Grow KC January 2014

VO LU M E 2 I S SU E 1 Ja n u a r y 2 0 1 4

BUSINESS

KC C H A M B E R N E W S L E T T E R

PAT JAMES A Conversation

BIG 5 LIFE SCIENCES What’s Next?

MR. K AWARD WINNERS Where Are They Now?

you. us. anything.

Learn more, do more, and be more with KU in Overland Park.

KU Edwards Campus strengthens Kansas City’s workforce with 28 high-quality KU undergraduate and graduate programs.

NEW GRADUATE DEGREES Educational Technology Environmental Assessment Project Management

IN-STATE TUITION for Missouri Residents

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CO N T E N T S 5

PAT JAMES A Conversation

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Past Mr. K Award Winners Talk Growth

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ADVOCATING FOR YOU In Jefferson City, Topeka, and Washington D.C

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WHAT’S NEXT? Update on the KC Chamber’s Big 5 Life Sciences

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FACES & PLACES

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NEW MEMBERS Milestone Anniversaries, President's Circle and Leadership Circle

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MEMBER NEWS

Cover photograph of lab at KU Clinical Research Center for testing drugs and drug interaction

KCCHAMBER2GO MOBILE APP11

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Text 'GKC' to 80802 or scan to download REVISIT THE KC CHAMBER’S MOBILE APP, KCCHAMBER2GO the app now.

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What will you find at KCChamber2Go? You can do an easy Chamber member search by name, business category, or geographic location. Call a member company with one click. Browse the Chamber events calendar and RSVP by email, or read Chamber and Member News from your mobile device.

Coming soon, you’ll be able to access discounts, and rewards from the KC Chamber, available only through this mobile app. Also on the horizon: member rewards. Drive people to your business by offering exclusive KCChamber2Go discounts. So download today, for iPhone, Android and mobile web… where the deals are just getting started!

KCCHAMBER2GO MOBILE APP

iPHONE, ANDROID AND MOBILE WEB

Text 'GKC' to 80802 or scan to download the app now.

PRESIDENT & CEO'S

POINT OF VIEW I don’t know about you, but I love the fresh feeling a new year brings. A new year, a new page. A good time to reflect on the year just passed, and planning for what’s ahead.

At the KC Chamber, we’re ready for and excited about 2014. Here’s what you can expect: • A New Number Five: We successfully checked off our Big 5 goal for animal health in 2013, so our plan is to select a new Big 5 idea in 2014. Chamber Chair Roshann Parris (Parris Communications) has asked Greg Graves (Burns & McDonnell) to lead that process. (Greg has been dubbed the “Godfather” of the original Big 5, so the choice is more than appropriate.)

• A Healthy Kansas City: Coming soon, we’ll announce a new partnership between the KC Chamber and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. Our goal: to improve the health of our community. Stay tuned for that…

• Legislative agendas: Our priorities for the upcoming legislative sessions in Kansas and Missouri focus on preK-12 and higher education, infrastructure, support for entrepreneurs, and for economic incentive use only when “net new jobs” are created.

• Diversity: We plan to continue building on the success of our expanded diversity efforts (and by diversity, we include both gender and race). Events like the POWER Breakfast and ATHENA Awards were bigger and better in 2013. Look for more in 2014, thanks to the efforts of our Diverse Small Business Committee and Executive Women’s Leadership Council.

• Know, Grow, Go: We’ll also continue expanding our existing programs and services to assist you in growing your business – programs like last year’s new Access for Entrepreneurs and Business Class series.

• Small Business Celebration: This is the 28th year for the KC Chamber’s annual celebration, and it’s grown to be the biggest and best in the country. This year will be bigger and better.

• genKC: Our young professionals group celebrated its fifth anniversary with a Food Truck Festival this past summer, along with sold-out networking and professional development events. Look for more in 2014.

• Public Policy Up Close Speakers Series: The chamber’s partnership with Polsinelli brings in elected officials and thought leaders to meet with chamber members. Admiral Mike McMullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2007-2011, will start off the series on February 5.

