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‘Resilient’ KC keeps adding jobs: How local tech companies can retain top talent amid hiring frenzy

By Tommy Felts / June 3, 2021

Kansas City is adding tech jobs at a rapid pace, Kara Lowe said, but local companies would be wise to remember they aren’t the only ones hiring as the workforce redefines the geography of and need for high-density tech hubs. “Say you’re casting a wide net to catch top talent outside of Kansas city —…

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Sheila Martinez, A.S.K. Associates, and Neelima Parasker, SnapIT Solutions

SnapIT acquires fellow minority-, woman-owned tech company, expands customer footprint into government solutions

By Tommy Felts / June 1, 2021

SnapIT Solutions is scaling once again, announcing Tuesday the acquisition of a Lawrence-based tech company with a more-than-40-year legacy.  The Overland Park-based solutions and training company formally completed its purchase of A.S.K. Associates last month, signaling a path of steady and continued growth for SnapIT and the end of an era for the acquired company…

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Milad Ghasempour and Jannae Gammage, The Market Base

Top young startups, makers, woman-owned companies vie for ‘Emerging Business’ honors

By Tommy Felts / June 1, 2021

More than a dozen startups and small businesses are now finalists for the Kansas City chamber’s Emerging Business Award, vying for recognition amid a field of promising homegrown contenders. Among them: two of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2021, a handful of young businesses recently profiled by the publication for showing their…

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Molly Balloons posing in one of Balloon Wonderland’s backdrops; Art set by Kansas City’s Quixotic

Molly Balloons blows back: Inflating a life full of Tuesdays with weekend wonder, whimsy

By Tommy Felts / May 29, 2021

The pandemic twisted life for Molly Balloons, forcing the whimsical balloon artist — who thrives amid public exhibitions of her creativity and work — to reflect on what truly fills her soul with the most purpose and joy, she shared. A new summer popup launches this weekend in the West Bottoms, officially blowing Balloons back…

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Mr K contenders: KC chamber reveals 10 finalists for Small Business of the Year award

By Tommy Felts / May 28, 2021

Ten Kansas City companies — ranging from tech startups, apparel and experience brands to standout, hands-on small businesses — are officially in the running for the Chamber’s top honor: the prestigious Mr. K award. The finalists were announced Friday morning on social media with surprise reveals filmed Thursday alongside media sponsor Startland News, following a…

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