Grow KC March 2014 by Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce

VO LU M E 2 I S SU E 2 M a rch 2 0 1 4

BUSINESS

KC C H A M B E R N E W S L E T T E R

GORDON LANSFORD A Conversation

GEN KC Five Years Plus Connecting YPs

TRANSPORTATION Keeping KC Projects Top of Mind for Funding

you. us. anything. Learn more, do more, and be more with KU in Overland Park.

KU Edwards Campus strengthens Kansas Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workforce with 28 high-quality KU undergraduate and graduate programs. NEW GRADUATE DEGREES Educational Technology Environmental Assessment Project Management

IN-STATE TUITION for Missouri Residents

anything.ku.edu 2

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

MARCH 2014

CO N T E N T S

FACES & PLACES

GORDON LANSFORD A Conversation

NEW MEMBERS Milestone Anniversaries, President's Circle and Leadership Circle

FIVE YEARS PLUS CONNECTING YPs genKC

RIBBON CUTTINGS

TRANSPORTATION A Discussion of Infrastructure Funding for KC

MEMBER NEWS

Cover photograph of genKC steering committee members Mark Nuss of UMB, Katy Griffin of PKD Foundation, and Leo Prieto of Truman Medical Centers, taken by Roger Ridpath.

EXPLORE KANSAS

CITY ZOO

Watch Polar Bears Flip and Splash at Polar Bear Passage, Penguins Waddle and dive at Helzberg Penguin Plaza and much, much more!

Always a new adventure!

2014 FOTZ Memberships NOW AVAILABLE!

OPEN DAILY kansascityzoo.org 816.285.3689 (FOTZ)

The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

PRESIDENT & CEO'S

POINT OF VIEW If you’d like to see some of the best small businesses in Kansas City, don’t miss our Small Business Candidates’ Showcase coming up March 27th in the Sprint Festival Plaza at Union Station. It’s the opening event of our annual Small Business Celebration, which culminates in May when we present the Mr. K Award to the outstanding Small Business of the Year. Our member companies, we’re proud to say, range from Big KC’s largest employers to small and home-based businesses. 28 years ago, we decided to shine the spotlight on small business, giving visibility to these important – but too often unrecognized – companies. It started as Small Business Day, then Small Business Week, and has grown now to our yearly Small Business Celebration, the largest of its kind in the nation. Small businesses are a significant engine for our economy and the statistics are impressive. Small firms are responsible for new employment: the Small Business Administration estimates that 70 percent of new jobs are created by small businesses. The number of small companies has been growing rapidly, increasing 49 percent since 1982. Overall, the rate of small business “start-ups” is growing while the rate of small business failures is declining. That’s good news, and a cause for celebration. One of our earliest Mr. K Award winners was Cerner, led by a team of entrepreneurs who’ve grown their company to be one of the largest employers in Kansas City. The company is a perfect example of “growing our own” – following in the footsteps of other entrepreneurs like Joyce Hall, Ewing Kauffman, and Henry and Richard Bloch, each of whom started small and who, as they grew and flourished, reinvested in their community. That’s one of the reasons for the KC Chamber’s focus on entrepreneurship as one of our Big 5 goals. Champion Peter deSilva (UMB) has been spearheading the effort, connecting entrepreneurs with resources and one another; creating the Flyover Capital Fund, focusing on funding for KC entrepreneurs; and building what he rightly says is an entrepreneurial “movement” in Kansas City. The KC Chamber’s Access for Entrepreneurs program, meanwhile, is wildly successful, and our Emerging Business subcommittee is hard at work to help grow young businesses with high-growth potential. And we’re getting a lot of attention: if you want to start a new business, Kiplinger’s says KC is one of the top cities in the nation in which to do so. (But then, we knew that already!) So come help us celebrate the best of Kansas City’s small businesses. We hope to see you March 27 at the Candidates’ Showcase!

JAMES A. HEETER

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

MARCH 2014

A CO N V E R S AT I O N W I T H …

GORDON LANSFORD President and Chief Executive Officer, JE Dunn Construction

When JE Dunn CEO Terry Dunn announced he was stepping down and naming Gordon Lansford to take his place, local media made much of the fact that, for the first time in the company’s 90-year history, the person in charge would not have the last name “Dunn.” Lansford, however, knows the company inside out. He’s spent 17 years at JE Dunn, the last 15 as Chief Financial Officer. He takes the reins at JE Dunn as the final step in a thoughtful, careful succession plan. The transition was led by Dunn’s Board of Directors. “We’ve known for some time that Terry would be stepping down,” Lansford says, and the process of identifying candidates was an active one. “It wasn’t a case of someone giving two weeks’ notice, or being in crisis mode. You have the time to have a thoughtful process.” Lansford calls his 15 years as CFO great background for his new job. “You truly understand how the business works, because finances are at the core of the business model. Terry Dunn also empowered me to be involved in strategy and personnel throughout my tenure as CFO,” he said, adding, “I’ve gotten great support from the entire leadership team and the Dunn family. And the good news is that Terry and Steve Dunn are just right down the hall.” Terry Dunn will remain as CEO of parent company JE Dunn Construction Group, where his brother Steve serves as Chairman. The biggest change during his 17 years at JE Dunn,

Lansford says, is the company’s rapid growth. “We changed from a smaller, regional company to a national one with 20 offices across the country. JE Dunn now has a national reputation, and we’re on the short list for large and complex projects we wouldn’t have been considered for 20 or 30 years ago.” The company’s focus, though, remains local. “We’re spread across the country but Kansas City – for 90 years – has been our home. It will always be our number one priority,” he says. Looking ahead, Lansford says, “JE Dunn will continue to grow. We’re more focused on growing our level of innovation, the value we provide. If we grow those things we’ll grow as a company. We have a proven track record of delivering projects in less time with higher quality.” That, he says differentiates JE Dunn in the marketplace. Excellence is achieved through collaborative project delivery; lean practices; advanced preconstruction services; and technology.

“We’re spread across the country but Kansas City – for 90 years – has been our home. It will always be our number one priority.” Lansford grew up in Topeka and graduated summa cum laude from Baker University. His passions, he says, are his family, his job, and his community. He and his wife have three children. (The 10-year-old, he says, loves spotting the distinctive blue JE Dunn cranes as they travel around town.) Two final questions: Q: What’s your favorite JE Dunn project in KC? A: “That’s easy. The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.” Q: What would your perfect day in Kansas City include? A: “Barbecue at Arthur Bryant’s. Opening Day at the Royals. Then the Big 12 Tournament (there’s nothing better). And cap it all off with the American Royal Barbecue.”

MARCH 2014

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

KC CHAMBER COST-SAVING BENEFITS Take advantage of these special discounts and you could save enough to pay for your membership. Visit www.kcchamber.com for details. Blue KC Exchange – Affordable Health Insurance for Businesses Blue KC Exchange, created by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC), increases choice and affordability in health plans for employers and employees and offers the ease and convenience of an online shopping experience, with the enhanced ability to compare rates of up to 10 different health plans available through the Exchange. Blue KC Exchange is available online now at www.BlueKCexchange.com. Cable Dahmer Car Buying Program - Up to 33% off a new vehicle and 1% over cost on used Through this program, your business will be able to take advantage of exclusive, no-hassle fleet pricing, currently not available to the public, including two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, and complimentary vehicle pick-up and loaner service. The Cable-Dahmer Automotive Group has hired a team of non-commissioned account executives to work exclusively with you, your company, and your employees. For more info, contact Adam Tobias – 816.588.2955 or atobias@cabledahmer.com. CBIZ Payroll CBIZ helps businesses grow and succeed by helping them better manage their finances and their employees. CBIZ Payroll can help make your payroll processing run more smoothly. By combining the latest in technology with the best in customized service, CBIZ can help you free up the time you spend on payroll so you can focus more on your core business activities. Sign up at a special discounted rate, thanks to your membership in the Chamber. To learn more, and to receive this exclusive discount, please contact Lisa Theiss at (913) 234-1368 and visit www.cbiz.com/payroll. EcoBizCheck Environmental Certification The EcoBizCheck environmental certification program delivers a practical, low cost and fast system for organizations of all sizes to dramatically reduce environmental impact, reduce expenses and receive independent verification of a sustainability program. Save 5% on EcoBizCheck through the KC Chamber. Visit http://app.ecobizcheck.com. LifeLock® As an employer, you can help protect your employees from becoming victimized by one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States: identity theft. Not only are there no hard costs to your company to offer LifeLock® Identity Theft Protection as an employee benefit, your employees can enroll at a special discounted rate. For more information, contact Craig Gordon, (866) 921-5650 x. 4081, or email cgordon@premiersmi.com. ProEnergy Solutions Pro Energy Solutions is a dedicated, focused and well established natural gas supplier to commercial and industrial consumers in the Midwest and Central regions of the country. Estimated savings based on historical gas rates has been approximately 2035%. If your business is spending $1,000/month or more on natural gas, call for more information about how ProEnergy can help you manage costs. Call 713-739-6428 or visit www.pro-e-solutions.com. ScriptSave® - Prescription Drug Savings You and your employees can receive a ScriptSave® card at NO COST to you and receive substantial savings on brand name and generic prescriptions at over 62,000 participating pharmacies nationwide. Your card also offers you savings on vision care, hearing care and daily living products. Download your prescription savings card through www.kcchamber.com.

