the Skinny
News from the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council - July 2018, Q4
Note from the President LSEDC kicked off its fiscal year with the announcement that IT service management company EXL will hire up to 250 employees at its new 20,000-square-foot inbound customer support hub at the Summit Technology Campus. Leaders with the property and casualty insurance service firm cited Lee’s Summit’s ready and available workforce and access to higher educational institutions as a key reason for their expansion. EXL’s choice of Lee’s Summit over dozens of other locations signals our community is ripe for additional corporate expansions. Over the next year, commercial project activity will most certainly gain momentum as more industrial properties such as the recently vacated 725,000 square foot Toys R Us distribution facility comes online - stay tuned! More available sites greatly enhance our chances to win at the economic development attraction game. This past spring alone, LSEDC responded to more than two dozen active projects and prospects. The requests for information and strong level of activity should serve as a signal that the pipeline is full and the time is right for business attraction in Lee’s Summit. Aside from a very active year in development, the LSEDC ended it’s 2017-18 fiscal year this month passing the gavel from Board of Director Chair Keith Asel to incoming Chair Machelle Riffe at the Annual Luncheon. We expect continued momentum in our efforts this year as we remain focused on Business Retention and Expansion and Workforce, leveraging experience with our Past Chairman’s Club and continued collaboration with our city leaders to review and reaffirm our strategic direction. As I begin my fifth year leading the LSEDC, I want to thank the Lee’s Summit business community, the City of Lee’s Summit government, City Hall, the LSEDC Board and LSEDC Investors for your support and commitment to growing Lee’s Summit’s business community.
Yours Truly,
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the Rundown The last quarter has been a whirlwind of events with everything from awards to expansions, grand openings and project announcements:
• LS Medical Center Maternity Expansion opens • Speaker Series, Dr. Andrea Hendricks - Multigenerational Workforce • LSEDC Hosts Heartland Economic Development Students in Downtown Lee’s Summit • 50/291 Interchange Grand Opening • Missouri Innovation Campus wins “Community Impact” Capstone Award • Lee’s Summit welcomes EXL Service with 250 new jobs • LSEDC wins MEDC Statewide BR/E Award • LSEDC publishes commissioned Labor Shed Study • LSEDC teams up with education partners and local business to launch new workforce video
We hosted many events:
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#LSWorks!
Celebrating Success at the Annual Luncheon
Lee’s Summit EDC celebrates investment growth at annual meeting Machelle Riffe takes over board leadership from 2017-18 Chair Keith Asel Lee’s Summit, MO - July 18, 2018 - The Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council kicked off a new fiscal year with an eye toward business attraction at its annual luncheon and meeting on July 11th at John Knox Village. “The announcement that EXL will hire up to 250 employees at a new Lee’s Summit hub is a sign that Lee’s Summit is ripe for additional corporate expansions and that will be our focus in the coming year,” said LSEDC President Rick McDowell. “In the months ahead, we expect commercial project activity to gain momentum as more industrial properties such as the recently vacated 725,000-square foot Toys R Us distribution facility come online. More available sites greatly increases our chances of winning important projects.” Keith Asel, 2017-18 LSEDC chair, reviewed annual highlights including almost $112 million in fresh capital investment, 600 new jobs, and 21 new LSEDC investors who contributed over $41,000 in private investment. “We have much to celebrate over the past 12 months, such as the opening of the Missouri Innovation Campus, the new Missouri 291/50 Highway diverge-about, and a new taxiway and runway at Lee’s Summit Airport,” Asel said. Local real estate investor/realtor Machelle Riffe officially took over as 2018-19 LSEDC Board Chair at the annual meeting. Riffe, co-owner of Riffe Homes & Development, pledged to foster deeper and more meaningful collaborations with Lee’s Summit business leaders and the local education community. “We will actively solicit input and feedback from our stakeholders. We want to wrestle with the big questions as we think about development, redevelopment, sustainability and relevancy,” Riffe said. “The strength of Lee’s Summit lies in the people of Lee’s Summit and the extraordinary leaders who have stepped up to answer the challenges of their time and shared the benefit of their experience.” In the year ahead, workforce development will continue to be a priority for LSEDC as it builds on labor-related initiatives and programs launched over the past year, including:
- Recognized as top BR/E program by Missouri Economic Development Council - Completion of Lee’s Summit Labor Study - All-new Workforce Video to be used in business attraction efforts - National Manufacturing Day programs - 200+ Business “Assists” and 17 BR/E visits
Krista Klaus on behalf of the LSEDC
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Award Recognitions: BOARD APPRECIATION Gary Hawkins, Treasurer 2013-2018 Randall Rhoads 2010-2018
SHOVEL AWARDS Largest Capital Investment $60M John Knox Village Largest Job Creation - 118 Jobs LSEDC CHAMPION Saint Luke’s East Hospital Todd Haynes, RBC Wealth Mgmt
Outstanding Achievement in Workforce Development Dr. Elaine Metcalf Summit Technology Academy
TOP GUN - New Investor Award Allan Bush, Alpha-OmegaGeotech BOOST Award - Increase in Investment Kelly Construction ACI Boland
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Workforce, Workforce, Workforce
did you know... The LSEDC recently commissioned a Labor Shed Study from E, a nationally recognized data company catered specifically to economic development. See how Lee’s Summit compares to peer communities when it comes to job growth and workforce. CLICK HERE to view a highlight of this report CLICK HERE to for the full report
did you know... The LSEDC partnered with the LSR-7 School District, Summit Technology Academy, Missouri Innovation Campus, Herndon Career Center, Saint Luke’s East Hospital and ULTRAX Aerospace Inc. to create a video showcasing the education ecosystem surrounding our community. With workforce being the #1 question for companies looking to relocate their business, Lee’s Summit is ripe with talent! Lee's Summit Workforce Video - Watch
it, Like it, Share it!
