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

    Inside grantmaker’s ‘major shift’: Here’s how dreaming big could help rural communities thrive

    By Tommy Felts | April 10, 2025

    The Patterson Family Foundation is committed to helping rural communities in Kansas and western Missouri thrive, said Chris Harris, noting the foundation’s new grantmaking strategy expands that access more broadly across its priority region. The Kansas City-based Patterson Family Foundation — founded in 2007 by Neal Patterson, the late Cerner CEO and co-founder, and his…

    With the world tanking, this entrepreneur descaled opportunity from the bottom of your dentist’s aquarium

    By Tommy Felts | April 10, 2025

    Brian Blake didn’t just start Merriam-based Boodleshire Aquatics; the biologist and lifelong lover of aquatic life built it from a moment of pause. He always dreamed of turning his passion into a business — returning to water at times throughout his career — but the push to take that leap came in an unexpected way.…

    Just funded: Meet the newest Digital Sandbox KC startups to earn project innovation resources

    By Tommy Felts | April 9, 2025

    The latest round of Digital Sandbox KC funding reflects the region’s commitment to emerging digital health companies — as well as industry-agnostic ventures with big, bold ideas, said Jill Meyer. “These seven startups have shown they have what it takes to be pioneers in their industries, and we’re honored to be able to propel them…

    Look inside: Switchyards teases its new KC work club, sells out memberships in hours

    By Tommy Felts | April 9, 2025

    Switchyards’ first foray into the region — officially debuting Monday within Kansas City’s East Crossroads — is even prettier than its designers expected, Brandon Hinman said.  “And that’s a high mark,” the Switchyards creative director told Startland News. “This big, beautiful, old warehouse is a new neighborhood work club.” Atlanta-based Switchyards — a third-space workplace…