Nestled on KC’s northwest side, you’ll find Parkville, Missouri, originally a steamboat landing that was founded in 1844. The quaint downtown and the historic flagship campus of Park University enjoy a picturesque view of the river. On the southwest edge of the metro lies Olathe, Kansas, a city founded on the historic Santa Fe Trail and recently named the No. 1 livable mid-sized city in the U.S.

by SmartAsset. The trendy restaurants and treelined streets of Prairie Village, Kansas, make it a popular area for new homeowners. Independence, Missouri, to the east of Kansas City, is now the state’s fourth largest city and was the hometown of the 33rd president, Harry S. Truman (and boasts an impressive presidential library and museum).

This specific mix of big and small, new and old, urban and suburban is just what makes the entire metro area much more appealing, Brooks said.

“As an East Coast transplant, I was blown away by how eclectic KC is as a whole,” she said. “Each neighborhood takes pride in its hidden gems, and it’s been my mission to discover each of them to truly live like a local, regardless of whether that brings me to the Northland, the Crossroads or Olathe.”

So, even though she may still use her GPS to navigate to that next great brunch spot or fresh music venue, she knows it’s all part of the bigger Kansas City spirit—something special that stretches over all boundaries and unites us all. n

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E D U C AT I O N

Students of All Ages KC AREA

FIND OPPORTUNITIES TO

Thrive

By ANN CLIFFORD

From pre-K through advanced degrees and certifications, students throughout the region have an impressive range of educational opportunities.

In the heart of downtown, the city serves as the campus for tuition-free Crossroads Charter Schools. PrepKC provides students from lower-income neighborhoods opportunities to engage with higher education faculty, and shadow business professionals as they explore career options.

The Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) offers students in the Blue Valley and Northland school districts real-life business experience and the ability to earn college credits. The Missouri Innovation Campus (MIC) takes hands-on learning to the next level with the University of Central Missouri and Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit R-7 School District partnering to provide immersive learning in IT and health services.

The University of Kansas (KU), works with area school districts to offer a Degree in 3 that enables high school students to earn college credits, putting them on track to earn an associate degree one year post-graduation and a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree two years after that.

Continued

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LIVE A Manufacturing Technician 1 (MT1) certification, available through several area high schools, community colleges and universities, ensures proficiency in basic manufacturing and production skills and gives graduates a competitive advantage in the job market. LaunchCode KC tackles the tech talent gap with no-cost programming courses, apprenticeships and careerplacement services.

Across the region, Project Search partners with businesses to help students with intellectual or developmental disabilities gain on-the-job skills.

KUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Transition to Postsecondary Education program also provides special needs students with on-campus academic and career development activities. n

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Aw

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Re c r e a t ks + ion

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e con o mi c Dev

Welcome to your new

Whether you’re relocating your business or your family, Lee’s Summit’s fresh sense of community spirit will immediately make you feel right at home. Our seamless collaboration between the public and private sectors help create an enjoyable, stressfree environment so you can focus on some of the important things, like who has the best pizza in town or where do I sign the kids up for soccer practice.

Learn more at YoursTrulyLS.com.

pm

ass H e althca

on

Wo

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P L AY

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BEYOND BBQ

67

ART KNOWS NO BOUNDS

71

WRITING THE NEXT VERSE

77

FASHION FORWARD

81

GOOD SPORTS

87

FAMILY FUN IS EVERYWHERE YOU TURN IN KC

Play

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KANSAS CITYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CROWN JEWEL

FOR TICKETS AND PACKAGES, VISIT ROYALS.COM/TICKETS OR CALL 1-800-6ROYALS

P L AY

Beyond

BBQ

By PORCSHE N. MORAN

KC’s barbecue is legendary, but there’s so much more to put on your plate. The region’s diverse lineup of eateries can satisfy even the most fervent foodie.

Continued

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B E YO N D B B Q

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P L AY

Top tier dining can be found with any of the eight 2019 James Beard Foundation Award semifinalists from the KC area. The Antler Room’s chef, Nicholas Goellner, earned a James Beard nod and a spot on Wine Enthusiast’s list of the Top 100 Wine Restaurants. Chef Michael Corvino, of Corvino Supper Club and Tasting Room, was one of five finalists for Best Chef of the Midwest.