did you know... University of Central Missouri Offers Access to Students. UCM recently switched to a new recruiting program called Handshake. Handshake is beneficial to employers because they can connect with schools in the Kansas City Metro, across Missouri, and the United States! Employers can post jobs and have access to a huge pool of prospective candidates. If you are interested in creating an account go to ucmo.joinhandshake.com. Once your account is approved you can post jobs, receive resumes, and request on campus interviews. If you have any questions or would like assistance setting up an account contact Clarinda Dir at dir@ucmo.edu or 660-543-6622
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did you know... Lee's Summit EDC Has a Hiring Page! We succeed when YOU live, work and play in Lee's Summit. Do you live here but sit in traffic to go to work? Are you a business owner in Lee's Summit and need to hire quality workers? Wouldn't it be great if your employees lived close? Talk about work-life balance!
www.leessummit.org/jobsinleessummit
Whether your looking for a job or looking for employees - check out our website.
coming up..... October 5th is National Manufacturing Day LSEDC will be hosting a series of events throughout the week including tours of local manufacturing companies with students and investors. We're putting details together now so let us know if you'd like to be involved. We're looking for sponsors, hosts and great ideas! - contact Jessica at jhamilton@leessummit.org
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Investor News WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST INVESTORS! Advisory Board Member - $2500
Mary Moore, Pulse Design Group Investor - $1,000
Individual Investore - $250
Tom Lovell
Professional Chats
The Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council’s Board of Directors has agreed to endorse a Resolution in Support for the Blue Springs School District $99 million “No Tax Rate Increase” Bond issue and the “No Tax Rate Increase” Levy. The Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council’s (LSEDC) mission is: To promote and enhance the City of Lee’s Summit as a model community for economic innovation and growth fueled by a pro-business environment, diverse economic base and commitment to strong relationships and work ethic. It is our belief that the shared boundary lines between Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit may divide the two cities, however; the neighboring communities excel in their united approach to filling the talent pipeline of tomorrow with high quality educated students entering the local, regional and national workforce. We believe supporting the Blue Springs School District in this endeavor will result in greater safety in their schools, improved facilities in the district and will further the success of local students. Not only is this important as community partners and citizens, we also understand the successes of neighboring school districts directly impact the value and growth in our community. The focus of this bond issue is increased safety and security. In addition to security enhancements across the school district, these bond dollars will create a freshman wing at Blue Springs South High School, build a new media center and student learning spaces at Blue Springs High School, multipurpose facilities at three elementary buildings and much needed improvements to many of the district facilities. The bond and levy issue will not increase tax rates for Blue Springs taxpayers. The transfer of funds from debt service to operating levy placed on the ballot will allow the Blue Springs School District to hire and retain high quality staff and add staff where needed. These funds will also result in the allocation of technology resources so that all high school students will have a mobile learning device. The LSEDC supports the bond and levy issue proposed by the Blue Springs School District and we encourage the citizens of Blue Springs and business community to show their support for this proposed bond and levy issue by voting Yes on August 7th. Page 6 | Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council
MC Power Companies Recognized as a 2018 Top Solar Contractor in United States The Solar Power World Top Solar Contractors list includes Lee’s Summit based solar firm Lee’s Summit, Missouri —July 24, 2018 -- More than 10,600 megawatts of solar power were installed last year in the United States, and local installer MC Power Companies has been recognized by Solar Power World magazine for its contributions to the industry. MC Power Companies achieved a rank of 63 out of 450 solar companies on the magazine's 2018 Top Solar Contractors list. The Top Solar Contractors list is developed by Solar Power World to recognize the work completed by solar contractors across the United States. Produced annually, the Top Solar Contractors list celebrates the achievements of U.S. solar developers, subcontractors and installers within the utility, commercial and residential markets, and ranks contractors by kilowatts installed in the previous year. The 2018 list was released on July 24. "Solar Power World is very excited about the 2018 class of Top Solar Contractors," said Kelly Pickerel, editor in chief of Solar Power World. "Our 2017 list showed impressive installation numbers after 2016's huge rush to meet ITC requirements, and many companies were hesitant to show unavoidable installation dips after last year's high. We're happy to feature a strong group of thriving U.S. solar installers on the 2018 Top Solar Contractors list. These companies truly are at the top of their markets." The U.S. solar