That’s some of what we’ve got planned for the year. I hope 2014 is a happy and successful year for you and yours. Thank you for your membership in the KC Chamber, and our best wishes for a very happy new year!

JAMES A. HEETER

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A CO N V E R S AT I O N W I T H …

BIG 5 LIFE SCIENCES CHAMPION

PAT JAMES

Senior Medical Director – National Accounts, Quest Diagnostics

The KC Chamber’s Big 5 goal for life sciences is moving forward, Dr. Pat James says, because it’s too valuable an opportunity.

Dr. James is in a position to know: he serves as Champion of the Big 5 life sciences effort, Chair of the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute, and senior medical director for Quest Diagnostics.

Translational research is already underway in the metro. Dr. James says, “It is important to note the work of Frontiers: the Heartland Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, which is driving collaboration among five academic partners, ten health system partners, and fourteen community partners. Collaborative planning and alignment on a regional vision for translational research will be a critical success factor for us.”

Translational research has been called the “missing link” in Kansas City’s list of life sciences assets, a list that is robust. Dr. James says, “We are very fortunate that Jim and Virginia Stowers established the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. This has brought some of the best scientists in the world to work in Kansas City.

“We also have the tremendous research assets of our regional universities including KU, MU, KSU and UMKC. We are fortunate to have four medical schools in the area including KU, KCUMB, UMKC and MU and outstanding clinical care at Truman, Saint Luke’s, UMKC, KU and Children’s Mercy Hospitals. We have superb talent and proven world class accomplishments

in areas such as drug discovery and development, clinical outcomes research, and genomic research including rapid and clinically insightful DNA sequencing.

“KCALSI, with the support of the Kauffman Foundation, has recently conducted a survey of our regional bioinformatics assets which are considerable and represent another considerable link and catalyst for life sciences expansion. Translational medicine effectively links these assets together and focuses on accelerating clinical applications and cures for patients.”

There are a number of successful examples to point to in Kansas City, Dr. James says. “Dr. Stephen Kingsmore and his team at Children’s Mercy have the ability to sequence a child’s DNA and determine the specific gene that is responsible for disease within 50 hours.

“Dr. John Spertus and his outcomes research team at Saint Luke’s/UMKC have developed tools to help doctors select the best treatment with lower cost and fewer complications.

"Collaborative planning and alignment on a regional vision for translational research will be a critical success factor for us.”

“Researchers at KU are looking for links between exercise and nutrition in Alzheimer’s disease and benefit that Vitamin D may have to delay or prevent diabetes.

“Researchers at MU are developing ways to repair your joint cartilage so you can avoid an artificial joint (as well as) new tools to diagnose and measure the impact of autism.”

So how would a translation research institute benefit the region? “Economic impact models have been developed that demonstrate an >$1B impact in the first 10 years including up to $30 million dollars /year in new NIH grants,” Dr. James says. “Our region already has excellent outcomes researchers whose goal is, as the name implies, to improve healthcare outcomes. Our goal is to create Kansas City as a destination point for life science researchers, entrepreneurs, and patients.”

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UPDATE: THE KC CHAMBER’S BIG 5 GOAL F

“Though Jackson County voters said ‘no’ to the funding proposal for a new translational research institute, the KC Chamber will continue pursuing that Big 5 goal,” says Jim Heeter, President and Chief Executive Officer of the chamber. “It’s an important opportunity for our community; we’ve got the assets to leverage it; and we’re moving ahead. Even though the voters’ decision was ‘no’ to that specific proposal, the effort expanded awareness of the significance of life sciences to greater Kansas City.

We’ll continue our efforts.”

Dr. Pat James (Quest Diagnostics), Champion of the Big 5 goal for life sciences, agrees. “The value and opportunity of translational medicine for the greater Kansas City region has not changed,” James says. “The Board of Directors of the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute (KCALSI), in concert with the leaders of other civic organizations, will be reviewing strategic options to further the development of translational research.” James also serves as KCALSI Chair.