Outstanding Baker nominee, Taylor Petrehn, draws crowds in Lawrence with his breads and pastries at 1900 Barker Bakery & Cafe.

Also outside the central corridor, there’s modern farmhouse fare at Silo in Lenexa, flown-in fresh seafood at Pearl Tavern in Lee’s Summit and Cajun cuisine at Soiree New Orleans Bistro in Smithville.

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Willow Creek Mercantile in Excelsior Springs serves up gourmet homemade meals that remind us why it’s worth venturing in every direction of the metro.

Feeling thirsty? The 60,000-square-foot J. Rieger & Co. distillery features a menu of uniquely KC cocktails. Boulevard, the largest speciality brewer in the Midwest, welcomes visitors to its recreation hall with 30 taps, snacks, games, tours and more.

Afterword Tavern & Shelves and Our Daily Nada blend books and booze.

For clean eating that doesn’t sacrifice taste, KC has you covered from the organic plant-based menu at Cafe Gratitude to the caffeine and sweet treats at Mud Pie Vegan Bakery and Coffee. Char Bar,

B E YO N D B B Q

a southern-inspired smokehouse, welcomes vegans and vegetarians with smoked jackfruit — a bbq alternative that tastes like pulled pork. The third location of Ruby Jean’s Juicery is inside Whole Foods, so grab a healthy drink or a vegan, gluten-free bite while you shop.

Take your taste buds on an international trip with Scandinavian comfort food at Krokstrom or Ethopian and Caribbean cuisine at Mesob. Places like Le Fou Frog, Taste of Brazil and The Bite contribute to the expansive list of global eats throughout the River Market.

Still hungry? Complete your gastronomic adventure with dessert at Fairway Creamery, where our city’s renowned chocolatier, Christopher Elbow, serves up donuts and hand-dipped cones. n

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Choosing where you live is a statement. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ownership in who you are and who you want to be. Choosing KC is a statement of belief that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a better way to live. From a thriving arts community to quality schools, buzzing startups to Fortune 500 companies and everything in between - get to know KC.

ART KNOWS NO BOUNDS

Art Knows

No Bounds WORD HAS SPREAD ABOUT KCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S THRIVING ART AND CULTURE

By MATT SMITHMIER

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P L AY

In 2019, Google announced that Kansas City would be the first U.S. city to be given its own page on Google’s Arts & Culture platform.

Driving around the metro, you can see why.

After all, the secret is out; now, the rest of the world is starting to understand that KC’s reputation as a world-class arts city is indeed well-earned.

From the iconic Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Museum at Prairiefire, to the explosion of galleries large and small in our Crossroads Arts District, KC offers a mix of visual, musical and performance arts to suit the tastes of its diverse population.

Art comes right to the neighborhoods during community art fairs and events throughout the year.

The Brookside Art Annual just celebrated its 34th year; the Latino Arts Festival offers a free, familyfriendly experience and the massive Plaza Art Fair welcomes crowds of more than a quarter million.

Recently recognized as Nonprofit Organization of the Year by the American Business Awards, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is one of many world class specialty museums in the region.

Public art installations can be found in every community. Many of our prized fountains are works of art themselves, and the region’s most talented graffiti artists have brought vibrance to the region by way of Art Alley, a local street art “museum.”

With so much talent, it’s no wonder we had to share it with the world. n

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ART KNOWS NO BOUNDS

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Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes, 2018, 2019

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re better together.

More perspectives. More experiences.

More ways to grow.

HRBLOCK.COM/CAREERS

WRITING THE NEXT VERSE

Writing the

Next Verse RICH HISTORY INSPIRES KCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BURGEONING MUSIC SCENE

By MATT SMITHMIER

Continued

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WE’RE DREAMERS, DOERS, AND THOSE WHO DARE. Spring Venture Group is reimagining the relationship between sales, marketing, and technology through industry-leading solutions and innovative business models. We’re full of people who dream of doing and being more — and we proudly give them the place to do just that.

S P R I N G V E N T U R E G RO U P.CO M

WRITING THE NEXT VERSE

The family tree of Kansas City’s musical heritage has branches that stretch to every genre.

Rich blues blossom into rock anthems, earthy folk standards intertwine with orchestral flourishes. Yet, the trunk of this tree has always been rooted in jazz— a legacy that anchors its past growth as well as the heights it has yet to climb.

