News

World Cup will be KC’s biggest-ever event, top founder says (and local businesses can still get in the game)

By Tommy Felts / August 23, 2024

When Neal Sharma co-founded DEG at the turn of the millennium, Kansas City felt like it had an inferiority complex, he said. Fast forward to 2024, and the city is teeming with extrinsic validation, he added. The exited founder-turned-civic leader hopes being a World Cup host city in 2026 pushes Kansas City to take a…

ProX names equity-centered leader as first executive director of its popular student intern program

By Tommy Felts / August 22, 2024

The new leader of ProX — one of the largest paid internship programs in the country — is expected to be instrumental in taking the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation affiliate to the next level, said Dr. Bill Nicely. ProX and the Kauffman Foundation on Thursday announced the appointment of Solissa Franco-McKay —  a longtime supporter…

How an animal health leader’s $130M investment in KC will boost its fight against canine parovirus

By Tommy Felts / August 21, 2024

ELWOOD, Kansas — A $130 million investment from global animal health leader Elanco is a testament to Kansas’ pro-business economy, said Laura Kelly, lauding this week’s expansion announcement and its plans to bring 70 new jobs to the region’s animal health corridor over the next two years. “Elanco’s expansion not only is creating new job…

Staying transaction-ready in uncertain market conditions

By Tommy Felts / August 20, 2024

Editor’s note: The perspectives expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. The following is a paid thought leadership piece from The Ferguson Smith Cohen Group at Morgan Stanley. In the face of market uncertainty, one thing private companies can control is their “transaction-readiness” for an IPO or secondary offering. Discover three things a company…

Zee underscores artists’ need for positive venues; creative powerhouse opens pocket of support

By Tommy Felts / August 20, 2024

Zahra Briggs developed her creative voice in Kansas City; now she’s setting the stage for fellow independent artists who struggle to find venues that match their vibe — and often have to pay to perform. She’s even creating a version of herself in the metaverse to open access further. A singer and songwriter herself, Briggs — who…