KCALSI President and CEO Dr. Wayne Carter says translational medicine is all about accelerating cures, “bringing next generation medicine to you.” A transla-

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tional research institute, he says, would spur significant economic growth and provide a reason for companies to come to Kansas City. “We’re trying to build an ecosystem,” he says. “As you compare Kansas City to Boston, San Diego, San Francisco – we’re on the smaller side. We need to build our infrastructure.”

Basically, it’s build a translational research institute, and they will come, “they” being Pharma, medical device companies, new start-ups, and venture capitalists, just to name a few.

KC’s Life Sciences Landscape While Kansas City’s life sciences sector may not yet compare with a Boston or San Diego, KC has one significant asset the others don’t: the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. The Stowers Institute was established thanks to a nearly $2 billion endowment from cancer survivors Jim and Virginia Stowers. It opened its doors in 2000. Today, it houses 20 independent research programs and three technology development programs, employing nearly 550 people, including 370 scientific staff.

The Stowers Institute was the catalyst for a burgeon-

FOR LIFE SCIENCES CONTINUES ing life sciences industry in Kansas City. KCALSI was formed, and “road maps” were created to build on the research and clinical assets already in place.

The results have been impressive, as detailed in the latest census conducted by KCALSI. (The Life Sciences Institute has conducted a census every three years since 2003, with the most recent in 2012.)

The 2012 Census identified 240 life sciences companies in the region, with the majority (62 percent) in Jackson and Johnson Counties. Those companies, the Census reports, conservatively employ up to 2400 people.

“The region also has significant academic research assets,” the report states, with 117 university research centers and 17 regional hospital and medical centers involved in clinical trials to advance research. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation received by the KU Cancer Center also expands the area’s research capabilities.

New companies are springing up – 67 of the 240 companies didn’t exist at the time of the previous census in 2009. Nearly half those companies are housed in one of the area’s new incubators.

The best news from the KCALSI Census – despite difficult economic times, “the region has witnessed significant growth in the total number of companies and in employment” since 2009.

He says KU Medical Center’s CTSA grant is unique in the country – the only one of 62 awards that crosses a state line. “We started building bridges (among researchers and institutions) in 2006,” he says, “hoping to attract one of these large grants. I thought it was a long-shot, but we were able to convince the National Institutes of Health that we actually had a strong clinical and translational research program here in Kansas City.”

The grant, Bahron says, is helping to build the region’s clinical and translational research infrastructure. “With that $4 million a year and cost-sharing among partners, we’ve been able to fund investigators doing translational research in the Kansas City area. We give out more than $300,000 a year in pilot grants for investigators at KU, UMKC, KCUMB, Saint Luke’s and others who are on the cusp of putting in new grants for research in their institutions…Some of our awardees have gone on to get significant NIH grants for their work.”

Bahron adds, “By getting the CTSA grant, we’ve put Kansas City on the map…(We told the NIH) that by receiving a grant to improve our infrastructure, we could do much more, and I think we’ve done that.”

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New “Frontiers” The KC Chamber’s Big 5 idea for the life sciences actually has three goals: creation of a translational research institute is one goal, the other two components are achieving NCI designation for the KU Cancer Center (done) and maximizing the $20 million Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) received in 2011 (underway).

The award was the result of five years of effort and creation of Frontiers: The Heartland Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, headquartered at KU Medical Center. The partners in Frontiers are in both Missouri and Kansas and include five academic centers, multiple hospitals, and a number of community partners.

Dr. Richard J. Bahron is Director of Frontiers and University Distinguished Professor and Chairman, Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center.

Richard J. Barohn, M.D., director of Frontiers: The Heartland Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, visits with a patient who came all the way to KU from New Zealand to participate in a clinical trial.

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KC CHAMBER COST-SAVING BENEFITS Take advantage of these special discounts and you could save enough to pay for your membership.

Visit www.kcchamber.com for details.

