All Stories

Why Kauffman’s new CEO just rolled out the blue carpet (and an ask) for Kansas City

By Tommy Felts / September 30, 2023

Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace wears the legacy of Ewing Kauffman on her shoulders, she said. Inspired by the Kauffman Foundation’s namesake, the organization’s new president and CEO opened the doors to its headquarters this week, offering insight into how she plans to lead with intention. “We must match the needs of the communities we serve,” she…

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Taylor Swift vs NFL Draft: Who scored the most touchdowns for KC in this epic economic showdown

By Tommy Felts / September 30, 2023

Editor’s note: The following economic analysis was provided by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC). The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Kansas City, Missouri, has recently been the epicenter of two gargantuan events: Taylor Swift’s Eras concerts and the NFL Draft. Both events have left significant economic imprints…

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Industrial tech leaders fuel ‘fire of innovation’ with startup mentality, partnerships

By Tommy Felts / September 30, 2023

Getting foundational industries — like construction, manufacturing, and energy — to innovate isn’t easy, shared corporate leaders from three regional heavy hitters. “Everybody loves change,” joked Dustin Burns, vice president of innovation at McCownGordon. “They’re just asking for more change to be dumped on them all the time.” “In my experience, a lot of clients…

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In their threads era: KC retailers answer demand for Swift-Kelce clothing

By Tommy Felts / September 29, 2023

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Missouri Business Alert, a member of the KC Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and The Kansas City Beacon. Click here to read the original story. Sunday’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears brought together two powerful…

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Haunted by retro influences: How skull-popping artwork time traveled into some of the nation’s biggest publications

By Tommy Felts / September 28, 2023

Step into the retro world of John F. Malta, a West Bottoms-based artist whose creative journey is a blend of nostalgia, punk aesthetics, and a passion for eye-catching storytelling.  His vibrant imagination took Malta from his early days doodling in the classroom to his recent collaborations with iconic publications like The New York Times and…

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PorchFestKC set to transform these Midtown neighborhoods into a one-day, walk-up music festival

By Tommy Felts / September 28, 2023

After a three-year hiatus, the original PorchFestKC — a music festival Kathryn Golden likens to stumbling on a neighborhood block party and being allowed to stay — is returning. And it’ll play out with a digital upgrade this year, said Golden. Launched in 2015, PorchFestKC — the city’s trend-setting, porch-packed community music celebration — will…

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Black Drip plans OctoberFest showcase to give KC a taste of overlooked small businesses

By Tommy Felts / September 26, 2023

Black Drip Coffee’s OctoberFest is an extension of Charon Thompson’s passion for helping his fellow entrepreneurs, he shared. The free event — now in its third year — aims to bring together coffee enthusiasts, music lovers, and foodies in a vibrant atmosphere that showcases local small business owners. Festivities are set for 2 p.m. to…

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Startup ambassadors’ pitch to former Kansas Citians: Move your innovation, hustle Back2KC

By Tommy Felts / September 26, 2023

Kansas City is having a moment, said Liam Reilly, and it’s an opportunity he and fellow Back2KC organizers couldn’t pass up — reviving the tech talent recruitment program amid Chiefs glory, downtown baseball district buzz, KC Streetcar expansion, riverfront revitalization, and a World Cup on the horizon. “We didn’t want to wait another year to…

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Fueled by $15M, MTC releases plan for boosting entrepreneurs: Here’s how KC is already seeing impact

By Tommy Felts / September 26, 2023

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri — Increased funding for the Missouri Technology Corporation will keep core support programs healthy through 2024, as well as help expand successful pilot initiatives designed to widen economic opportunity in the Show Me State, MTC officials said Tuesday. Among the new efforts gaining extended life through the announcement of MTC’s FY 2024 strategy…

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This Kansas gardener sued to sell fruit and honey; Now her town will allow urban farming

By Tommy Felts / September 26, 2023

Editor’s note: The following story was published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. Ottawa city officials are trying to strike a balance between people who want to produce food and the interests of their…

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