YOUR EXCLUSIVE STAPLES ADVANTAGE PROGRAM THROUGH THE KC CHAMBER We’re committed to our members. We’re committed to our community. And by making our members stronger, we make our community stronger. That’s why we provide an exclusive program through Staples Advantage, providing your business with the lowest cost solutions for your everyday needs. Truly a greater program for a greater Kansas City. But there’s so much more than office supplies to how Staples can help meet the needs of your entire work environment.

Here’s a sampling of your additional product offerings: • • • • •

Breakroom and cafeteria Janitorial and Facilities Supplies Safety and Personal Protection Technology Apple Products

• • • • •

Managed Print Services Headsets & Ergonomic Items Transactional & project furniture Mail and ship Banking

• • •

Data security and storage Branded merchandise Plus, much more

Need something last minute? Your Staples Advantage program works in-store, too! Need promotional products? Simply upload your logo, create a virtual image of the end product, and order online. It’s a great deal and too easy to pass up. Just our way of saying thanks for being a KC Chamber member! To get the most out of your program, visit the exclusive KC Chamber member Staples Advantage website, and start shopping. Find it at www.staplesadvantage.com/kcchamber.

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

MARCH 2014

2014

Small Business

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMMING SPONSOR

SMALL BUSINESS CELEBRATION SPONSORS CEO LEVEL SPONSOR

Celebration Meet the Candidates! Candidate Showcase Presenting Sponsor: Enterprise Bank & Trust Sponsor: Union Station Kansas City

CANDIDATE SHOWCASE PRESENTING SPONSOR

Thursday, March 27, 2014 5-7 p.m. Sprint Festival Plaza, Union Station 30 West Pershing Road $15 for KC Chamber members; $20 for non-members $20 members; $25 non-members after March 25

CANDIDATE SHOWCASE SPONSOR

TOP 10 ANNOUNCEMENT PRESENTING SPONSOR

Get to know the KC Chamber’s candidates for Small Business of the Year, Aspirational Entrepreneur, Legacy of Kansas City, and Diverse Small Business of the Year awards. See the products, learn more about the services, and meet the people who are growing thriving companies in Greater Kansas City. Bring plenty of business cards for first class networking.

TOP 10 BREAKFAST PRESENTING SPONSOR

Top 10 Announcement Reception Sponsored by INTRUST Bank Invitation Only Wednesday, April 16, 2014

PRINT MEDIA SPONSOR

Top 10 CEO Panel Breakfast Sponsored by Missouri Bank Wednesday, May 7, 2014 Hilton President Kansas City 7:30-9 a.m.

RADIO SPONSORS

PRESIDENT LEVEL SPONSOR

GARMIN

Small Business Awards Luncheon (See Sponsors at right) Thursday, May 29, 2014 Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

EXECUTIVE LEVEL SPONSORS

DST SYSTEMS LATHROP & GAGE US BANK PARTNER LEVEL SPONSOR

H&R BLOCK

ASSOCIATE LEVEL SPONSORS

COPAKEN BROOKS FIRST NATIONAL BANK MCANANY, VAN CLEAVE AND PHILLIPS UMB

MARCH 2014

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

5 R

ewind six years: KC Chamber members were looking for a way to connect their younger employees with one another and with Kansas City. It’s a demographic known for choosing location first, job second, seeking out a metro area with the amenities they want. Some Chamber leaders had watched promising young executives, who didn’t feel connected to KC, leave for other jobs in other cities. A group of members came together and founded a new YP organization – genKC. For them, this would be a workforce development program. Fast forward to 2014: genKC boasts a network of 3500 young professionals, and has evolved into an active, dynamic group very different from what it was when it first started. “genKC has grown to being owned by the volunteers,” says Katy Griffin, Regional Development Director of the PKD Foundation and 2014 genKC Chair. “It started as a concept and held exploratory events to figure out its identity. It’s become three-dimensional, including community service, leadership development, connecting other organizations and showcasing what Kansas City has to offer.” In 2013, genKC hosted four community involvement events, five networking socials, and three professional development events. Here’s a sample of what genKC has offered in just the last few months: CEO Panels featuring Burns & McDonnell CEO Greg Graves, the Chiefs Mark Donovan, Central Exchange President CiCi Rojas, and entrepreneur Matt Condon (founder of ARC Physical Therapy+; a “Day of Service” for DeLaSalle; a Food Truck Festival in the City Market; “Banter & Decanter,” a competitive

Definition of Young Professional (YP) - someone between 21 and 40 years of age, educated, civic-minded, highly entrepreneurial.

Young and Educated as Percent of Total Population 2012

 Greater than 6%  5.37% to 6%  4.73% to 5.36%  4.10% to 4.72%  Less than 4.1%

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

metrolink.com

MARCH 2014

YEARS

AND GOING STRONG! wine-tasting at Studio Dan Meiners; and, just last month, a “Linking Leaders” event at the Roasterie’s Bean Hanger, bringing together 12 different YP groups, including, among others, the Bacchus Foundation Young Professionals, the Mayor’s Challenge Cabinet, Urban Summit Young Professionals, and Young Latino Professionals of Greater Kansas City. Leo Prieto, Director of Community Outreach for Truman Medical Centers, is a new member of the genKC Steering Committee and the Social Chair of the Young Latino Professionals. The Linking Leaders event, he says, “Is a true testament of networking at its best with such a diverse representation and the power of collaboration amongst our various young professionals groups, who also happen to be the next generation of leaders.” “We want to be a connector, a convener,” adds Mark Nuss, Assistant Vice President/Commercial Lending for UMB Bank and an ex-officio member of the genKC Steering Committee. “We just want people to be involved in Kansas City…The environment here for young professionals is great. We’re trying to bring them to things that have been here all along, shining a spotlight and telling folks ‘here’s what KC has to offer.’” “We don’t want to recreate the wheel,” Griffin adds. “Rather than do everything ourselves, we’re connecting to those organizations throwing their own events, bringing people together, and creating an environment where young professionals really want to be in Kansas City.” UMB is the title sponsor of genKC. Nuss explains, “genKC started when Peter deSilva, President & Coo of UMB Financial Corporation, was Chamber Chair. We’ve had conversations at the bank about making Kansas City one of the best places to work – and it’s important to engage young professionals in the conversation. …It’s about creating a great place not just for today but for tomorrow.” “I’m a transplant myself,” Griffin explains. “When

I first got here, Crossroad was emerging, and Power & Light wasn’t open yet. Now there seems to be more pride in Kansas City than when I first moved here. The interesting thing about Kansas City is that it has a lot of the amenities we’re looking for, but you have to search for them. genKC is trying to make those things visible.” Prieto, too, is a “transplant.” He became involved in genKC to broaden his personal and professional networks, he says. “I’m not from here but I like it here and I’d like to stick around and see it grow! KC has a ton of potential and it’s up to us to tap into it.” Kansas City’s population of the young and educated grew 21 percent between 2007 and 2012, from approximately 88,000 to 107,000, according to MetroInsight, which tracks trends in the nation’s metropolitan areas. Growth in that demographic is seen as a key indicator of a region’s strength, the organization says, for three reasons: first, it adds a steady stream of young people to the area workforce; second, this generation is known for their entrepreneurship and start-ups; and, finally, a region’s ability to attract this movable demographic speaks to its quality of life and the amenities it offers. If he was pitching Kansas City to another young professional, Nuss says he’d tell them, “We have access to world-class amenities; the ability to travel anywhere from Kansas City. We have plenty of jobs and lots of exciting companies in the startup phase. You can be in Kansas City and be connected to Singapore, Europe, whatever. My child will have access to outstanding schools in the area. There’s a lot of great things to do, and some of the kindest, most giving people in the world. I think we have a lot to offer that some of the biggest U.S. markets don’t have access to.” If you’d like to get your company’s YPs involved in genKC, or are a young professional looking to connect with Kansas City, contact the KC Chamber’s Daniel Silva, silva@kcchamber.com or 816-374-5494.