Blue KC Exchange – Affordable Health Insurance for Businesses Blue KC Exchange, created by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC), increases choice and affordability in health plans for employers and employees and offers the ease and convenience of an online shopping experience, with the enhanced ability to compare rates of up to 10 different health plans available through the Exchange. Blue KC Exchange is available online now at www.BlueKCexchange.com.

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Cable Dahmer Buying Program - Up to 33% off a new vehicle and 1% over cost on used Cable Dahmer Automotive Group has teamed with the KC Chamber to provide an incredible benefit to businesses and their employees. No other dealership can offer you the services that are included in this program. We are excited about this unique partnership designed to save you money and make the car buying experience one that you will enjoy.

What does this mean for Chamber members?

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Pick up and return of your vehicles and, when needed, a loaner to keep you on the road.

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Dedicated expert in the commercial and fleet department that can answer your questions, business or personal.

Priority scheduling. You get bumped to the front of the line.

Special roadside assistance. Never worry about being stranded again! We have you covered.

Contact Adam Tobias, Buying Power Program Director – 816.588.2955 or atobias@cabledahmer.com.

You must begin your car-buying experience with Adam in order to get these rates and benefits.

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PUBLIC POLICY UP CLOSE SPEAKER SERIES BREAKFAST WITH ADMIRAL MIKE MULLEN (RET.) Military Readiness and the Intersection of National Security and the Global Economy Admiral Mike Mullen served as 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2007-2011, and was the principal military advisor to President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama.

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As global unrest mounts, where do military budget cuts leave our nation and our region?

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How does our nation balance increasing threats to our national security with the demands of a global economy?

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With recent activity in North Korea and Iran, is there a threshold to our nation’s ability to handle rising and resurgent powers?

Join the KC Chamber and Polsinelli February 5 as Admiral Mike Mullen (Ret.), former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addresses these issues and more during a frank discussion on the intersection on military readiness and the relationship between national security and the global economy.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5

Hotel Sorella Country Club Plaza 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m. breakfast and program KC Chamber Public Policy Council members receive up to 2 complimentary seats upon reservation by calling (816) 374-5443.

$35 for Chamber members $45 for non-members Registration available at www.kcchamber.com, or contact Ben Cole, at (816) 374-5443.

All reservations must be paid in advance, and any reservation cancelled with less than 48 hours notice cannot be refunded.

This event is part of the KC Chamber and Polsinelli Public Policy Up Close Speaker Series.

Watch for additional events in this series focused on keeping KC area businesses up-to-date on the issues, policies, and policy trends that impact our region and the nation.

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FACES & PLACES

Highlighting Chamber organizations and people making KC grow.

Public Policy Speaker Series

Small Business

Russ Welsh, Polsinelli; Linda Hanson, Enterprise Bank and Trust; Congressman Sam Graves, Chair of the House Small Business Committee; Pat Brown-Dixon, Region VII KC Chamber leaders spoke with Missouri Governor Jay Nixon following his presentation

Small Business Administration; and Clyde McQueen, Full

to a sold-out Chamber crowd at the November Public Policy Up Close Speaker Series lunch

Employment Council, talked about regulatory relief for small

sponsored by Polsinelli: Terry Dunn, JE Dunn Construction; Jim Heeter, KC Chamber; Russ

businesses and startups following Graves' dialogue with

Welsh, Polsinelli; Roshann Parris, Parris Communications; Governor Nixon; Coni Fries, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City; Leo Morton, University of Missouri-Kansas City; and David Gentile, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. The Governor talked about joint Kansas-Missouri efforts to curtail cross-state recruitment of businesses and his focus on

Chamber members during a policy forum.

Equity Profile

fully funding the school foundation formula.

