EDCKC selects 2019 Cornerstone Awards finalists; May celebration to honor Emanuel Cleaver
March 4, 2019 | Startland News Staff
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:
- 21c Museum Hotel
- ARTerra
- Bar K
- Blenheim School Apartments
- Brookside 51
- Community America Credit Union – Crossroads and South Plaza
- Crossroads Hotel
- CVS Midwest Distribution Center
- Fountain City FinTech Accelerator
- Hy-Vee Arena
- Hotel Indigo Crossroads
- Ignite Medical Resorts
- Kansas City Industrial Council (KCIC)
- Kenton Brothers
- Linwood Shopping Center
- McQueeny Lock Building
- Mobility Designed
- Norman School Lofts
- Operation Breakthrough
- Two Light Luxury Apartments
- Union Berkley Riverfront
- Wonder Shops + Flats
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
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.
Featured Business

2019 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Toby Rush on emerging blockchain: Layers of trust slowly building behind the scenes
Much like companies’ web pages in the mid-1990s, blockchain isn’t yet consumer-ready, said Toby Rush. “But [development is] going to move at an accelerated pace,” said Rush, CEO of Zoloz and senior director of international technology investments at Ant Financial. “We’re over 20 years later from ’96, and I think you’ll see [blockchain] move and…
Eyeing jobs potential, KC Tech Council celebrates MO governor’s signing of STEM education bill
Support for STEM and the Missouri tech space is uploading in Jefferson City, Ryan Weber said in light of successful legislation that will reformat the way high school students benefit from technology courses. A bill increasing access to computer science courses — which gained a second life during a special session in September after previously…
Lula partners with Platinum Realty to help home buyers, sellers find quality contractors
New homeowners — and even those selling — need contractors, said Bo Lais. It’s a reality understood by Platinum Realty, a new partner for home services tech startup Lula. “Lula is really excited about assisting Platinum Realty agents throughout that process because new home owners are constantly asking their real estate agents who they should…
Amid expansion, Tom’s Town redesign inspired by optimism of those thirsty for a better life
Kansas City-distilled Tom’s Town is pouring expansion into the headlines as the company’s spirits quench a national thirst for craft liquor, said Steve Revare. “[Our success] has really exceeded our expectations,” said Revare, founder factotum, describing Tom’s Town’s coming 10-state rollout. “With the quality of our spirits, the packaging, and the rich story behind it…