MARCH 2014

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

B-HEALTHY

SAVE THE DATE

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

MARCH 2014

For more than 150 years, Baker University has earned a reputation of academic excellence by offering innovative programs for today’s students.

Baker’s NEW programs for 2014: Our Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program will develop the skills you need to lead efforts in social justice, global citizenship and entrepreneurial spirit. The broad-based Bachelor of Science in Mass Media prepares you for various careers with an emphasis on writing and communicating visually. A Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from Baker gives you the skills necessary for a career in today’s business environment.

Many online courses available Convenient locations in Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, Kansas City’s Northland, Topeka and Wichita

Visit www.bakerU.edu/spgsNew MARCH 2014

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

Transportation Funding:

Keeping KC Top of Mind 12

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

MARCH 2014

merica’s heartland, the genuine gateway to the west, the middle of the map. All nostalgic names for a location with a unique position. Kansas City is the largest rail hub by tonnage and third largest trucking center in the nation. Its geographic location creates a center for all major modes of transportation, utilized by farmers, manufacturers, and the average traveler. It’s no surprise, then, that Kansas City is home to top transportation engineering and design firms designing and completing some of the most complex projects around the world. The KC Chamber’s Surface Transportation Committee and Board of Directors advocate for the federal, state, and local investment of the region's highway and transit networks, educate the business community about the importance of a strong infrastructure, and work for the maintenance and improvement of the region's transportation networks. The KC Chamber recognizes the economic health and quality of life in the community depends on the safety, efficiency and vitality of its transportation system. In a global economy, you must be able

to ship your goods and services easily and seamlessly, or you’ll lose out to competitors who will. “Our Chamber’s ability to consistently create and advance a smart, effective, coordinated transportation agenda says a lot about the individuals and organizations that make up the KC Chamber’s advocacy arm,” says Chris Migneron, associate vice president with HNTB Companies. “The Kansas City region is a hub for freight based economic development,” says Chris Gutierrez, president of Kansas City SmartPort, Inc. “KC’s central location, transportation infrastructure, supply chain labor force and the ability to efficiently move freight through our region make the KC region a competitive place to do business.” The area has long been an important transportation hub. In a move validating its position on the proverbial map, 150 years ago, legislators decided to extend the Pacific Railroad from Sedalia to Kansas City. Nearly 100 years later, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the

MARCH 2014

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

Federal Aid-Highway Act, calling for more than 40,000 miles of interstate to link our nation’s cities. The federal government picked up 90 percent of the tab, with states paying the remaining 10 percent of the bill, as well as overseeing construction projects. With St. Charles County, Missouri serving as the site of the first laid concrete and Kansas as the first location with completed work under the Act, the Midwest lays claim to the birthplace of I-70, America’s first interstate highway. Others followed suit and the massive, cross-country undertaking is considered by many to be one of the 10 most important pieces of legislation in the past 50 years. Fast forward to 2014 and the interstates and highways that zigzag across the map are literally at a crossroads. The coffers of the highway trust fund are bordering on bare. Efforts to increase the federal gas tax (and fund mass transit, as well as road and bridge repairs) failed in 2012. Temporary stop-gaps have provided a crutch until now, but the money’s not enough. Partisan politics has hampered the passing of a comprehensive highway bill (the last major bill expired in 2009) and public investment in infrastructure is at its lowest level since the end of World War II. "Unfortunately, the funding needed to improve and maintain our nation’s surface transportation is running out,” says Kansas Senator Jerry Moran. “Federal gas taxes and other highway user fees no longer cover the costs funded by the Highway Trust Fund, with an estimated shortfall of $132 billion by 2022 (Source: Congressional Budget Office, May 2013). Congress must come together on a bipartisan basis to develop a long-term, sustainable funding mechanism to give certainty and stability to our nation’s job creators, and ensure our world-leading economy today continues to have a world-leading transportation system in the future." A multi-year highway funding bill backed by industry groups like the Highway Bill currently before congress could keep projects in the pipeline, but gridlock in Congress combined with election year politics, suggests relief might be far down the road. The Congressional Budget Office believes the US Highway Trust Fund could be bankrupt by next year. Lack of legislative progress is just one part of the problem. Since the 1950s, much of the funding for the federal Highway Trust Fund has come from gas tax revenues. However, people are working to conserve gas and vehicles have become increasingly fuel efficient. The

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

MARCH 2014

Public investment in infrastructure is at its lowest level since the end of World War II. federal gas tax hasn’t been raised since 1993 and isn’t tied to inflation, and so loses two to three percent buying power every year. The KC Chamber believes the model that worked more than a half-century ago is no longer sustainable in today’s world. KANSAS The Kansas Department of Transportation relies on T-WORKS, a 10-year, $8 billion transportation program passed in 2010 and funded primarily through a 4/10 cent sales tax. As intended, the program would meet state economic development and safety needs. But the T-WORKS budget has already been raided to meet non-transportation budget shortfalls and more diversions are anticipated. MISSOURI Due to a lack of funding, the Missouri Department of Transportation is spending about half of what it should on road projects. An organization called Missourians for Safe Transportation and New Jobs is working to allow Missourians to vote on a 1-cent sales tax for transportation on the November 2014 ballot. If certified, the measure could raise $8 billion for transportation efforts. The KC Chamber supports innovative funding strategies. US Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri is part of a bipartisan coalition of U.S. Senators that has introduced legislation to establish a new infrastructure financing authority to help states and localities better leverage private funds to build and maintain the nation’s outdated infrastructure. “The ‘Building and Renewing Infrastructure for Development and Growth in Employment’(BRIDGE) Act helps to address the nation’s alarming investment shortfall in maintaining and improving our transportation network, water and wastewater systems and energy infrastructure,” says Senator Blunt, ranking member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Secu-

rity. “I’ve also joined my colleagues in the House and Senate to introduce the ‘Partnership to Build America Act,’ legislation that would improve our nation’s capability to build and repair roads, bridges, highways, ports and other transportation and infrastructure projects. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would establish a $50 billion ‘American Infrastructure Fund’ to help finance top-priority infrastructure projects nationwide.” US Senator Claire McCaskill is also working toward solutions. In a meeting with KC Chamber members in late January, the member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee outlined what she believes is a creative solution for funding concerns. “We have many US corporations that park billions of dollars overseas,” McCaskill explained. “We have a huge need for infrastructure funding. Let’s set up an American Infrastructure Fund with $50 billion in bonds. Those could be purchased by companies who want to bring money back from overseas. There would be a free market where corporations would bid against one another. We could leverage that for loans and bonds at the state level for a $750 billion investment.” Senator McCaskill also discussed easing the permitting process and supporting traditional infrastructure banking, or toll roads. “Based on national surveying conducted by HNTB, we know that 77 percent of Americans believe we must improve our transportation infrastructure right now; and 74 percent are willing to pay more in taxes and fees to maintain and improve our transportation system,” says Migneron. “Many states, like Missouri and Kansas before it, look to the sales tax to meet their growing transportation funding gap: it generates less opposition; it is a relatively efficient revenue source; and it shifts a portion of the cost of maintaining and strengthening our transportation system to out-of-state travelers and consumers, who pay the tax when they make purchases locally. In fact, when coupled with exemptions on food and prescriptions to mitigate concerns about the impact to low-income households, more than half of Missourians polled consistently support a sales tax for maintaining and improving our transportation system.” With the current administration’s articulation on national needs and goals, combined with funding decisions to support local investments in those goals, supporters say Kansas City is being rewarded for its willingness to embrace local responsibility for funding and building a system that works locally.

“That’s the way the system ought to work, and it says a lot for Greater Kansas City that we make it work that way,” says Migneron. “Nationwide trends show that funding efforts drill down even further,” says Mike DeBacker, director of transportation at Burns & McDonnell. “Regional and Local Mobility Authorities are being created to address transportation needs even more local than at the state level. In Kansas City, the starter line for the Kansas City Streetcar Project is under construction, intended to serve a two mile, roundtrip route from the River Market to Crown Center and Union Station. To expand the project’s reach, supporters are seeking a 1-cent sales tax increase within a new streetcar taxing district, as well as special property taxes for buildings within a half-mile of the lines. What Washington struggles to do in transportation is happening at the state and local levels.” “Our region must continue to focus on the existing infrastructure and the need for growth and expansion in order to maintain this competitive position,” says Gutierrez. “KC has a very bright future.” “Reinvestment is necessary, even if it means more responsibility,” says DeBacker. “It’s important that citizens have the opportunity, through their votes, to show what’s important to them. Additional funding to support transportation means safer and less congested roads, highways and bridges. It means improved mobility and economic development through transit investment. It means the addition of quality-of-life standards like bikeways, trail systems and safer school routes. For the business community, it means the ability to capitalize on the opportunity the Kansas City region has to become a national leader in the transportation industry, and the new businesses and jobs that come along with it.”