EPA Administrator

Kansas City Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Circo and Margaret May, Social Security Administration visited with Manuel Pastor Dean Oskvig, Black & Veatch; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy; Jim Heeter, KC Chamber; and Clint Robinson, Black & Veatch, discussed EPA efforts to work with business and industry as the agency makes plans to tighten carbon regulations. The KC Chamber hosted a small group roundtable with the EPA Administrator to discuss business concerns regarding timing and content of impending EPA regulations.

of the Program for Regional and Environmental Equity at USC following Pastor’s presentation to KC Chamber and community leaders on the region’s first Equity Profile. Pastor discussed the importance of engaging culturally diverse communities in regional economic and job creation strategies. Pastor said the region's vulnerable populations will make up the majority of the workforce in coming years.

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Annual Dinner

Annual Dinner

Gina Bowman, CVR Energy; Kansas Representative Jerry Lunn; Johnson County Commissioner Steve Klika; Kansas Representative Barbara Bollier; and Kansas Representative John Bradford showed off their Don Hall, Jr., Hallmark; Jim Heeter, KC Chamber; Russ Welsh, Polsinelli; Congressman Kevin Yoder, Kansas 3rd District; Roshann Parris, Parris Communications; Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri 5th District; and Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders talked about Kansas City regional development opportunities before the Annual Dinner.

3D style during a break at the Annual Dinner.

Annual Dinner

Annual Dinner

Jim Heeter, KC Chamber; Kansas Governor Sam Brownback; and Matt Condon, ARC Physical Therapy +, discussed the growth of the Kansas City startup sector and the KC Chamber Big 5 entrepreneurism initiative.

Mayor Ron Shaffer, Prairie Village; Peter deSilva, UMB; Enid and Pete Levi, Polsinelli; Congress-

Annual Dinner

man Sam Graves, Missouri 6th District; and Jeff Roe, Axiom Strategies, discussed small business growth during the Annual Dinner reception.

Annual Dinner At Annual Dinner, the 2012 Kansas Citian of the Year Award recipient, James B. Nutter, Sr., with KC Chamber President and CEO Jim Heeter, presented the 2013 award to retired chairman of DST Realty, Inc., Phil Kirk.

The Kansas Citian of the Year Award is the highest civic honor the KC Chamber can bestow.

The KC Chamber’s 126th Annual Dinner honored outgoing Chamber Chair Russ Welsh, Polsinelli, and incoming Chair Roshann Parris, Parris Communications. The two are pictured here post-celebration with entertainer Kirstie Alley and Jim Heeter of the KC Chamber.

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FACES & PLACES

Highlighting Chamber organizations and people making KC grow.

Chamber Champions

Chamber Champions

Our Chamber Champ Ambassadors have been busy connecting members at networking events, supporting companies at ribbon cutting ceremonies and assisting new members with chamber involvement. We proudly recognize these hard-working champs who gave hours of volunteer time to promote the chamber message in 2013. Special thank you to Kristen Thomas Cowan, Lisa Mannschreck, Garrett Gardner, Christy Chester and Kristen Kreie.

Thank you to Gary Jones with The Kansas City Star for his leadership as chairman of the Chamber Champ ambassador program for 2012-13.

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Mr. K Where Are S

mall businesses are doing big things. Just ask any of the more than 27 companies recognized by the KC Chamber as Small Business of the Year, or even those who emerge to the Top 10 in this annual competition. It’s certainly worth the bragging rights.

Now in its 28th year, the KC Chamber’s Small Business Celebration is a series of events supporting and celebrating the small business community in our region, culminating in the selection of the Mr. K Award winner.

The award, named after entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Kauffman, signifies a company that has shown growth or sustainability of their business with strong employee relations and a record of giving back to the community. Businesses with fewer than 250 employees qualify for nomination and the winner must be a KC Chamber member in good standing.

“Small businesses are one of the many types of members the KC Chamber is proud to serve,” says Jim Heeter, president and chief executive officer of the KC Chamber. “Small businesses are an important part of Kansas City’s regional economy. The Small Business Celebration affords us the chance to celebrate and empower them as we advance the growth of Kansas City business and the economy as a whole.”

Past Small Business of the Year honorees remember when they were judged on their growth, sustainability, community service, and employee relations.

