EDCKC celebrates leaders who transformed KCMO through equitable development projects
May 16, 2024 | Taylor Wilmore
Reshaping Kansas City doesn’t come without focused, intentional efforts by development advocates and officials, said Mayor Quinton Lucas, offering a toast to one of his city hall predecessors and her work to revitalize the heart of the city.
KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas speaks during the EDCKC’s City of Fountains Celebration Dinner; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
“Many of us are blessed to remember Mayor Kay Barnes thinking about what downtown could be, and what economic development could be in Kansas City,” Lucas said Wednesday in remarks honoring Barnes as a changemaker within KCMO.
“There are very few who you can assign the credit for an amazing transformation, and she’s one of them,” added Lucas.
The former mayor, who was not able to join the event, was lauded by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City during its City of Fountains Celebration Dinner, alongside three key EDCKC leaders whose contributions and achievements helped grow Kansas City.
In an evening of recognition and celebration, Tracy Lewis, President and CEO of EDCKC, awarded three key members of the organization for their achievements at the Fountain of Celebrations dinner.
[Editor’s note: Startland News is a partner of the EDCKC.]
Award winners included:
Bob Long speaks alongside Tracey Lewis during the EDCKC’s City of Fountains Celebration Dinner; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Bob Long, dedicated member of the EDCKC team for 20 years, was awarded with the Community Champion Award.
Lee Barnes joins Tracey Lewis in conversation during the EDCKC’s City of Fountains Celebration Dinner; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Lee Barnes, former Councilman, was awarded The President’s Award for his steadfast support of the EDCKC’s mission, offering guidance and mentorship to President Lewis.
Bridgette Williams shares a laugh in conversation with Tracey Lewis during the EDCKC’s City of Fountains Celebration Dinner; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Bridgette Williams, serving EDCKC for 16 years, as president of administration and as EDCKC’s Board Chair, was awarded The Chairman’s Award.
Tracey Lewis gives remarks during the EDCKC’s City of Fountains Celebration Dinner; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Williams made a point to specifically acknowledge Tracy Lewis, president and CEO of the EDCKC, who has been in the top leadership role for nearly two years. Lewis is committed to fostering relationships that advance EDCKC’s mission of developing more affordable housing, attracting businesses, and supporting entrepreneurship in Kansas City, she said.
“Tracy is smart, he’s authentic, he’s independent, and he’s nimble,” said Williams, chairperson of the EDCKC. “I think you need all of those qualities in a leader when you’re talking about expanding and developing an urban city.”
ICYMI: EDCKC boasts right team at the right time, CEO says as agency rebuilds its reputation
KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas speaks alongside Tracey Lewis during the EDCKC’s City of Fountains Celebration Dinner; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Lucas’ remarks at the Carriage Club event expressed his gratitude for the significant strides achieved by the EDCKC as the city redevelops areas such as the West Bottoms, downtown, 63rd and Prospect, and along the riverfront.
“We passed transit oriented development, but we’re looking at how do we make sure we’re actually really building that in every part of the city?” said Lucas, noting how community boosting projects within KCMO must track with the city’s goals and vision for equitable development.
ICYMI: How a newly closed parking garage could signal transformation for a living Downtown KC
KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas appears in conversation with Tracey Lewis during the EDCKC’s City of Fountains Celebration Dinner; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
Featured Business
Taylor Wilmore
Taylor Wilmore, hailing from Lee’s Summit, is a dedicated reporter and a recent graduate of the University of Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Taylor channels her deep-seated passion for writing and storytelling to create compelling narratives that shed light on the diverse residents of Kansas City.
Prior to her role at Startland News, Taylor made valuable contributions as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian newspaper, where she covered a wide range of community news and higher education stories.
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Blooom to expand with $4M Series A
Financial tech firm Blooom is blossoming into a local startup success story. The Leawood-based company announced Thursday that it raised $4 million in a Series A round to expand its operations. QED Investors from Alexandria, Va., led the round, which also included DST Systems Inc., Commerce Ventures, Hyde Park Venture Partners and UMB. Blooom created an online…
Report: KC needs (a lot) more venture capital
The Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute released a report that says Kansas City needs more venture capital for its biotech industry. Just how much venture capital? That is up for debate. Wayne Carter, Life Sciences Institute CEO, said $100 million is the common amount thrown around in conversation regarding Kansas City’s need, and while…
90 on the Clock with ShotTracker
90 on the Clock with ShotTracker By John McGrath, KCPT, and Bobby Burch, Startland News Ed’s Note: Flatland and Startland News have partnered to highlight Kansas City’s innovators and entrepreneurs, all in 90 seconds. This is the third episode in the five-part series. From propelling the game’s emergence in the early 1900s to honing hall of fame players like…
Snafus tangle up Trellie’s future
Wearable tech firm Trellie is winding down operations after some engineering and fundraising mishaps wiped out its cash reserves. Founded in 2012 by Claude Aldridge and Jason Reid, Trellie created a wireless charm that attached to the outside of a woman’s handbag to notify her of an incoming call via flashing LED lights. The product took…