“Based on national surveying conducted by HNTB, we know that 77 percent of Americans believe we must improve our transportation infrastructure right now.” Chris Migneron, HNTB

MARCH 2014

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

FACES & PLACES

Highlighting Chamber organizations and people making KC grow. Federal Affairs Federal Affairs

Warren Erdman, KC Southern; Missouri US Senator Claire McCaskill; and Chamber President Jim Heeter met before the Senator addressed the Chamber Federal Affairs Committee last month. McCaskill said she and her colleagues were somewhat disappointed in the reticence of the business community to get involved and advocate more vocally for legislation that impacts business growth and development. The meeting drew a full house with a robust Q&A session.

Public Policy Council

Lenexa Mayor Mike Boehm, Commerce Bank; Gina Bowman, CVR Energy; Genny Nicholas, Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mercy Hospitals; Kansas Congressman Kevin Yoder; and Wayne Carter, Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute, talked about Capitol Hill politics before the KC Chamber federal affairs issues hearing. Yoder used the meeting to share some of his concerns about the Farm Bill and the current bill for the Marketplace Fairness Act, which the KC Chamber supports.

Public Policy Council

Carrie Sherer, Black & Veatch; Kansas Secretary of Revenue Nick Jordan; and Mike Hess, HNTB, talked about infra-

Secretary Nick Jordan (second from left) spoke with (from left) Dorothy Hughes, University

structure funding and local government needs following a

of Kansas Hospital; Mark Beshears, Sprint; and Paul Snider, Brightergy, following a breakfast

Public Policy Council breakfast.

forum with the Chamber Public Policy Council. Jordan spoke with Council members about the early results of the 2012 Kansas income tax cuts and the state revenue forecast for 2014 and beyond.

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

MARCH 2014

Big 5

Kansas State Affairs

Paul Snider, Brightergy; Kansas State Senator Kay Wolf; and Patrick Fucik, Sprint, talked about energy legislation and concerns about repealing the Kansas Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards (RPS). Wolf was a featured speaker at the January Kansas State Affairs meeting.

Botswana

Former KC Chamber Chair Greg Graves of Burns & McDonnell convened a meeting of 50 business and civic leaders in February to begin the search for a new Big 5 goal for Big KC. He said there was only one ground rule: â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are no bad ideas.â&#x20AC;?

Affordable Care Act

KC Chamber President and CEO Jim Heeter presented a book on the history of business in Kansas City to Dr. Tebelelo Mazile Seretse, Ambassador of Botswana to the United States. Ambassador Seretse was the featured speaker at a market briefing on Doing Business with Botswana presented by World Trade Center Kansas City, the KC Chamber, in partnership with the Kansas Black Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Commercial Service.

Business Class

David Gentile, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City; Carolyn Watley, CBIZ; and Coni Fries, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, talk with Ned Holland, Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, about the Affordable Healthcare Act. Holland and other HHS officials met with Chamber members in a roundtable setting to discuss the rollout and early lessons of the Affordable Healthcare Act and some observations on Medicaid Expansion.

Jim Brown and Amy Young of Muller Bressler Brown presented to the January Business Class on Smart Marketing on a Small Budget. They shared key tools to maximize marketing efforts while staying within your budget.

MARCH 2014

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

NEW MEMBERS Welcome to these members who recently joined the KC Chamber. Accountants Kennedy and Coe, LLC Marc Johnson (913) 643-5000 FAX (913) 643-5100 www.kcoe.com

Education Science Pioneers, Inc. Mary Brock (816) 460-2261 FAX (816) 460-2264 www.sciencepioneers.org

Manufacturers & Distributors Lister Petter Americas, Inc. Karen Cavlovic (913) 764-3512 FAX (913) 764-5493 www.lidter-petter.com

Payroll Services GS3, LLC Julie McConnell (816) 442-6267 FAX (816) 442-6360 www.globalgs3.com

Advertising EAG Advertising & Marketing Paul Weber (816) 842-0100 FAX (816) 283-0411 www.SmallBusinessMiracles.com

Education Services Teacher Created Materials Brian Hensley (816) 304-8421 www.tcmpub.com

Marketing & Brand Strategy Integrishield Luisa Fernandez (816) 994-1313 FAX (816) 994-1398 www.integrishield.com

Plumbing Service Morgan Miller Plumbing Tosha Everhart (816) 765-4843 FAX (816) 761-4987 morganmillerplumbing.com

Marketing–Internet Nxtbook Media Wayne Metcalfe (816) 456-5983 FAX (816) 256-2683 www.nxtbookmedia.com

Printing Barton Nelson, Inc. Jen'e Hong (816) 942-3100 www.bebco.com

Advertising Johnny Lightning Strikes Again Kris Flint (877) 664-5572 FAX (877) 664-5572 www.jlsa.com Awards, Premiums & Promotions Art Glass Productions Sharon Miller (913) 248-1118 FAX (913) 248-1114 http://www.artglasspro.com/ Clothing–Men's Todds Clothiers & Tailor David Garcia (913) 681-8633 www.toddclothiers.com Compliance NCEE Labs Steve Gunther (402) 323-6233 FAX (402) 323-6238 www.nceelabs.com Contractors–General Harmon Construction Tim Harmon (913) 962-5888 FAX (913) 962-5896 www.harmonconst.com

Executive Search Consultants Morgan Samuels John Copeland (816) 533-4370 www.morgansamuels.com Food–Wholesale Distributors FoodLinks, Inc. Norman C. Haas (913) 338-4661 FAX (855) 462-3970 www.foodlinksusa.com Freight Forwarders eShipping, LLC Sean K. Jacques (816) 548-3772 FAX (816) 548-3776 Grocers–Retail Aldi Cheryl Gardner (913) 768-1119 FAX (913) 768-1069 www.aldi.us Jewelry Manufacturers Lauren's Hope Medical ID Bracelet LeAnn Carlson (816) 746-4097 FAX (816) 746-0019 www.laurenshope.com

Manufacturers Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems Copy Products Sales & Service Helmut Derra Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA, (816) 891-2470 Inc. www.haldex.com Mike Pursel (913) 563-1822 Manufacturers & Designers FAX (913) 438-7733 Pivot International, Inc. www.konicaminolta.us Julie Lawrence (913) 312-6900 Developers FAX (913) 312-6901 Foutch Brothers www.pivotint.com Steve Foutch (816) 746-9100 FAX (816) 746-0031 www.foutchbrothers.com

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

MARCH 2014

Medical Equipment & Supplies Sizewise Mary Nell Westbrook (800) 814-9389 www.sizewise.net Medical Services MidWest Vascular Access, LLC Mr. Kyle Taylor (913) 217-7000 FAX (913) 825-6999 www.mwva.com Museums Kansas City Automotive Museum Earl Trout (913) 324-4227 FAX (913) 428-8549 www.kansascityautomuseum.com

Real Estate Glimcher (Town Center Plaza & Town Center Crossing) Leonard Corsi (913) 498-1111 FAX (913) 327-5526 Glimcher.com/towncenterplaza.com Real Estate Development Briarcliff Development Company Richie Benninghoven (816) 741-8540 FAX (816) 746-5138 www.briarcliffdevelopment.com Solar Heating Systems MC Power Companies, Inc. Shannan Mulcahey (816) 251-4700 FAX (816) 251-4701 www.mcpower.com

Non-Profits & Small Businesses DeMolay International and DeMolay Foundation Ross Pfannenstiel (816) 891-8333 www.demolay.org

Spa Happy Feet Therapy Jinwen Cai (816) 455-0331 www.kchappyfeet.com

Non-Profits & Small Businesses Historic Kansas City Ms Amanda Crawley (816) 931-8448 FAX (816) 931-8558 www.historickansascity.org

Sportswear–Wholesale & Embellishers Winning Streak Sports, LLC Lauren J. Larson (913) 768-8868 FAX (913) 322-1418 www.winningstreaksports.com

Office Furniture Impact Interiors Todd Adams (888) 296-0314 FAX (888) 453-6853 www.ompactllc.biz

PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE & LEADERSHIP CIRCLE The following companies recently renewed their commitment to the KC Chamber’s President’s Circle. AMC Entertainment Inc. Aon AT&T, Inc. BKD, LLP

Cerner Corporation Ernst & Young LLP Husch Blackwell LLP KCP&L

Kessinger/Hunter & Company, L.C. Metropolitan Community College Swope Community Enterprises The Builders' Association

TranSystems Corporation UMB Financial Corporation Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.