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Winning under the name Robert O’Byrne and Associates in 1995, now CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services of Kansas City says, “Being a Mr. K Award winner is a prestigious honor and its value can't be overstated. Our associates take great pride in being recognized as a leader in our community that values growth and giving back as Mr. K did. Our focus is helping other companies grow as well, and that growth can be reinvested again and again.”

Since Missouri Bank was honored with the Small Business of the Year award in 1999, bank assets have grown sevenfold. “Being honored by the Mr. K award was a turning point for Missouri Bank,” says George Satterlee, executive vice president and CEO. “Our primary customer base is small business, entrepreneurs, and artists who want to make a positive difference in our world, by creating jobs and improving the community. In many ways, our growth has been a by-product of their success.

Winning the Small Business of the Year Award in 1999 was validation that our relationship based, customer-centric strategy was worth holding on to, and that has made all the difference in the world.”

Since winning the Small Business of the Year award in 2000, SKC has opened five new offices, from Wisconsin to Texas and Nebraska to North Carolina. “We’ve also completed a few acquisitions, and completely transitioned the company to a managed services provider,” says Tray Vedock, CEO. “For our local presence the

Past Mr. K Award Winners 2013 - Copaken Brooks 2012 - Boulevard Brewing Company 2011 - SFP 2010 - Athletic Rehabilitation Center (now ARC Physical Therapy+) 2009 - Kansas City Internal Medicine 2008 - Sunlighten™ (formerly Sunlight Saunas™) 2007 - ViraCor

They Now award meant the world! It opened so many doors for us and showed the KC business community that we were for real. As we think back to the process winning was great, but probably the best part was being in the Top 10 and getting to network with other growing KC companies.”

TonerCycle/InkCycle took home the prize in 2004.

“Being the recipient of the Mr. K award is one of a number of milestones that is deeply ingrained in the mind of our team members, our hearts and our company history,” says Rick Krska, the company’s chief servant. “As a previous nominee, we had enjoyed the local and regional recognition and awareness this provided. When we received the award in 2004, our entire team had the chance to celebrate each person’s individual contribution that collectively, helped us earn the honor. Since that time we have reached global recognition as a leader in technology remanufacturing and expanded our horizons beyond Kansas City while continuing to serve this great town.

The Mr. K award added to our reputation credibility in ways that have helped us to serve not only some of Kansas City’s greatest companies but also some of the largest companies in the U.S. As we continue to evolve and transform our company and the value we provide, we look back at 2004 as a very special time along our journey. I strongly encourage companies to participate.”

ARC Physical Therapy+ reports sharp growth in the wake of winning 2010’s Mr. K Award. “Since winning

2006 - Hoefer Wysocki Architects 2005 - S&M NuTec, LLC 2004 - LaserCycle InkCycle, Inc. 2003 - Datacore Marketing 2002 - Strickland Construction 2001 - CommuniTech.Net 2000 - SKC Communication Products Inc. 1999 - Missouri Bank & Trust Company of Kansas City 1998 - Marketing Associates International 1997 - Gould Evans Affiliates 1996 - Worth Harley-Davidson 1995 - Robert D. O’Byrne & Associates Inc. (now CBIZ) 1994 - Phelps Tool & Die Co., Inc. 1993 - Bagel & Bagel Inc. (now Einstein Bros. Bagels) 1992 - OTR Express Inc. 1991 - Big Bob’s Used Carpet Shops of America Inc. (now Big Bob's Outlet) 1990 - PB&J Corporation 1989 - Kansas City Valve & Fitting Co. 1988 - Cerner Corporation 1987 - Nicholson Kovac 1987 - Blankinship Distributors Inc.

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the Mr. K Award we have grown same store businesses, we have added new locations, and we have dramatically increased our volume due, in part, to new service offerings,” says CEO Matt Condon, who recently closed on a $36 million deal to sell a majority stake in the company to U.S. Physical Therapy Inc.. “We used, in many ways, the platform the exposure the Mr. K Award gave us to further ingrain ourselves into the community and learn more about what our community wants from a healthcare provider like ARC Physical Therapy+. As a result, we learned how to evolve our company to be a greater resource to the community, and the business has followed.”

