Government

Carlos Mortera, Poio

Brands from Poio to Made in KC booked for new airport; $1.5B expected through the gate over 15 years

By Tommy Felts / October 9, 2021

Local and minority-owned vendors selected to operate shops in Kansas City’s new airport terminal are more than up to the task, said Carlos Mortera, emphasizing the power of adding flavor to the highly anticipated project. “Most airports aren’t filled with local businesses,” noted Mortera, founder of Poio Mexican Barbeque. “We in Kansas City, I feel…

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Heather Steppe, KC Hemp Co.

Grassroots ‘Kansas Cannabis Chamber’ sprouts as legalization looms; led by KC CBD mom-turned-industry advocate

By Tommy Felts / September 22, 2021

For the first time in Sunflower State history, a bill to legalize medical marijuana passed in the Kansas House in May. Behind the effort: a locally grown coalition of cannabis advocates.  The Kansas Cannabis Coalition formed in summer 2020, composed of about 50 individuals who have shown leadership in the cannabis industry, said Heather Steppe,…

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Technology2030 Report, Missouri Chamber

MO tech jobs pay double the state’s average wage, fueling economic growth, new report says

By Tommy Felts / September 17, 2021

Missouri’s tech industry remains a driving economic force despite widespread job loss and economic turmoil caused by COVID-19, according to a new report that details how the Show Me State is outpacing national tech growth. Among the report’s key takeaways: Average earnings for all jobs in Missouri was $64,000 in 2020, while the average earnings of…

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Missouri Gov. Mike Parson meets with company leaders at Columbia-based EquipmentShare in January 2020 to discuss state government investment in Missouri innovation

Missouri angel tax credits? New grants? Show-Me State tech advocates researching next generation of incentives for entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / August 13, 2021

The future of entrepreneurial support in Missouri could hinge on what those in the trenches say are the state’s biggest barriers to startup success, said Jack Scatizzi, announcing a new data-driven effort to reshape Missouri’s strategy for cultivating innovation. “The initiative will include quantitative and qualitative aspects that will be incorporated into a strategic plan…

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Quinton Lucas, Kansas City mayor, Working for Youth event; Startland News photo

Initiative to employ at-risk KC youth provides jobs for 427 teens, raises $600K for stipend fund

By Tommy Felts / July 24, 2021

A community’s most impactful investment is in its youth, Mayor Quinton Lucas said Friday during a media event for the Working for Youth anti-violence and youth employment initiative.  In April, the mayor’s office announced a partnership with KC Common Good, Hire KC and Entrepreneurship KC to establish the Working for Youth program that would train…

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