Government

Crystal German, Prosperity Labs, Startland's Innovation Exchange

Innovation versus inclusive prosperity: Can hub developers create both in Kansas City?

Place and prosperity go hand-in-hand, said William Dowdell. Less clear, however, is how developers and communities will strike a balance in their efforts to generate innovation and wealth in Kansas City. “Geography is a big part of this. When we talk about expanding opportunity and bringing innovation, we also have to look at those spaces…

2018 LaunchKC winners

KCMO turns to entrepreneurs for new ideas on budget support; Advocates to rally at work sessions

Raised voices and a commitment to civic engagement earned entrepreneurs an additional $350,000 in city support for the 2019 budget year and a second attempt is about to begin, explained Rick Usher.  “It really goes back to when the resident work sessions started in 2018,” Usher, KCMO assistant city manager for entrepreneurship and small business,…

Jeff Shackelford, Digital Sandbox

Changing lanes: Shackelford leaving Digital Sandbox to head Mid-America Angels, Fountain Innovation Fund

Two hats are better than one, joked Jeff Shackelford, announcing he’s accepted a new role with the Enterprise Center in Johnson County.  “I’m on the same highway but I’m kind of changing lanes,” Shackelford said as he takes the wheel as senior vice president of investment capital and financial operations at the ECJC — where…

Bob Langenkamp, Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri

EDCKC touts five years of economic development as president and CEO departs

When Bob Langenkamp was approached in 2014 about leading the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri, momentum was building for a city on the cusp of a World Series win, economic revitalization and revived civic pride. “It’s been a great run,” said Langenkamp, reflecting on his tenure as president and CEO of EDCKC. With…

iShare Medical working with VA, Medicare, Medicaid to improve patient outcomes, reduce cost of care

Medical errors shouldn’t be among the leading causes of death in a country as developed as the United States, said Linda Van Horn, especially when failure to communicate critical information across platforms is to blame. “It’s unacceptable to make mistakes, just because the information is not readily available to the provider, the doctor or the…