The honor of being Small Business of 2012 had Boulevard Brewing Company raising a glass, and the company is saying “cheers” to this very day. “Business is going great. John McDonald, our founder, recently decided to partner with Duvel Moortgat out of Belgium to secure the future of Boulevard. He basically sold the majority of the company over, however he remains an important investor and will continue to come to work every day and be part of Boulevard’s future. It’s certainly the biggest news the brewery’s history. Partnering with an iconic Belgian craft brewer has been able to secure and solidify the future of Boulevard for decades to come.

The Small Business Celebration allowed us to meet so many wonderful business leaders, community influencers and like-minded company owners. You can never have enough opportunities to network with Kansas City’s leaders and having a platform like this to work with them on truly is a great opportunity not only for our own business, but for others in the running.”

Less than a year into celebrating its status as a Mr. K winner, Copaken Brooks is already reaping the benefits.

“The Small Business Celebration gave us the opportunity to critically examine our company from top to bottom and further refine and communicate our mission, goals, and objectives,” says Jon Copaken, principal. “Internally, winning the award has helped our employees unite around that mission and growth plan. Externally, we’ve definitely seen an increase in business during the last six

months, which is helping round out a very strong year for our company. We are looking forward to the next six months with plans to break ground on several major development projects. It is a great honor to be associated with anything to do with the Kauffman name, and the Mr. K award is a validation of a company’s innovation and entrepreneurial pursuit. We have been impressed by how well known and respected this award is in the community. For a company seeking greater visibility and brand recognition, and the opportunity to better understand your own company’s culture and strengths, the Small Business Celebration is a worthwhile process with great returns."

The 2014 Awards will also include recognition of Legacy of Kansas City, for small companies with longevity in the metro; Diverse Small Business of the Year, geared toward minority business enterprise, veteran-owned business or disabled veteran-owned business, and woman-owned business enterprise; and Aspirational Entrepreneur, for startup or micro companies built on ideology, values, and goals to make change through enrichment.

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SMALL BUSINESS CELEBRATION

IMPORTANT DATES: Early Bird Application Deadline: February 7, 2014 Application Deadline: February 14, 2014 Candidate Showcase: March 27, 2014 Top 10 Announcement Reception: April 16, 2014 Top 10 CEO Panel Breakfast: May 7, 2014 Awards Luncheon: May 29, 2014

Thank you to the following companies that are giving extra support to the KC Chamber’s small business efforts. The KC Chamber’s Small Business Programming Sponsor is KCP&L. The Celebration is sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City; Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation; Garmin; DST Systems; Lathrop & Gage; US Bank; H&R Block; Copaken Brooks; First National Bank; McAnany, Van Cleave, & Phillips; and UMB. Media Sponsors include the Kansas City Star, News Radio KMBZ, and The KMBZ Business Channel. Our 2014 Candidate Showcase Presenting Sponsor is Enterprise Bank & Trust, Top 10 Announcement Reception Presenting Sponsor is INTRUST Bank, and Top 10 CEO Panel Presenting Sponsor is Missouri Bank.

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SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMMING SPONSOR

SMALL BUSINESS CELEBRATION SPONSORS

2014

Small Business

Celebration

CEO LEVEL SPONSOR

Meet the Candidates!

Candidate Showcase Sponsored by Enterprise Bank & Trust

CANDIDATE SHOWCASE PRESENTING SPONSOR

TOP 10 ANNOUNCEMENT PRESENTING SPONSOR

TOP 10 BREAKFAST PRESENTING SPONSOR

®

PRINT MEDIA SPONSOR

RADIO SPONSORS

PRESIDENT LEVEL SPONSOR

GARMIN EXECUTIVE LEVEL SPONSORS

DST SYSTEMS LATHROP & GAGE US BANK PARTNER LEVEL SPONSOR

H&R BLOCK ASSOCIATE LEVEL SPONSORS

COPAKEN BROOKS FIRST NATIONAL BANK MCANANY, VAN CLEAVE AND PHILLIPS

Thursday, March 27, 2014 5-7 p.m.

