How KC Works

By ANN CLIFFORD

THE INDUSTRIES AND INNOVATIONS FUELING COMPANIES AND CAREERS

With its central location and diverse workforce, the Kansas City region is home to a range of thriving industries, a dynamic startup community and an innovative can-do mindset. And all are generating a lot of buzz.

Tech it out: One in every ten workers in the area is employed in the technology sector. With 15,000+ tech businesses – from fastscaling startups like PayIt to global leaders like Garmin – it’s no wonder the KC region ranks third in the nation – behind only Austin and San Francisco – in technology job creation for 2020.

WFH with ease: The KC region is a top place for remote workers based on Internet connectivity, cost-of-living and access to coworking spaces according to PCMag, HighSpeedInternet.net, Business Insider and others.

Startups take off: With accelerator programs like TechStars KC, funding sources like LaunchKC and expert guidance from the KC-based Kauffman Foundation leading the way, KC ranks as a top city for both startup growth and survival. In 2021, the Heartland’s supportive startup ecosystem propelled several local founders onto Forbes’ Next 1000 list, including the entrepreneurs behind Aspis, Maze Freight Solutions and ZIV.

# 1 in animal health: KC’s Animal Health Corridor, which stretches from Manhattan, Kansas, to Columbia, Missouri, boasts the largest concentration of animal health companies (300+) in the world – and

represents 56 percent of worldwide animal health, diagnostics and pet food sales.

The heart of the supply chain: KC’s central location, skilled workforce, top-tier industrial space and extensive logistics infrastructure make it a hub for a wide range of manufacturing, distribution, fulfillment and warehouse operations. The region was the fifth fastest growing industrial market during H1 2021 and is on track to deliver 15 million sq. ft. of industrial space in 2021. Businesses that recently selected KC for their supply chain operation include Amazon, Chewy, Niagara Bottling, Melaleuca, Dot’s Pretzels and Urban Outfitters.

Built-in creativity: As a global center of excellence for architecture and engineering, KC firms produce impactful work. For example, nearly three out of every four modern sporting venues across the U.S. are designed by KC firms, as are 20 percent of the world’s water systems. It’s no surprise that four area companies – Burns & McDonnell, Black & Veatch, HNTB Companies and Terracon – rank among the country’s top 25 design firms.

A healthy focus: From diagnostic and surgical innovations to cutting-edge research, KC is a recognized hub for healthcare. In 2021, Children’s Mercy Research Institute opened a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to accelerating discoveries related to complex childhood diseases. At the Stowers Institute, scientists and researchers work to better understand human health. Beyond research, The University of Kansas Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City and Children’s Mercy Hospital achieved national specialty rankings for care from U.S. News and World Report in 2021.

Financials matter: As the home base for American Century Investments, H&R Block and Creative Planning, KC’s financial savvy is wellknown. The area is also invested in redefining the industry’s future with growing fintech companies like Blooom, C2FO and Mylo.