market had its biggest year ever in 2016, installing more than 15,000 MW. Although installations in 2017 dropped to 10,608 MW, the total still represents 40% growth over 2015 numbers. The year-over-year downturn can be attributed to the large influx of 2016 projects rushing to meet the anticipated expiration of a 30% federal tax credit that was eventually renewed. Last year also saw uncertainty surrounding potential Section 201 tariffs on imported solar panels, which may have led to delayed or canceled projects. In 2017 MC Power designed, engineered and installed 29.43 Megawatts including the Independence Community Solar Farm phase 1 and the largest solar farm in the Missouri in Nixa. A major highlight of 2017 was the non-residential market growing 28% year-over-year, the fourth straight year of annual growth for commercial, industrial and community solar. In 2017, 30% of all new electric generating capacity brought online in the United States came from solar, second only to new natural gas capacity. The first quarter of 2018 showed a 13% growth over the first quarter of 2017, and MC Power Companies will continue to contribute to the wave of increasing solar generation. By 2023, more than 15,000 MW of solar is expected to be installed annually. MC Power Companies employs 60 individuals. Since its founding in 2009, the company has installed 70 MW of solar. MC Power Companies has successfully facilitated multiple projects that range in size from 25kW (kilowatts) to 10.84 (megawatts) these projects range from large scale industrial systems to multi- site municipal systems. In July 2018 MC Power Companies along with the City of Independence completed phase II of the Independence Community Solar Farms with two locations in Independence. This is the second year MC Power Companies has received this honor from Solar Power World Magazine. “We are honored to be among the top solar contractors in the United States for the second time and look forward to continuing the growth of solar power across the country.” – Tony Ross CEO MC Power Companies Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council | Page 7
New Investor Spotlight Company Name: Alpha-Omega Geotech, Inc. Owner: Allan Bush, P.E. 1. What product or services do you provide? Alpha-Omega Geotech (AOG) offers comprehensive geotechnical engineering and testing services that simplify project delivery, bringing confidence and quality assurance to the construction process. Our key services include: Geotechnical Engineering; Drilling; Laboratory Testing of soil, aggregate, rock, concrete, and asphalt; Special Inspections and Construction Material Testing. AOG owns and operates it’s own fleet of drill rigs, including all-terrain mounted equipment which helps lower cost and spur quicker response times. 2. Give us some information about your background and why you love what you do. AOG is a local firm focused in the greater Kansas City Area. Established in 1982, this will be our 36th year being engaged in the local commercial and industrial development scene. We love what we do because AOG makes a local impact. It’s very rewarding to see the completed projects around town where we had a hand in bettering the communities we’re part of. Nearly all of our employees, myself included, were born and raised in the Kansas City area. We love the vibrant and diverse business climate that extends throughout the Kansas City metro. The growth that Lee’s Summit is experiencing is making transformative changes to the people who live and work in the community. It’s terrific to see and we’re excited to be a small part of it. 3. What are some of the projects you’ve worked on that you are most proud of? Is there a project you are working on now that you can share with us? We have literally been part of thousands of commercial/industrial building and development projects over the last 36 years its so hard to choose just one! AOG has provided Geotech/Special Inspection services on over 20 projects totally $100MM+. However, it’s the projects where we made a substantial difference in terms of providing common sense solutions on challenging sites that we remember the most. A few current/recent projects that illustrates the breadth of our involvement across multiple business sectors: Lee’s Summit Airport – LS [Emery Sapp & Sons / M.A.C. Corporation] Volkswagen Lee’s Summit – LS [Miller Stauch Construction] Sprouts Farmers Market – LS [Treanor Architects] Goddard School – LS [Primax Construction] Sutton Trucking Expansion – LS [Sutton Trucking / Elite Construction] Lee’s Summit Surgical Center – LS [ACI-Boland / Shafer Kline & Warren] Colbern Road Improvements – LS [V.F. Anderson / City of Lee’s Summit] Summit Eye Center – LS [Guy Gronberg Architects / Purdum Construction] Village Cooperative of Lee’s Summit – LS [Village Cooperative] Industrial Warehouse Expansion – LS [Kessinger Hunter / Bell Knott & Assoc.] Page 6 | Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council
4. Tell us about the Alpha Omega Team? The AOG team consists of a bunch of hard working men and women who are committed to making things better every day. We have professional geotechnical engineers who love to get out of the office and into the field. We have laboratory and field technicians who perform tests in accordance with ASTM standards. We have drill teams who love working in the elements year-round to drill the holes and collect the samples. And, we have a small, but dedicated staff of office professionals who help keep everything moving smoothly. The team is characterized by stability and tons of local Kansas City experience. Nearly 15 of our approximate team of 20 folks have been with AOG for 15 years, or longer!!