The following companies recently renewed their commitment to the KC Chamber’s Leadership Circle. Andrews McMeel Universal Central Bank of Kansas City Children International Deluxe Corporation ECCO Select Corporation Executive Hills, Inc. Foley Equipment Ford Motor Company George K. Baum & Company

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation Grundfos Pump Corporation J.M. Fahey Construction Company Kansas City Water Services Department Kansas State University KHC Wealth Management Services Microsoft Corporation Mid-Continent Public Library

MIQ Logistics Mutual of Omaha Bank Oppenheimer & Co. Quest Diagnostics - Kansas Business Unit Resources Global Professionals Shawnee Mission School District Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center

Sprint Center Stowers Institute for Medical Research SureWest The Raphael Hotel Wagner Logistics Wal-Mart #4553

MILESTONES The following KC Chamber members have celebrated membership milestones in February and March 5 years The American Institute of Architects, Kansas City Ameriprise Financial The Cartwright Companies D. A. Group, Incorporated Energy Solutions Professionals, LLC Frontier School of Excellence Jeremy Franklin Suzuki of Kansas City Kansas City Chiropractic Kincaid Coach Lines, Inc. Vancrum Law Firm, LLC Wide Awake Films 10 years Alaskan Fur Company Best Harvest Bakeries EPIC Events Farmland Foods, Inc. IMA, Inc. Wagstaff & Cartmell LLP

15 years Bank of Blue Valley Hyatt Place - Kansas City Airport Schutte Lumber Company 20 years Rainy Day Books, Inc. 30 years HCA MidAmerica Division 35 years The American Restaurant B.S.C. Holding, Inc. 40 years Hallmark Crown Center 45 years Avila University Foley Company InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza

50+ years Arthur Bryant's Barbeque (51) American Century Investments (55) Kansas City Shippers Association, Inc. (55) Western Fireproofing Company of Kansas (55) EMJ (59) Superior Bowen Asphalt Co., LLC (59) Grant Thornton LLP (61) Tnemec Company, Inc. (61) Midwest Technology Connection (62) University of Missouri-Kansas City (63) United Way of Greater Kansas City, Inc. (66) AAA Auto Club (74) IBM Corporation (80) Spencer Fane Britt & Browne LLP (93) Burlington Northern Santa Fe Intermodal Operations (97) Lathrop & Gage LLP (98) Ash Grove Aggregates, Inc. (100) Ash Grove Cement Company (100)

Bank of America (100) BNSF Railway Co. (100) Faultless Starch/Bon Ami Company (100) Highwoods Properties, Inc. (100) KPMG LLP (100) Kansas City Southern (100) Kansas City Terminal Railway Company (100) Morgan Stanley Smith Barney (100) Ozburn-Hessey Logistics (100) Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. (100) Tension Corporation (100) John Deere (125)

MARCH 2014

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

CENTURIONS:

LEARN. SERVE. LEAD. T

he Centurions Leadership Program of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is currently recruiting for new participants! The two-year program is open to anyone whose employer is a member of the KC Chamber. Centurions learn about important community issues through day-long task forces, and conversations with community and business leaders. They provide much-needed service to dozens of non-profit organizations throughout Greater Kansas City. And all through the program, Centurions get unique opportunities for leadership development, including service on nonprofit and community boards, and building the skills to assume roles that will help move the region into the future. Applicants are selected to the program on the basis of a written application, recommendations, and personal interviews. Centurions select a group of men and women from diverse ethnic and professional backgrounds, each with strong potential as a future community leader. An annual tuition, which covers meeting expenses, the retreat, and task force luncheons is required and may be paid by the individual, his or employer, or a sponsoring organization. Limited scholarships based on financial need are available. A company may have only one person at a time participate in the two-year program. How to Apply If you would like to apply for the 2014-2016 program years, your application, a $50 application fee, and at least three letters of recommendation are due by end of day on Monday, June 2, 2014. Interviews are conducted during the month of June, and all applicants will be notified of their status by July 31, 2014. Please find more information, including the application, online at www.centurions.org.

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

MARCH 2014

Learn More A series of events open to Centurions recruits are held in the spring. These events, free to all prospects, give an opportunity for you to meet active Centurions and alumni, ask questions about the details of the program, and essentially determine if the program is a good fit and if you should apply. Please choose the one session that best fits your schedule â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there is no need to attend them all. RSVP to Colin Hayes if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to attend: hayes@kcchamber.com.

Centurions Recruiting Events March 19 8-9 a.m. Polsinelli 900 W. 48th Place Suite 900 Kansas City, MO 64112 April 16 8-9 a.m. Community America Credit Union Corporate Office 9777 Ridge Drive Lenexa, KS 66219 May 21 11 a.m.-Noon CBIZ 11440 Tomahawk Creek Pkwy. Leawood, KS 66211 RSVP hayes@kcchamber.com

RIBBON CUTTINGS Highlighting the growth of Greater Kansas City The Whole Person

Distribution By Air

H&R Block

The Whole Person held a ribbon cutting to intro-

Distribution By Air (DBA) President Kevin

A new H&R Block retail tax office opened at

duce their headquarters in the historic Goodenow

Martinez and his friendly team cut a ribbon in

1360 East Meyer Blvd. to help local residents

Textile Building at 3710 Main. The Whole Person

their newly renovated Crossroads headquarters at

navigate an increasingly complex tax code and

(TWP) is a Center for Independent Living founded

17th and Cherry Street. DBA helps clients all over

claim all the credits and deductions they are

in 1978 as a private, non-residential, non-profit orga-

the region and around the country ship efficiently,

entitled. Congratulations to Marsha Clark, district

nization providing a full range of community-based

economically and securely. Martinez recently pur-

manager; Barbara McDonald, office manager, and

services for people with disabilities. TWP assists

chased, remodeled and modernized the landmark

her team on the new location.

people with disabilities to live independently

Acme Brass & Machine Works Building that was

and encourages change within the community to

built in 1922. Internationally-renowned artist, and

expand opportunities for independent living.

Kansas City resident, Tom Corbin was on hand to help celebrate the installation of his bronze sculpture Avion.

Metal Panels Inc.

DaVita Nall Dialysis

Endocrinology/ Bone Health Clinic

Metal Panels Inc. held a ribbon cutting and open

DaVita Nall Dialysis Center is open and current-

Kansas City Internal Medicine is proud to an-

house to mark its Kansas City grand opening at

ly serving dialysis patients in Overland Park and

nounce the opening of their Endocrinology/

8341 Ruby Ave., Kansas City, KS, just east of I-435

surrounding areas. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expertly trained

Bone Health & Osteoporosis Clinic at their

off Kaw Drive (K-32). Since 2001, Metal Panels Inc.

care team is available at 10787 Nall, Suite 130, in

Menorah Medical Park location in Overland Park.

has built a reputation as a reliable, quality panel

Overland Park, to help patients learn more about

With the merger of Midwestern Endocrinology

manufacturer, now serving a seven-state region.

diets, treatment options and kidney education.

Clinic, Andrew Green, M.D. and his medical

Both Tulsa and Kansas City plants feature over

practice will join KCIMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sajeev Menon, M.D. and

35,000 square feet of state-of-the-art manufactur-

Sandra Hao, M.D. in the care of patients with

ing space, complete with drive-through loading.

diabetes, metabolic bone diseases and other endocrinology conditions.

MARCH 2014

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

RIBBON CUTTINGS CONTINUED Rasmussen College

The Promise

FREEBIRDS World Burrito

A ribbon cutting was held at 11600 College Boule-

The Promise Wedding & Event Space is locat-

FREEBIRDS World Burrito, the fast casual

vard in Overland Park to commemorate the official

ed in the Crossroads district downtown, at 1814 Oak

burrito joint with a rock ‘n’ roll attitude, celebrated

grand opening of one of Rasmussen College’s

Street. Its rustic but elegant style is perfect for a big

an afternoon of burrito love with the KC Chamber

newest campuses in Kansas. Rasmussen offers

day. The Promise can accommodate 250 guests for

at its Westport location, 554 Westport Road. The

career-specific programs that support the business

weddings, receptions or other special events.

Westport location is owned and operated by FB

community, along with affordable fees and an active

Midwest Development, LLC, the first franchise of

support system for students.

Freebirds World Burrito. Along with the Westport location, you can find Freebirds in Mission, Lee’s Summit, Lawrence, Overland Park and Wichita.

Get a mobile strategy

with responseability.

