Startland News wins 2017 EDCKC Cornerstone award

May 2, 2017  |  Bobby Burch

Startland News Poster

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

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

2017 Startups to Watch

    stats here

    Related Posts on Startland News

    Five lessons from investing $5 million into 50 startups in five years

    By Tommy Felts | July 29, 2025

    Editor’s note: The perspectives expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Scott Henderson is managing principal for Nebraska-based NMotion, general partner for gener8tor Great Plains Fund, and a board member for Startland, the parent organization of Startland News. This piece was originally published by Silicon Prairie News. Seems just like yesterday I was returning…

    ‘Belonging is not a luxury’: KC Chamber winner links DEIB commitment to hope, dignity

    By Tommy Felts | July 25, 2025

    Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging aren’t just words in reStart Inc.’s strategic plan, CEO Stephanie Boyer said, noting they are the foundation of how the nonprofit’s leaders show up, serve, and lead. “We believe that belonging is not a luxury,” she continued. “It’s a right, and it’s a right that we’re committed to protecting and…

    ‘What’s stopping me?’ Bonk takes a loud swing with Crossroads streetwear store, Midwest grit

    By Tommy Felts | July 25, 2025

    It began with Mason Barry’s search for the perfect black and white checkered sweatsuit. When nothing fit his expectations for design or quality, the Kansas City creative launched his own streetwear brand — featuring bold apparel that already is gaining a foothold in trendy fashion hubs from Brooklyn to Portland. Bonk Supply — a brand…

    ‘Stablecoin summer’: Crypto community greets GENIUS Act with optimism, caution

    By Tommy Felts | July 25, 2025

    Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Missouri Business Alert, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and The Kansas City Beacon. Click here to read the original story. A new federal cryptocurrency law has sparked a range of reactions across Missouri,…