Five high-profile KC startup, business leaders slated for Junior Achievement hall of fame

April 23, 2020  |  Startland News Staff

Davyeon Ross and Bruce Ianni, ShotTracker

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

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.

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

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

2020 Startups to Watch

    stats here

    Related Posts on Startland News

    KCMO mayoral candidates Quinton Lucas and Jolie Justus

    Startup advocates to next mayor: Make KC more attractive to tech talent, women, innovation

    By Tommy Felts | June 15, 2019

    Months of candidate forums are complete. The door bells have been rung. Selfies taken. As the Kansas City mayor’s race heads to the polls Tuesday, the candidates are all business when it comes to courting the startup community’s vote. Jolie Justus — who has branded herself as the next “neighborhood mayor” — and Quinton Lucas…

    Councilwoman Jolie Justus, StartupKC Small Business and Entrepreneurship Mayoral Forum

    Jolie Justus’ open letter to startups: In many ways, the city has failed you — let’s do better together

    By Tommy Felts | June 14, 2019

    [Editor’s note: Startland News invited Kansas City mayoral candidates Jolie Justus and Quinton Lucas to compose open letters to address their potential constituents in KC’s entrepreneur community of startups, makers, creatives and risk-takers. Justus’ response is below. Lucas did not participate. The vote is set for Tuesday, June 18.] I trust this community to see…

    Industrious, Seattle

    Take a peek: Industrious offers glimpse of what new Plaza coworking space could look like

    By Tommy Felts | June 14, 2019

    Startup energy will soon take hold on Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza, as Industrious — the nation’s largest coworking space — prepares to set up shop in a 30,000-square-foot chunk of the historic retail and entertainment district, the company announced Thursday. “Kansas City is a dominant market in the Silicon Prairie.  As one of the…

    Readers asked, city answered: No rainbow crosswalks in KC, but earth tone design submissions welcome

    By Tommy Felts | June 14, 2019

    Kansas City decision makers are welcoming advocates of a rainbow crosswalk to walk the line and make their passions known — so long as they’re willing to get creative. “Your article sparked some great conversation within our department too,” Maggie Green,  KCMO public works information officer, said in reference to active social media conversations ignited by…