We fuse technology into a marketing message that’s responsive and responsible. Enhance your marketing with mobile responsive web design. Engage our tools: • Proprietary inquiry tracking technology • Creative services • Media buying and planning • Activation marketing tactics • Social media strategy • Search engine optimization • Inquiry scoring

Don’t let your team fall behind the competition. Begin training for a stronger, more resilient, mobile strategy in 2014. Call Gragg Advertising today to get your free Mobile Playbook! INC 5000 member of America’s fastest growing private companies.

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

agency included on the list. M A RThe C Honly 2 0 Edu-focused 14 Forbes Social Media Top 100

See response differently.

877.GRAGGADV graggadv.com

RIBBON CUTTINGS CONTINUED Staples

CBRE

Pickleman’s

Staples held a ribbon shredding ceremony at the

CBRE recently cut a ribbon to commemorate its

Pickleman’s Gourmet Café Waldo opened with

opening of the company’s omnichannel store at

new office space at 4520 Main Street. The new

eager anticipation at 75th and Wornall to a very fa-

95th and Quivira, 11880 W. 95th Street, in Overland

space features free address modern workstations,

miliar and friendly crowd. Pickleman’s was 20 years

Park. The store offers everything small businesses

5 offices for a day, 4 huddle rooms, (two with

in the making when it first opened on Oct. 1, 2005

need to succeed, including the latest technology,

media scape technology), 3 focus rooms, a medium

with the vision that above all focused on using the

furniture, as well as cleaning and breakroom items,

conference room, a large conference room, three

highest-quality products while creating profound

plus more than 100,000 additional products

collaborative open areas and a RISE café. The RISE

and unique flavor profiles people love. Pickleman’s

available through staples.com. Photo credit: Mark

café is a free flowing break area with specialized

offers delivery, in-store, online and mobile ordering

Baltzley Photography

coffee selections, a large TV, and serves as a great

from 17 stores in the Midwest.

informal meeting area for coworkers and guests.

MARCH 2014

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

JAMES B. NUTTER’S U

O NN

IN NC

VIP EXPRESS PROGRAM

NEW HOME PURCHASES • HOME LOAN REFINANCING Offer your employees our special VIP EXPRESS PROGRAM and we’ll treat them like family: $250 certificate to reduce closing costs | Personal attention from a non-commissioned loan officer Lightning fast pre-approvals | Local servicing

JAMESBNUTTER.COM YOUR SPEED-OF-LIGHT PORTAL TO LOAN APPROVAL —ALWAYS LOW MORTGAGE RATES AND NO JUNK FEES—

ARCH 2014 Contact George MLopez or Kerry Thomas | 816-531-2345 | jamesbnutter.com

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

RIBBON CUTTINGS CONTINUED reStart

NAIA

Anne Penman Cold Laser Therapy

reStart is an interfaith ministry committed to

The National Association of Intercollegiate

The Anne Penman method utilizes a cold, soft laser

providing shelter and supportive services to more

Athletics (NAIA) warmed up for another basket-

beam which is applied to specific energy points on

than 16,000 homeless individuals, with the goals

ball season at the national office’s newly renovated

the hands, ears, nose, wrists and legs as a non-inva-

of helping them move toward independence and

space at 1200 Grand Blvd. in Kansas City, MO, with

sive therapy, utilized to help clients quit smoking,

self-sufficiency and ending homelessness in the

a ribbon cutting, Hall of Fame guest appearances,

lose weight and manage stress, successfully. It is

KC community. reStart has completed $2 million in

and the unveiling of a new event logo. The Buffalo

now available in Kansas City exclusively at Anne

renovations to their overnight emergency shelter at

Funds-NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball Cham-

Penman Cold Laser Therapy, 7900 NW 100th

918 E. 9th Street in Kansas City, MO.

pionship is the longest running college basketball

Street, the only center in Kansas or Missouri.

tournament in the country, celebrating 77 years. The 2014 tournament also marks the 50th time the event has been played in Kansas City’s historic Municipal Auditorium.

THANK YOU TO THE KC CHAMBER’S CHAMPION PARTNERS FOR 2014

MARCH 2014

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

THANK YOU TO THE KC CHAMBER’S VISIONARY PARTNERS FOR 2014

GOOD NEWS Highlighting the good news in KC

People

Missouri Lawyers Weekly has named Husch Blackwell Partner Cynthia L. Cordes as its 2014 “Lawyer of the Year.” Given as part of the Missouri Lawyer Awards program, the Lawyer of the Year is awarded to “the Missouri lawyer or judge who (has) made a substantial impact on the law or the Missouri legal community.” It is Missouri Lawyers Weekly’s highest honor. Cordes is the first Husch Blackwell lawyer to be selected as “Lawyer of the Year.” MarksNelson, Kansas City’s largest locally-owned accounting firm, has announced the additions of Crystal Anderson, Emily Baird and Shelly Doerhoff as staff accountants within the firm’s accounting services department. The new additions occur during a period of growth at the firm. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City, Inc. appointed local leaders to its Board of Directors. The new board took effect Jan. 1, 2014. The new board members include: Jim Walsh, Vice President at DST Systems, and Gretchen Gold, a Partner at Lathrop & Gage. In addition, Jodi Robinson, Director at CBIZ MHM LLC, will serve as Secretary/Treasurer. Phillip W. Thomas has assumed the role of 2014 Chairman of the Board of The Builders’ Association. He has been a member of the Association’s Executive Board since 2010. Mr. Thomas is President of A.L. Huber, Inc., an Overland Park-based general contractor which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2003. He has a B.S. degree in Architectural Engineering and an MBA from The University of Kansas. Other officers include Scott Hoisington (Turner Construction Company), Assistant Chairman. Stinson Leonard Street LLP announced the election of 10 new partners, including four attorneys based in the firm's Kansas City, Mo. office. The four Kansas City, Mo.-based attorneys promoted to partner are: Emmanuel Ayuk, a member of the firm's Business Litigation practice; James Cronin, a member of the firm's Intellectual Property and Technology practice; Thomas Dowling , a member of the

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

MARCH 2014

firm's Employee Benefits practice; and Scott Smalley, a member of the firm's Banking and Financial Services practice. Trozzolo Communications Group announced the appointment of Angelo Trozzolo as CEO. He is serving as president and CEO of the agency. Pasquale Trozzolo, founder and former CEO, serves as executive chairman and remains actively involved in the company. Angelo, who was named president six years ago, has been with the agency for 16 years. Angelo has been responsible for most of the business operations over the past several years, and this appointment gives formal recognition of his leadership. Buttonwood Financial Group, LLC announced John Jespersen has joined the Buttonwood team as a financial advisor. With well over 25 years of experience in financial services as an independent financial advisor, senior manager with the Federal Reserve and community banker, Mr. Jespersen brings a solid background in wealth management to the company. Two Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation associates have been promoted to new leadership roles. Aaron North has been named vice president of Education at the Kauffman Foundation. North has been instrumental in shaping the Foundation's education perspective and helped lead the effort to create and operate the Ewing Marion Kauffman School. Dane Stangler has been named Kauffman’s vice president of Research and Policy. During his years with the Foundation, Stangler has led numerous research projects and written on a variety of subjects, including entrepreneurship, economics, and cities. Angie Heer, vice president for advancement and external relations at Avila University since October, 2011, has been selected as a member of the 2014 Class of Influential Women by KC Business magazine. Heer, who leads the University’s fundraising, alumni and marketing programs, including oversight of the $43 million Centennial Campaign, will be featured in the March issue of the magazine.

Jacqueline DeSouza has been named Chief Executive Officer of Research Medical Center, HCA’s largest hospital property in Greater Kansas City. DeSouza, who had been chief executive of Lee’s Summit Medical Center for the past two years, succeeds Kevin Hicks. He recently was appointed chief executive at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Research, Lee’s Summit and Overland Park all are part of HCA Midwest Health System. The Downtown Council recently presented Michael Haverty with the J. Phillip Kirk, Jr. Award, specifically noting his business and civic accomplishments, with emphasis on his determination to place Union Station Kansas City in the top-tier destinations of our region. Haverty served as Chairman of the Union Station Board from 2005-2012. And this year, Michael and Marlys Haverty are Honorary Chairs of the Union Station 100th Anniversary Celebration. Amy McAnarney has joined the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts as Vice President of External Relations. In this role, she will focus on building the Kauffman Center endowment, and also oversee the supporter and customer experience. This includes all development, marketing and sponsorship functions at the Kauffman Center. In addition, she will provide oversight to the popular Kauffman Center Presents series. UMB Financial Corp. named Michael Hagedorn as CEO of UMB Bank. Hagedorn, who had been CFO of the UMB Financial since March 2005, also will continue to serve as vice chairman of the Kansas City-based bank holding company. He added the role of vice chairman and chief administrative officer in November 2009.

