A marriage of Mr. K’s passions, ‘E Day at the K’ returns July 19
July 8, 2016 | Bobby Burch
To say one of Kansas City’s greatest entrepreneurs — Ewing Marion Kauffman — loved baseball would be an understatement.
The founder of Marion Laboratories Inc., Kauffman purchased the Royals in 1968 to bring America’s pastime to his beloved hometown, Kansas City. Along with boosting civic pride, the Royals became a model franchise, employing “moneyball” statistical techniques that helped the team become perennial playoff contenders, win two American League pennants and the World Series in 1985.
But perhaps even more important to Kauffman than baseball was imparting to Americans the tools to economically empower themselves through entrepreneurship. That’s why the foundation in his namesake — the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation — is continuing a tradition that marries two of his passions: entrepreneurship and baseball.
The foundation is hosting its fifth-annual “E Day at the K” tailgate 4 to 6 p.m., July 19, before the Royals take on the Cleveland Indians. The entrepreneurial event will feature food, live music, a painting demonstration and speaker panel with musicians Victor & Penny, artist Phil Shafer and photographer Chris Dahlquist.
“Mr. Kauffman wanted Kansas City to be a premier U.S. city. When he brought the Royals to KC in the 1960s, it was to ensure Kansas City would be on the map as a major city and a Major League city,” said Nathan Kurtz, the Kauffman Foundation’s senior program officer in entrepreneurship. “Mr. Kauffman saw the stadium and the Royals as a place for the city to convene, to connect, to interact and grow as a city. E-Day at the K is another chance for our community to celebrate, learn and cheer on our defending World Series champs.”
Kurtz said that the event provides a space for entrepreneurs of all backgrounds to learn from others and each other. With artist entrepreneurs performing and presenting, Kurtz said the event will bring together Kansas City’s diverse entrepreneurial community.
To learn more or to register for the event, go to: www.kauffman.org/eday
Featured Business
2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Candidates: Unchecked property crime against businesses driven by prosecutor’s failure to hold offenders accountable
Melesa Johnson, Tracey Chappell share their solutions for combatting recent uptick in break-ins at Kansas City businesses Editor’s note: Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker is not seeking re-election, so it’s an open race for her countywide seat. Democrat Melesa Johnson and Republican Tracey Chappell are running in the 2024 general election with a vote…
A simple sauce passed down six generations is headed to your table; Lenexa man says that’s his family’s great legacy
Jack Williams’ dream of seeing his great-grandmother’s picture in every grocery store across the country is one step closer to reality as the Lenexa entrepreneur’s jars of Grandma Morrelli’s pasta sauce — emblazoned with her photo — hit Kansas City shelves. “I’m trying to honor her and family traditions,” he said, describing how the venture…
Here’s how a new data dashboard could help KCMO redirect funds to small businesses
A new data dashboard built to better understand Kansas City’s business needs — and guide the city’s response — is not only revolutionary for the metro, said Nia Richardson, it could be the first of its kind, period. Small business advocates already are calling it a win. “I don’t know of any other city or playbook…
Modern world requires entrepreneurs to think like creatives, says KU’s Innovator in Residence
Editor’s note: The University of Kansas’ School of Business is a partner of Startland News. LAWRENCE, Kansas — Building a skill set around creativity is critical to entrepreneurship — especially at a time when careers can be short-lived, said Josh Wexler. “Jobs are no longer for life,” explained the Innovator in Residence at the University…