For KC, that seed was first planted in the 1920s, with a growth spurt in the decade that followed.

Thanks to political boss Tom Pendergast, the “Paris of the Plains” never ran dry during the dark days of prohibition. As a result, the genre prospered in more than 100 music clubs and dance halls across the city— the venues of jazz legends, not the least of which was hometown sax giant Charlie Parker.

In the decades since, those roots have given life to a thriving local music scene, one that celebrates a wide swath of the musical landscape—from bands to buskers, operas to oboes, hip hop to hoedowns. The sounds of the city fill coffee shops, indie clubs, stadiums and every venue in between.

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Find your particular flavor at one of the region’s large festivals.

Perhaps the multi-day, multi-neighborhood, 100-plus-band Middle of the Map Fest, or Boulevardia, the “world’s finest pop-up party nation.” Camp out at the Tumbleweed Country Music Festival, or take a stroll through PorchFestKC where hundreds of musicians play from the doorsteps of the homes in Midtown.

There’s room for it all in this tree’s overarching shadow. n

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Engineering | Information Technology | Cyber Security Program Management | Quality | Manufacturing

Honeywell is hiring innovative minds to shape the future and support our national security mission at the U.S. Department of Energyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kansas City National Security Campus. Join us in pioneering new technologies and developing advanced solutions for complex challenges at our state-of-the-art campus. Together, we can inspire greatness by connecting unique perspectives and experiences while championing diversity and inclusion to build a better future. kcnsc.doe.gov/careers

Visit HuntMidwestKC.com

F A S H I O N F O R WA R D

Fashion Forward

By PORCSHE N. MORAN

A mix of local makers and major brands make KC an exciting melting pot for fashion.

Our homegrown designers span from haute couture to casual. The WhitneyManney line features vibrant, wearable art with an urban feel. Houndstooth showcases a large selection of custom and ready-to-wear suits. Pick up a comfy, vintage-style T-shirt at Charlie Hustle to show off your KC pride. Normal Human is another source for KC-centric shirts plus baby clothes, pet apparel and more. Elegant jewelry from Janesko or Georgina Herrera and handmade belts and bags from Sandlot Goods are perfect accessories for any wardrobe.

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You’ll find a mix of modern and vintage clothing at Dear Society and Donna’s Dress Shop. Clothing from emerging, independent and established designers fill the racks at Finefolk. Birdies is known for its curated lingerie and swimwear.

True fashionistas can’t miss the annual West 18th Street Fashion Show, a free outdoor event that celebrates forward-thinking garments. Kansas City Fashion Week features local, national and international designers during its runway shows for Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. Twice a year, Local Runway promotes KC-based designers and boutiques with a percentage of all proceeds going to local charities. The Kritiq Fashion Show puts another spotlight on KC’s clothing culture.

Rightfully Sewn empowers women through seamstress training and professional development.

For national apparel brands, head to the iconic Halls department store at Crown Center or browse among the Spanish architecture and European art at Country Club Plaza. There’s also Zona Rosa near Kansas City International Airport, and Legends Outlets, Park Place, Oak Park Mall and Town Center Plaza & Crossing in suburban Kansas. n

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Home Purchasing with Ease We make relocating stress-free Speedy loan approvals

In-house loan origination, processing, and closing mean your loan is closed on time.

Closing process that works for you

Still packing up your current home? We offer mobile loan closing, and we accept personal checks.

Secure, leading-edge technology

This translates to fast and efficient loan preapproval, making house-hunting easier.

Knowledgeable loan team

Experienced, career-oriented loan officers will find the loan that works for you.

Nationwide lending for custom fit loans

We originate and close conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo VA, USDA, and Jumbo loans.

All loans subject to approval. Maximum loan amounts apply. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions, terms and conditions may apply.

Contact your First State Bank Mortgage Loan Officer for more details or to see if you qualify.

Apply online at fsbfinancial.com or visit us today!

A Division of First State Bank, NMLS #416668

Overland Park

Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit

6800 College Blvd, Ste., 100 Overland Park, KS 66211 913.749.0100

1639 NE Douglas St. Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit, MO 64086 816.434.7050

A Division of First State Bank NMLS # 416668

SEASON TICKET

WAITLIST

NEVER MISS ANOTHER MOMENT. RESERVE YOUR SPOT ON THE SEASON TICKET WAITLIST TODAY.