Miscellaneous

Polsinelli began the New Year with the addition of an Atlanta, Georgia office. The 11 attorneys at Rafuse Hill & Hodges LLP have joined Polsinelli’s nearly 700 attorneys. The group will include five shareholders and six associates who serve local and national clients in labor and employment and litigation matters. The

THANK YOU TO THE KC CHAMBER’S PINNACLE PARTNERS FOR 2014

addition of Atlanta expands the firm’s national footprint to ten states and 18 cities. The American Lawyer magazine recognized Polsinelli as the fastest-growing law firm in America over a five-year period beginning in 2008. Toshiba Business Solutions is pleased to announce that the e-STUDIO5055c family has won the Better Buys for Business, Editor's Choice 2013 Award. Better Buys is known for its Editor's Choice Award, which is given to newer office equipment that delivers the highest level of performance and offers the greatest value in a given category. Dr. Bradley Freilich has opened the Hepatitis Treatment Clinic at Kansas City Gastroenterology and Hepatology Physicians Group on Research Medical Center’s Brookside Campus to facilitate screening of potential Hepatitis C viral infection (HCV) in patients, and provide expert care and access to drugs effective in treating chronic HCV. The Hepatitis Treatment Clinic provides care to patients with any form of chronic inflammation of the liver. The Clinic’s staff will work in coordination with the Liver and Pancreas Institute of Kansas City at Research Medical Center to provide multidisciplinary care to those patients with liver cancer and Menorah Medical Center’s bariatric services. Non-profit organizations and small municipalities can now apply for a U.S. Bank credit card with fewer fees, and features crafted to their unique needs. The U.S. Bank Visa® Community Credit Card has no annual fees, no late fees and no over-limit fees and is now offered in all U.S. Bank branches. Other features include: consolidated central billing statements; domestic, dedicated cardmember service available 24/7; optional, free rewards program; underwritten on the financial strength of the organization, no guarantor required; and line size based on the financial strength of the organization. NextPage, a merger of Mail Print, Graphic Services, and L&L Manufacturing, has announced the acquisition of the Komori Lithrone G40 40” 8 color printing press. The Ko-

MARCH 2014

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

GOOD NEWS CONTINUED mori press introduces an exciting new concept in printing to the area, “Offset on Demand”. With shorter setup times, less paper waste and reduced printing time due to the Komori’s high speed capability, this press will provide print buyers with unsurpassed productivity and environmental efficiency. The Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation undergraduate entrepreneurship program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City has been named the 2014 National Model Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program by the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE). The program and Institute are housed within the new Henry W. Bloch Executive Hall for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Henry W. Bloch School of Management. In 2012, the Bloch School’s MBA in entrepreneurship was named the National Model Graduate Entrepreneurship Program by USASBE.

A newly released report shows AT&T wireless customers in Kansas City are enjoying a high performing local network. An independent mobile research and testing organization today named AT&T’s wireless network tied for top honors. Seattle-based RootMetrics® ranked AT&T tied for highest for combined/overall voice, data and text network performance in Kansas City. The RootMetrics® wireless network performance study for Kansas City named AT&T tied for the overall RootMetrics RootScore® Award winner for its combination of call, text and mobile Internet performance. The RootMetrics award is based on analysis of more than 26,553 wireless test calls, texts and data transmissions conducted during November, 2013.

Kansas City-based healthcare advertising agency, hippo’s brainchild Theory 4 has partnered with Saepio Technologies to offer a healthcare-centric marketing asset management platform branded The Marketing Toolbox. Joining forces, Theory 4 and the marketing software and solutions company, Saepio will build solutions to support the marketing communications demands of healthcare organizations. Hippo is the specialized healthcare arm of Muller Bressler Brown.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2013 and closed the observance of its milestone by contributing $7,500 to Harvesters - The Community Food Network. Blue KC asked its more than 1,000 employees to participate in making the final decision to select Harvesters.

online, as well as in Overland Park, Topeka, and Wichita in Kansas, and Lee’s Summit and Kansas City in Missouri.

Since 1950 Kansas City Rescue Mission has served our neighbors in need.

Baker University has announced exciting new programs for 2014, including a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Bachelor of Science in Mass Media, and Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Baker offers programs

The Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland was ranked #15 in Pollstar, of the Top 100 club venues based on worldwide ticket sales in 2013.

“I give to KCRM because it’s a way I can do something that matters, locally. If my contribution means that there’ll be one less person in Kansas City caught in a cycle of addiction and homelessness; one less person suffering from exposure in the winter; or even one less person going hungry, then I know I’ve helped make a difference in my community.” — Michelle Black, Independent IT Consultant

KC RESCUE MISSION AD

Today and every day KCRM is committed to ... l Sheltering Kansas City’s homeless l Feeding Kansas City’s hungry l Offering addiction recovery through free resident programs l Providing education and life skills to promote stability and productivity KCRM’s mission is to offer freedom and hope to the poor and homeless, empowering them to reach their full potential.

“Faith without action is meaningless. If we truly care about helping the poor and ministering to people’s needs, than we must commit our resources to help those in need. My wife and I believe that KCRM is making a difference in people’s lives so donating monthly is just one way of walking out our faith in a tangible way.” — Glenn A. Miller, CEO, Miller Management Systems, LLC

28 K C Cpublic H A Mfunding, B E R . Cchoosing OM M ARCH 2 0 1on 4 — and be accountable to — individuals, businesses, churches and private foundations. Find out more about KCRM does not receive instead to rely our stewardship practices and programs, give online, volunteer or schedule a tour at kcrm.org. Search “Kansas City Rescue Mission” at charitynavigator.org and gkccf.org.

The Blue Valley Board of Education approved a bond sale at their Monday, January 13 meeting with a principal amount sold of $61 million. The sale attracted 12 bidders, with the low bidder offering an interest rate of 3.06 percent. This is the second sale of the $271 million bond referendum passed by district taxpayers in January 2012. During a recent rating review, Standard & Poor’s upgraded Blue Valley Schools to a AA+ rating and Moody’s confirmed that Blue Valley would continue to be rated Aaa, the highest rating available. The upgrade now makes Blue Valley Schools the highest rated school district in Kansas by Standard & Poor's. Shawnee Mission Medical Center partnered with four Johnson County, Kan., restaurants in February, during American Heart Month, to encourage better heart health. Throughout the month of February, restaurants Grand Street Café (Lenexa), Paulo & Bill (Shawnee), Story (Prairie Village) and Ya Ya’s (Leawood), offered heart-healthy dishes while donating a portion of proceeds from those items to the Shawnee Mission Heart & Vascular Center.

Milbank is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Vigilant Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) product line from DynaGen Technologies, Inc. The acquisition includes all assets associated with the Vigilant line, ranging from 100 amp to 1250 amp transfer switches. DynaGen, a Canadian-based original equipment manufacturer, specializes in the design and development of power control devices. The Vigilant ATS automatically transfers critical loads in the event of a power outage. Its simple, rugged, contractor‐friendly design is suited for residential, agricultural and light industrial applications.

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program has named Metropolitan Community College-Business & Technology as one of the nation’s top 150 community colleges. This is the second time MCC-Business & Technology has been acknowledged by the Aspen Institute and invited to apply for this prestigious award. Institutions listed in the top 150 are eligible to compete for the 2015 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, which awards one million dollars in prize funds. The prize, awarded every two years, is the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among community colleges.

Southwest Airlines announced new service between Kansas City International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The U.S. Department of Transportation granted Southwest Airlines authority to serve the new route in response to Southwest’s petition, which was actively supported by Kansas City Mayor Sly James and Kansas City Director of Aviation Mark VanLoh, A.A.E.

The independent corporate wellness research and data analysis firm Healthiest Employers, headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, has named Cerner Corp. and Lockton Companies to its list of the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America. 360 Architecture is designing a new $480 million arena for the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers. The 18,640-seat stadium will anchor a $606.5 million development designed to revitalize Edmonton’s downtown area.

MARCH 2014

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

GOOD NEWS CONTINUED Cardiologists at The University of Kansas Hospital have embarked on a clinical trial to see if a coronary stent that slowly dissolves into a vessel can effectively protect the heart and enhance the free flow of blood. Conventional stents are tiny, metallic, mesh-like scaffolds that prop open vessels gummed up by plaque, dead cells and clotted blood that can lead to a heart attack or a stroke. More than half a million Americans receive one every year. The new device under study is made of a disappearing, biodegradable polymer that leaves behind no traces of its existence other than an opened and possibly more pliable vessel. Sprint Corp. will provide free wireless broadband service to 50,000 students nationwide under a program President Barack Obama mentioned in his State of the Union address. Starting Sept. 1, the Overland Park-based wireless company will provide the connections to low-income students in elementary and secondary schools for four years.

