EDCKC selects 2019 Cornerstone Awards finalists; May celebration to honor Emanuel Cleaver

March 4, 2019  |  Startland News Staff

Conerstone-Awards

Innovators and leaders in new construction, redevelopment, capital investments, job creation and expansion projects in Kansas City, Missouri, are set to be honored in late May at the 2019 Cornerstone Awards.

The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri, is a 501c4 agency that works to retain and grow its resident businesses, attract high opportunity companies to locate in the city, and attract and retain a skilled and diverse workforce all to ensure a vibrant community and growing, self-sustaining economy.

The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri, (EDCKC) announced 22 finalists for the honors today.

“The Cornerstone Awards are a chance to take time out of our busy schedules to come together as a community to celebrate individual leaders and leading organizations that are propelling Kansas City, Missouri forward,” said Bob Langenkamp, president and CEO of the EDCKC, which selects the Cornerstone Award winners. “Without big thinkers, dreamers and doers, we wouldn’t be seeing the civic and economic progress we’re seeing in Kansas City, Missouri. There’s always more work to do, but this year’s finalists are truly inspiring.”

Cornerstone Award finalists include:

The number of honorees varies from year to year, with 10-12 typically selected. Winners are expected to be announced at the EDCKC’s annual Cornerstone Awards event 4 p.m. May 29 the Kansas City Marriott Downtown, Imperial Ballroom, a new venue for the celebration.

Click here for more on the Cornerstone Awards or to purchase tickets.

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver

In keeping with Cornerstone Award tradition, a Lifetime Achievement award will be presented to an outstanding local leader who has been tirelessly dedicated to philanthropy, civic endeavors and the economic prosperity of Kansas City, Missouri. The 2019 Lifetime Achievement recipient is U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Missouri.

In addition, the event will highlight and elaborate on EDCKC’s three main initiatives:

  • EDCKC’s new minority business accelerator, which is set to launch this spring.
  • The Blue River Valley Industrial Corridor, a multi-year effort to unlock the development potential in more than 3,000 acres on the eastern edge of Kansas City, Missouri.
  • The EDCKC Loan Corp Program, dedicated to providing working capital to minority-owned, for-profit businesses in Kansas City, Missouri, who have previously been turned down by a financial institution.

Click here for more on the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri.

 

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

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

2019 Startups to Watch

    stats here

    Related Posts on Startland News

    Brookside restaurant spot shifts from Irish to Mexican flavors as two families expand their dream

    By Tommy Felts | June 5, 2025

    Two longtime friends and their daughters — all seasoned restaurant workers — are joining together in a new East Brookside restaurant they can call their own. Muy Caliente Grill & Cantina is scheduled to open later this month at 751 E. 63rd St., Suite 110, in the former Brady & Fox restaurant. Owners Fredy Rivera…

    Landlord’s solution to Kansas housing crisis: 3D print his own home inventory 

    By Tommy Felts | June 3, 2025

    TOPEKA — Regularly confronted with a lack of supply in the housing market — and the subsequent higher prices — landlord and general capital investor Chris Stemler faced a multi-dimensional challenge. “I thought to myself, ‘How do I help solve an inventory problem?’ the Topeka-based Trident Homes founder said.  “I know I’ve got renters who…

    Just-launched retail hub gets first tenant, battling ‘blight of the heart’ on Troost corner

    By Tommy Felts | June 3, 2025

    ‘We are each other’s bootstraps’ Transforming a long-vacant building along Troost into a space for neighborhood small businesses is about empowering the entrepreneurs already living and working in the east side community, said Father Justin Mathews. The newly unveiled RS Impact Exchange — built within the renovated, 1920-built Baker Shoe Building at 3108-3116 Troost Ave.…

    Hog Island to Parkville: Justus Drugstore owners docking new seafood concept in historic Parkville

    By Tommy Felts | June 3, 2025

    The Parker Hollow builds on Chef Jonathan Justus’ mission to put small town Missouri on the menu PARKVILLE, Mo. — A bright yellow, nearly 150-year-old former Italian restaurant could become Kansas City’s go-to seafood destination with help from the world-renowned hometown culinary team behind Justus Drugstore and Black Dirt. Chef Jonathan Justus and his wife…