TO JOIN THE WAITLIST: CALL 888.4KC.GOAL OR VISIT WWW.SPORTINGKC.COM/WAITLIST

GOOD SPORTS

From professional teams to recreational leagues, there is no shortage of sports action in KC.

Good

Sports

By PORCSHE N. MORAN

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KC Chiefs fans are well-known for their loyalty, world-record breaking volume and love of tailgating. At 142.2 decibels, the Guiness Book of World Records says “no sports crowd in the world is louder than Chiefs fans at Arrowhead Stadium.”

When it comes to the pre-game, Bleacher Report sings our fans’ praises as being the best in the NFL for “mouthwatering tailgate fare.”

The Cauldron is the official fan club for Sporting KC. During games, the Cauldron organizes a cacophony of rambunctious cheers to motivate our MLS team from kick-off through overtime. Whether it be baseball games for the KC Royals or KC T-Bones, NASCAR events at Kansas Speedway, KC Mavericks hockey or KC Comets indoor soccer, the cheering section is always on its game.

Not a fan of the sidelines? KC Crew hosts adult recreational leagues for everything from cornhole to kickball. HyVee Arena is a sports training and tournament complex with 12 basketball courts that can easily be converted to volleyball, futsal and pickleball courts, and a 350-meter indoor track. Plaza Tennis Center offers 14 outdoor hard courts, tournaments, lessons and leagues in the heart of the Country Club Plaza neighborhood.

The KC Business Journal ranks Ironhorse in Leawood as the area’s top public golf course.

The nearly 400 members of The Kansas City Flying Disc Club love the sport of disc golf, and the group hosts the annual Kansas City Wide Open, a popular multi-regional tournament.

Chicken N Pickle is a restaurant and bar with indoor/outdoor pickleball courts, and rec leagues and leisure sports.

No matter the venue, or who’s playing, KC is full of good sports. n

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â&#x20AC;¨

K U I N N OVAT I O N S A R E

TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN

Researchers in the School of Architecture & Design see a future in which smart homes use biometric data to save residents money and improve their lives.

ROCKET-PROPELLED

HylaPharm, one of several companies housed at KU’s Business and Technology Business Center, strive to make cancer treatment more targeted and more effective.

G R E E N - P OW E R E D

CANCER-FIGHTING PAT E N T- P E N D I N G

CAREER-DEFINING

WO R L D - C H A N G I N G

KU Foundation Professor Mark Shiflett applies nearly 30 years of experience at DuPont to his groundbreaking work in the Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis.

NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN

DAILY OCCURRENCES. If you want in on everyday innovation, partner with the brilliant minds and best-in-class resources at the University of Kansas. © The University of Kansas

innovation.ku.edu The University of Kansas is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

F A M I LY F U N I S E V E R Y W H E R E Y O U T U R N

Family Fun IS

Everywhere You Turn IN KC

By ANN CLIFFORD

Along with must-see classics like the Kansas City Zoo and Science City, KC boasts a variety of outside-the-box activities to please every kid â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and kid-at-heart.

Continued

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1.65 MILLION PLAY AROUND. Whether it’s competition or just for fun, the local KC Parks department and YMCA of Greater Kansas City offer everything from basketball and flag football to gymnastics, dance and everything in between. Even better, adaptive sports options ensure everyone can get in the game. If soccer is your goooooooal, the Heartland Soccer Association is one of the country’s largest youth soccer leagues.

MEALS

*

GET CREATIVE. Spark your imagination at LEGOLAND Discovery Center or get crafty with Hallmark’s leftover materials at Kaleidoscope. Hungry for more? Feed your creativity with family-friendly classes at the Culinary Center of Kansas City.

BE DRAMATIC. Take in a show at the award-winning Coterie Theatre for children, Theatre in the Park or Martin City Melodrama. If you’re looking for something outside of the box, take a dance class at Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, recently featured on Netflix’s Queer Eye.

TAKE IT OUTSIDE. Wherever you go, you’re close to acres of parks, trails and playgrounds. Get your hike on at the Ernie Miller Nature Center or explore the many amenities at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park.

BE FEARLESS. Take a leap with indoor skydiving at iFlyKC, or zip line through the trees at ZipKC. For more “cool” fun, ski or tube through the snow at Snow Creek.