Harvesters—The Community Food Network announced it has received a $50,000 grant from Morgan Stanley to fund its BackSnack program, a child hunger initiative that helps ensure elementary students have nutritious food on the weekends and during school holidays. The local award is the latest phase of Fill the Plate, Morgan Stanley’s long-standing partnership with Feeding America, the nation’s leading hunger-relief charityAs part of that initiative, Morgan Stanley will award more than $1 million each year for the next four years to local food banks like Harvesters to launch, expand and sustain critical childhood feeding programs. Nonprofit Connect has announced its 2014 Philanthropy Award honorees: Philanthropist of the Year, Benny Lee of DuraComm Corporation, Business Philanthropist of the Year KSHB-TV and KCMI-TV Channel 41, Volunteer of the Year Jan Regan, and Nonprofit Professional of the Year Jane Chu, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

The city’s two-season-old public bike system is gearing up for a major expansion in spring 2014. Kansas City B-cycle, Powered by Blue KC, will add at least eight new stations in the Plaza and Westport districts, and hopes to add more in surrounding neighborhoods. The bike share system–which currently consists of 12 self-service stations in River Market, Downtown, and Crossroads–will add at least eight new stations in the Plaza and Westport as its 2014 season opens in March. The stations will generally be sited along 47th St. and Westport Rd. B-cycle says density and existing bike-friendliness makes these districts a good fit for bike share. It is also pursuing a further six locations in Midtown, Brookside, Waldo, and the 18th and Vine district. Mother & Child Health Coalition, a bi-state, non-profit organization comprised of hundreds of medical, social service, and public health providers and lay people, convened a meeting on the issue of Poverty’s Impact on Teens: Homelessness in January.

THANK YOU TO THE KC CHAMBER’S TOP INVESTORS FOR 2014 BRONZE LEVEL

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

MARCH 2014

For the third consecutive year, Burns & McDonnell has been named as one of America's "100 Best Companies to Work For" by Fortune magazine. Burns & McDonnell climbed to number 14 on the publication's 17th annual list of "100 Best Companies to Work For." The company ranked 18 on the 2013 list and 26 in 2012. The Discovery of King Tut, one of the largest touring exhibitions in the world, with nearly 5 million visitors in Berlin, Madrid, Brussels, Seoul, Paris, Munich, Prague and Geneva, is set to make its North American premiere at Union Station Kansas City on April 4, 2014. Using painstakingly, scientifically produced reconstructions, the exhibition allows the public to enjoy the magnificent splendor of priceless ancient Egyptian treasures without ever harming the fragile, sensitive originals – which can only now be exhibited separately and are no longer permitted to tour outside of Egypt. Snow & Co. has won the national Dreamstaurant contest. Tundra Restaurant Supply, Boulder, Colo., held the 2nd Annual Dreamstaurant Contest, and the win will net Snow & Co.

$40,000 in equipment and services for its new Gladstone location.. A panel of in-house judges selected seven companies from hundreds of entries across the country and then asked for online votes. The contest is sponsored by the Manitowoc Company Inc., a commercial ice machine company; Arctic Industries Inc., a commercial walk-in cooler and freezer company; and Cambro, which offers commercial storage solutions. Hitch Fit Online Personal Training, based in Kansas City, Missouri was recently named #2 worldwide in Online Fitness Services by TopTenReviews.com one of the leading review websites. Online programs were ranked on Customization, Motivation & Support, Credibility, Exercises, Diet Plans, and Specialized Workouts. Hitch Fit is co-owned by Micah LaCerte and Diana Chaloux - LaCerte. Hitch Fit currently works with clients in 60+ countries. In addition to the online personal training programs, founded in February 2009, the LaCertes also own and operate Hitch Fit Gym in Kansas City.

Four Lee's Summit R-7 staff members were among 12 local citizens receiving Reflections of Character Awards at the Jan. 23 Lee's Summit Mayor's Character Breakfast. The awards are presented to community members who are nominated based on character traits. R-7 employees winning the award are Officer Bobby Conard, a school resource officer at Lee's Summit West High School for responsibility; Tom Merrell, a teacher at Pleasant Lea Middle School for respect; Jackie Robertson, a teacher at Highland Park Elementary for appreciation; and Rudy Rhodes, an R-7 bus driver for kindness. Exciting news for a local Kansas City company, Ridpath Creative Partners, as they were selected to be the exclusive provider of Kansas City imagery for a new book. The book, Kansas City, MO: A Photographic Portrait is set to be published by Twin Lights Publishers, Inc. in early 2015.

THANK YOU TO THE KC CHAMBER’S TOP INVESTORS FOR 2014 S I LV E R L E V E L ®

MARCH 2014

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

REACH 20,000 CEOs & Decision Makers in Greater Kansas City.

GROW YOUR BUSINESS. GROW YOUR NETWORK.

GROW.

For advertising information, please contact Angie Riffel at 913-951-8446 or ariffel@metromediapublishers.com. We publish 6 times a year, the next issue publishes May 1st 2014 with a deadline for space March 25th, 2014. Ad Copy Deadline is April 8th, 2014.

THANK YOU TO THE KC CHAMBERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TOP INVESTORS FOR 2014 GOLD LEVEL

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

MARCH 2014

THANK YOU TO THE KC CHAMBER’S

TOP INVESTORS FOR 2014 P L AT I N U M L E V E L

MARCH 2014

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

MARCH 2014

ARE YOU ENJOYING THE ARE YOU ENJOYING THE ARE YOU ENJOYING THE ARE YOU ENJOYING THE • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

ADVANTAGE? ADVANTAGE? ADVANTAGE? ADVANTAGE?

Personal Account Representatives Personal Account Representatives Personal Account Representatives Personal Account Representatives Customizable Corporate Programs Customizable Corporate Programs Customizable Corporate Programs Customizable Corporate Programs Banners & Signs Banners & Signs Banners & Signs Banners & Signs Exceptional Quality Screen Print Exceptional Quality Screen Print Exceptional Quality Screen Print Exceptional Quality Screen Print FREE 24-Hour RUSH Services on select products FREE 24-Hour RUSH Services on select products FREE 24-Hour RUSH Services on select products FREE 24-Hour RUSH Services on select products Unsurpassed Embroidery Quality Unsurpassed Embroidery Quality Unsurpassed Embroidery Quality Unsurpassed Embroidery Quality Corporate Online Company Stores Corporate Online Company Stores Corporate Online Company Stores Corporate Online Company Stores Custom Design and Overseas Production Custom Design and Overseas Production Custom Design and Overseas Production Custom Design and Overseas Production New Product Launch Support New Product Launch Support New Product Launch Support New Product Launch Support Employee Incentives & Awards Employee Incentives & Awards Employee Incentives & Awards Employee Incentives & Awards Tradeshow Giveaways Tradeshow Giveaways Tradeshow Giveaways Tradeshow Giveaways POP Displays POP Displays POP Displays POP Displays

Owner- Leanne Cofield Owner- Leanne Cofield KCMO WBE Certified Owner- Leanne Cofield Owner- Leanne Cofield KCMO WBE Certified ASI Member since 1999 KCMO WBE Certified KCMO WBEsince Certified ASI Member 1999 ASI ASI Member Member since since 1999 1999

“Helpful, “Helpful, “Helpful, Knowledgable, Knowledgable, Knowledgable, and FUN!” and FUN!” and FUN!” Leanne has been a part of the Leanne has been a part of the Leanne has been a part of KC Business Community for 12 Years. Leanne has been a part of the the KC Business Community for 12 Years. KC Business Community for 12 Years. HEMP & KC WBE Business Member. KC Business Community for 12 Years. HEMP & KC WBE Business Member. HEMP & KC WBE Business Member. HEMP & KC WBE Business Member.

MARCH 2014

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

Union Station 30 W Pershing Road Suite 301 Kansas City, Missouri 64108 For membership information, call (816) 221-2424 or email info@kcchamber.com GROW KC Business is produced by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Marketing Department for Chamber Management Services, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of the KC Chamber). Information in this publication is carefully compiled to ensure accuracy. However, neither the KC Chamber nor CMS assume responsibility for accuracy. Contents are copyrighted by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Design solutions for GROW KC Business provided by KC Chamber member Ridpath Creative Partners, LLC, www.ridpathcreative.com.

W I T H T H E N A M E T R U S T E D FOR 75 YEARS

An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. SIRV10513