Startland News wins 2017 EDCKC Cornerstone award
May 2, 2017 | Bobby Burch
Thanks to a talented team and supportive community, I’m proud to announce that Startland News has won a 2017 Cornerstone Award.
Presented by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City for 30 years, the Cornerstone Awards recognize people, projects, businesses, programs, initiatives and events that drive economic development and growth in Kansas City.
On behalf of the Startland team and our founding partner, Affinity Enterprise Group, I’m humbled and thrilled we earned this award alongside such esteemed institutions as Boulevard Brewing Co., Virgin Mobile, Burns & McDonnell and others. Check out the full list of winners here. If you’re so inclined, you can vote for Startland News in the EDCKC’s People’s Choice Award.
It’s been nearly two years to the day — we launched May 4, 2015 — that Startland began its vision to become the local leader in telling stories on Kansas City’s entrepreneurial and innovation-inspired community.
Thank you to everyone who’s been a part of this journey, including Meghan LeVota, Adam Arredondo, Jordan EuDaly, Matthew Marcus, Andrea Essner, Kat Hungerford and Abby Tillman. Thank you also to our partners, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Polsinelli, the Kansas City Startup Foundation, our fantastic tech team, Rivet Creative, and our advisory board.
A special note of gratitude is for two unheralded champions of Kansas City entrepreneurship that many of you likely do not know. Mike Wrenn and Becky Cole both have believed in the vision of Startland News since its inception in early 2015. Without their generous support and entrepreneurial enthusiasm, there wouldn’t be a Startland News. Thank you, Mike and Becky, for your confidence, trust and willingness to take a risk on the crazy idea that is Startland News.
Last but not least, thank you, Kansas City! We’ve enjoyed significant and sustained readership growth in and outside of Kansas City during the last two years thanks to our fantastic readers. We appreciate you taking the time to read and share Kansas City stories. As always, we welcome your feedback on how we can improve or add value to your life.
Sincerely,
Bobby Burch
Featured Business

2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Fast-growing Wardy connects fashion, film industries
Sometimes, niche is best. At least that rationale is working well for Wardy, a Kansas City-area firm whose tech is connecting the film and fashion industries and finding traction around the country. Wardy president Chris Palmer said that his Lee’s Summit-based company’s mobile- and web-based app is designed to save time for costume designers, a…
U.S. Secretary of Commerce praises KC entrepreneurship
A member of President Obama’s cabinet met with local entrepreneurs Tuesday to discuss how federal funds have helped accelerate their businesses, and in turn grow Kansas City. In a stop to Kansas City during the National Council of La Raza, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker met with companies that have participated in business incubator…
KC tech firm’s video app records $600K
A local tech firm is planning to accelerate development of its mobile video application thanks to some new funding. Kansas City-based Digital Legacy landed $600,000 in May to fund the creation of its “VideoFizz” app, which allows a group of users to collaborate on a personalized video message for birthdays, anniversaries and other special events. Missouri…
