Joyce Smith
Recent Articles by Joyce Smith
Opening her storefront at the age of 23 with a newborn daughter, Meagan Doyle faced double duty as a first-time mother and budding entrepreneur. Eighteen years later, her baby is now grown — and Mom is coming into her own as a retail survivor and seasoned business owner. “It’s been a fun adventure,” said Doyle,…
Read MoreWhen Nick the Greek abruptly closed two area locations six months ago, fans on and off social media were distraught, fearing they were closed for good. Now there’s a surprising update: two reopenings, one new opening. All this month. Area franchisee Arthur Gilbreath previously placed “closed for renovation” signs at his Nick the Greek restaurants…
Read MoreJust-announced Kauffman Foundation funding for a cohort of 27 organizations — each focused on advancing economic mobility in Kansas City — reflects the grantees’ “relentless commitment to innovation and equity,” said Allison Greenwood Bajracharya. “Rather than being defined by the challenges our communities face, they’re defining what’s possible — building on the brilliance and resilience…
Read MoreJust weeks after closing Session Taco in Leawood’s Park Place, the owners expect to revamp the prominent spot for a new destination Mexican restaurant. Lapez Mod Mex is scheduled to open this summer at 11563 Ash St. Brothers Adam and Jason Tilford first opened Mission Taco Joint in the space in June 2023. It rebranded…
Read MoreMIAMI — A strategic acquisition between a software leader and a Kansas City fintech startup brings together two innovators in mortgage tech to deliver the industry’s most comprehensive platform, said Nomi Smith, co-founder of PMI Rate Pro. LoanPASS on Thursday announced its purchase of PMI Rate Pro, an Overland Park-based fintech specializing in API-driven private…
Read MoreDE SOTO, Kan. — A biopharmaceutical giant plans to invest $895 million to expand its biologics facility in Kansas, notching another win as leaders position Kansas City as a hub for digital and animal health innovation. The 200,000-square-foot expansion project includes an $860 million investment in Merck Animal Health’s existing manufacturing site west of the…
Read MoreEditor’s note: The following is the second in a four-part series exploring the verticals and impact of initiatives within the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City through a paid partnership with EDCKC. Leave KC better than you found it: How matching growth to city’s needs is paying off Homegrown startups can redefine KC; they just need…
Read MoreChris Goode stood at the podium Tuesday in council chambers at City Hall, voicing a frustration with the city’s repeated inaction on his proposal to change the name of Troost Avenue — a Kansas City thoroughfare with a legacy rooted in slavery — to Truth Avenue. “I want to keep my head up high, but…
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