News

PMI Rate Pro pivots to tech solutions firm as pricing tool integrates with mortgage software solution 

By Tommy Felts / February 9, 2023

The mortgage industry is lagging behind in the current world of technology, Nomi Smith said; but PMI Rate Pro is innovating to become a one-stop shop for private mortgage insurance (PMI).  “We began as a quoting service, so we developed an API (application programming interface) supporting another API. But we quickly realized that there needed…

Popular airport vending machines stocked with local maker goods won’t make the move to new terminal

By Tommy Felts / February 9, 2023

When Kansas City’s new terminal opens Feb. 28 — booked full of local brands — a retail startup that weathered nearly a decade (and a pandemic that grounded much of the nation’s air travel) at the airport won’t be among those selling KC goods at the new shopping destination, its founders announced this week. SouveNEAR…

Rebooted Fashion Arts Fund takes the runway with iconic KC founder’s foot on the pedal

By Tommy Felts / February 9, 2023

The Kansas City fashion community is getting a boost thanks to a nationwide fashion initiative and a newly announced relaunch of a local fashion organization — led by an iconic veteran of KC’s fashion community. The Kansas City Fashion Council announced Thursday its rebranding as Fashion Arts Fund with Jennifer Lapka, longtime Kansas City entrepreneur…

Cost of victory: Potential Super Bowl parade would bring hefty price tag to KCMO

By Tommy Felts / February 8, 2023

Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by CityScene KC, an online news source focused on Greater Downtown Kansas City. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for the weekly CityScene KC email review. Being a successful NFL city doesn’t come cheap. The estimated cost to city taxpayers for a hoped-for Feb. 15…

From the mixing bowl to the Super Bowl: Why this KC baker’s cookies are flying with the Chiefs to Arizona

By Tommy Felts / February 8, 2023

Editor’s note: The following is part of a multi-story feature profiling Kansas City small businesses reaping wins thanks to the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2023 Super Bowl bid. Click here to read more from this limited series. Ali Madden’s frosted confections are taking flight this week — sending the cheeky cookie company to new heights, literally,…