Five high-profile KC startup, business leaders slated for Junior Achievement hall of fame
April 23, 2020 | Startland News Staff
A program that connects Kansas City business leaders with classrooms is giving high honors to a handful of startup veterans whose efforts to build global companies has already impacted a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Sandy and Christine Kemper; photo courtesy of the University of Missouri-Kansas City
Bruce Ianni and Davyeon Ross, co-founders of ShotTracker; Christine Kemper, founding chair of Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy, and Sandy Kemper, founder, chairman, and CEO of C2FO (both are founders of YEPKC, an organization focused on nurturing entrepreneurship in high school students); and Peter Mallouk, president of Creative Planning, have been selected for 2020 induction into the Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City Business Hall of Fame.
ShotTracker and C2FO both were featured on multiple lists of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch.
“Our 2020 laureates inspire Kansas City’s students by showing them how an innovative spirit combined with hard work can leave a lasting impact on the community,” said Kathy Rhodes, chairman of the Junior Achievement board and lead managing director at CBIZ. “I am proud to honor these business leaders for their role in making Kansas City a hub of creativity, entrepreneurship, and a fantastic place to work and live.”
Editor’s note: C2FO and the Kemper Family Foundation are financial supporters of STARTLAND, the parent organization of Startland News. Christine Kemper sits on the board of STARTLAND. Davyeon Ross is a former board member for the Kansas City Startup Foundation, now STARTLAND. This report was produced independently by Startland News.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2020, the annual Junior Achievement hall of fame event has previously recognized such entrepreneurs as Ewing Marion Kauffman, Dave Cummings, Barnett and Shirley Helzberg, Gary Fish, and Henry Bloch.
A luncheon celebration of the 2020 honorees is planned for Nov. 6 at The Gallery Event Space in Kansas City.
Click here for more in-depth bios of the honorees.
Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City aims to bring business back to the classroom by connecting students to mentors and programs that promote financial literacy, inspire entrepreneurship, and prepare students (K-12) for success in a 21st century workplace.
Featured Business
2020 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Meet the Small Biz of the Year finalists: KC Chamber surprises Top 10 Mr K contenders
The Kansas City Chamber just unveiled its hotly anticipated Top 10 finalists for the 2024 Small Business of the Year honor — surprising leaders from a wide range of industries with their tickets to the next round of the city’s most prestigious business competition. “This year, 60 candidates applied for awards, and we were awed…
Growing movement by Black farmers seeds plan to honor land, ancestors while cultivating better health
Dina Newman wanted to reclaim Black growers’ seat at the table — helping an overlooked community in Kansas City create their own healthy and affordable food systems to nourish themselves. “When I’m talking food system, I’m talking from a seed to plant,” said Newman, founder of Kansas City Black Urban Growers (KCBUGS). “When you look…
Love story continues: Fans spot Taylor Swift in boyfriend’s New Heights cap; KC hat maker sees green
It’s been more than a fortnight since the Chiefs’ headline-grabbing, pop-culture-infused Super Bowl run, but the Taylor Swift effect remains strong for the tortured poets and creators at one Kansas City company. Sandlot Goods — Kansas City’s only local hat manufacturer — is reaping the benefits of Swift’s recent appearance at the Coachella music festival,…
Translating business: KCMO chatbot breaks down startup lingo in 70+ languages
Editor’s note: KC BizCare is a partner of Startland News. Entrepreneurs who struggle with understanding the complexities of starting a business often find additional challenges if English isn’t their first language, said Nia Richardson, adding that all aspiring small business owners deserve the same access to resources. “We’re trying to look at ways to bring technology…