Or, you can always test your ninja skills at Apex Climbing Gym.

That’s a lot of food. And, as part of Virgin Mobile’s commitment to changing business for good, that’s how much we’re donating to Feeding America, which works with organizations across the country (like Harvesters, here in Kansas City) to feed people in need.

HELP US GIVE EVEN MORE. Join the Inner Circle plan by Virgin Mobile and we’ll donate an additional 10 meals to Feeding America. (Oh, and you’ll get six months of unlimited wireless service for $1.) Or, share a photo of any meal to Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #DonateMyPlate and we’ll donate a meal for each picture.

Bon appétit! *$1 helps provide 11 meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local member food banks.

MAKE A SPLASH. The city may be known for its fountains, but there are also plenty of pools, splash pads and water parks to try, both indoors and out. For a deeper dive, try scuba at Midwest Aquatics or check out the underwater world at the SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium.

The best thing about family-friendly fun in KC? You’ll never run out of new things to do. n

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Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building a playground at an inner-city school or stocking the shelves of area food pantries, Resurrection members serve throughout the city, positively impacting the lives of our neighbors.

CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION Discover a church where YOU can make a difference in our community and world.

With five locations spread throughout the Kansas City metro and seventeen different worship services each weekend, we have a place, time and worship style for you!

LEAWOOD

DOWNTOWN

WEST

BLUE SPRINGS

OVERLAND PARK

13720 Roe Avenue Leawood, KS 66224

1601 Grand Blvd.

Kansas City, MO 64108

24000 W. Valley Pkwy.

Olathe, KS 66061

601 NE Jefferson St. Blue Springs, MO 64014

8412 W. 95th St. Overland Park, KS 66212

COR.ORG

K C C R E AT I V E S

K C C R E AT I V E S

KC

Creatives CAMERON GEE

is a photographer based in KC. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best known for his black and white portraits of modern-day Kansas City creative personalities displayed on the following pages.

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K C C R E AT I V E S

MAIKO KUZUNISHI

CHASE MCANULTY

is the owner of Decoylab, a design studio focusing on creating eco-friendly whimsical clocks, home dĂŠcor and accessories since 2007. All products are designed and handcrafted by Maiko with the help of her husband.

is the founder and CEO of globally-recognized vintage T-shirt brand, Charlie Hustle. He is a young and ambitious entrepreneur who grew up collecting classic throwback sports and concert T-shirts while attending classes at the KC Art Institute.

SEAN MALTO

LAURA JONES WALLNER

Professional skateboarder won his first international title at the age of 20 as Transworld Rookie of the Year, was named Street League Champion two years later and won a silver medal at the 2013 X Games in Brazil.

is a choreographer for Quixotic, a globally recognized innovative performance art collective that creates multi-sensory experiences in the form of dance, projection mapping, live music and technology.

WHITNEY MANNEY

is a Kansas City-born fashion designer creating art in a wearable format under her label WHITNEYMANNEY. Her work has been featured in numerous national art/ fashion blogs, as well as having a prolific regional following.

DAVYEON ROSS

is a co-founder of ShotTracker, wearable technology that provides elitelevel analytics to teams, fans and broadcast networks instantly, enhancing the experience of the game - both on and off the court.

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MADISEN WARD AND THE MAMA BEAR

Folk duo rose to fame with their song “Silent Movies,” performed live on the Late Show with David Letterman. They continue to perform for sold-out crowds across KC and beyond.

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PUT

YOU R

PAS SIO

N INT OO

UR

PRO

DUC

No. 5

careers.garmin.com @garmincareers EEO/AA/Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans

©2019 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

TS

THE BEST WORK BEGINS WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE. At McCownGordon, we believe when you love what you do, you find inspiration in everything. To deliver the best building experience, we focus on crafting a team of professionals with diverse perspectives and life experiences that reflect our communities. From our engineers and project managers to our virtual construction experts and architects, our team embodies the spirit of innovation.

This all-star team of passionate professionals embraces our core values of integrity, performance and relationships by doing the right thing for every client, every day.

If you are inspired, find out more about our culture and team at mccowngordon.com

WHILE WE MAY POUR CONCRETE & ERECT STEEL, OUR REAL ASSET ISN’T OUR MATERIAL, IT’S OUR PEOPLE.