Top Gun Alpha-Omega Geotech President, Allan Bush
Fun quote from Allan “Life is too short to smoke cheap cigars!”
5. How did Alpha Omega come about? Alpha-Omega Geotech, Inc. was founded in 1982 by Dr. Roy Leonard. Dr. Leonard was a professor at Kansas University teaching Geotechnical Engineering. He began working on field projects out of his personal residence to enable his students to get live hands-on experience in the field. Over time Dr. Leonard and his students developed a reputation of providing quality work in a short time. Dr. Leonard unexpectedly passed away in October 1998, but AOG stayed in continuous operation throughout the process. The former staff engineer, Allan Bush, continued handling day-to-day operations, and, in 1999, Mr. Bush bought the company and has been CEO ever since. Under Mr. Bush’s guidance, AOG grew to as many as 40 employees, but, when tough economic times hit, AOG shrank like many other firms, but we survived and we continue to grow to this day. 6. What is your growth strategy? (Include how many employees) AOG has experienced steady growth as we’ve reached out into the community, industry and professional organizations. As a locally focused firm, we are more intent on developing market share within the local Kansas City area than expansion into different cities. With that being said, the strength of our relationships with our partners in the development community is key to our success. Our present goal is to sustain enough geotechnical engineering work to keep two of our drill rigs operating full time. In the current marketplace, this would likely translate into an overall staff of about 25 to 30 folks, which should represent a sustainable balance of work given the opportunities across the Greater Kansas City area. 7. What are some of the benefits to being engaged with the LSEDC? LSEDC creates environments that help foster relationships with the right people involved in the development, construction and design industries involved in and around Lee’s Summit. The attendance at the luncheons, after-hours events, etc.. demonstrates the value of the organization in terms of allowing people to connect with one another, and open up business opportunities.
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Get to know a Board Member .... Tim Paulson is Kansas City Area Branch Manager and President for the regional infrastructure construction firm, Emery Sapp & Sons Inc. – also known as ESS. His branch is responsible for over $80 million in annual revenues. Along with the Kansas City branch office, Paulson oversees branch operations in Columbia, Joplin, and Springfield as a part of his board of director’s position at ESS. He has over 24 years of industry experience, spending the past twelve years with ESS. Under Tim's leadership, the Kansas City office has completed infrastructure contracts of both design-bid-build and design-build in the public sectors for KC Metropolitan municipalities on both sides of the state line, K-12 education improvement projects as well as regional contracts with MODOT, KDOT, and FAA. In the private sector, project types include office, industrial, retail and residential, both single and multifamily. Tim, his wife, and their two children reside in Lee’s Summit, with both kids attending Lee’s Summit West High School.
~ Save the Date ~ August Hump Day Happy Hour
Wednesday, August 15th from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm Llywelyn's Pub, Downtown Lee's Summit
Developer Showcase
September
Wednesday, September 12th from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Emaline Ballroom 616 SW 3rd St, Lee's Summit, MO 64063
2017-18 Board Members Machelle Riffe Chairwomen Chip Moxley Vice Chair Tim Paulson Secretary Larry Hillier Treasurer Keith Asel Past Chair Bill Baird Mayor Steve Arbo City Manager Dr. Dennis Carpenter Superintendent, LSR-7 Ron Baker Board Member Will Coates Board Member Julia Hampton Board Member
LSEDC Board Meeting
Linda Harrelson Board Member
LSEDC Executive Committee Meeting
Clint Haynes Board Member
Wednesday, September 12th from 10:00 am - 11:00 am Emaline Ballroom, Downstairs
Thursday, September 20th from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Stansberry Leadership Center
Manufacturing Week
October
October 1st - 5th TBD - Stay Tuned
816.525.6617 | 218 SE Main Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 | leessummit.org
Todd Haynes Board Member Mike Lally Board Member Eric Mann Board Member Loren Williamson Board Member