Sprint Festival Plaza, Union Station 30 West Pershing Road $15 for KC Chamber members; $20 for non-members $20 members; $25 non-members after March 25 Get to know the KC Chamber’s candidates for Small Business of the Year, Aspirational Entrepreneur, Legacy of Kansas City, and Diverse Small Business of the Year awards. See the products, learn more about the services, and meet the people who are growing thriving companies in Greater Kansas City. Bring plenty of business cards for first class networking.

Top 10 Announcement Reception Sponsored by INTRUST Bank Invitation Only Wednesday, April 16, 2014 Top 10 CEO Panel Breakfast Sponsored by Missouri Bank Wednesday, May 7, 2014 7:30-9:30 a.m.

Small Business Awards Luncheon (See Sponsors at left) Thursday, May 29, 2014 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Register online at www.kcchamber.com; call (816) 374-5492 for more information Don’t forget: There’s still time to apply for Small Business of the Year, Aspirational Entrepreneur, Legacy of Kansas City, and Diverse Small Business of the Year awards. The early bird application deadline is February 7. All applications are due February 14.

UMB

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ADVOCATING FOR YOU:

In Jefferson City, Topeka T

he gavel has dropped. Legislative sessions are underway and that means the KC Chamber’s Public Policy team is hard at work, advocating for the growth of business and the local economy, as well as the needs of members. But it’s a job that can’t be done without some valued assistance.

With the help of lobbyists in Jefferson City, Topeka, and Washington, DC, the KC Chamber is able to position itself for strategic long-term opportunities in areas in which our bi-state region can lead, including the biosciences, energy, entrepreneurism, transportation and logistics.

KC Chamber lobbyists work to influence legislation in favor of economic growth, leadership, and competitiveness for the entire Kansas City region.

With guidance of its Public Policy Council, the chamber’s Missouri State Affairs Committee, chaired by Mike Talboy of Burns & McDonnell, and Kansas State Affairs Committee, chaired by Paul Snider of KCP&L, have assembled policy agendas approved by the KC Chamber Board of Directors. Included are two shared priorities: (1) Ensure the state’s economic development incentives and tools used within the KC metro area are utilized solely for projects that create net new jobs in the KC region, and (2) Ensure adequate funding for health care providers serving the economically disadvantaged in Missouri and Kansas.

The Federal Affairs Committee, chaired by Clyde McQueen of the Full Employment Council, was working on its 2014 policy agenda as of publication time.

“Advocacy on behalf of Kansas City business and the community is a responsibility we take seriously here at the chamber,” says Jim Heeter, president and CEO. “Advocacy is one of the pillars upon which we’ve built our mission.”

Nancy Giddens Missouri

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Shannon Cooper Missouri

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The KC Chamber’s lobbyists are skilled public policy professionals who communicate with elected leaders to advance legislation that helps businesses grow and prosper in the KC region, says Kristi Wyatt, the Chamber’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Programming, responsible for Missouri legislative activities, and Cathy Bennett, the Chamber’s Vice President of Public Policy, responsible for Kansas. The chamber is fortunate to have these professionals on our team.

“We’ve created a stronger alliance in Kansas and Missouri, increased our voice, and made it consistent and efficient. Any time chamber members get together and have agreed strategic goals, it’s a good thing.”

Members, like Bayer Healthcare, know how crucial that relationship is. “In DC, when you develop coalitions, and share a voice, it helps build a better business climate in Kansas and the corridor,” explains Donna Stephens, director of federal government relations for Bayer Healthcare, Animal Health Division. She credits Luther Washington, the KC Chamber’s DC lobbyist, with success in regional collaboration. “We’ve created a stronger alliance in Kansas and Missouri, increased our voice, and made it consistent and efficient. Any time chamber members get together and have agreed strategic goals, it’s a good thing.”

Luther Washington, a longtime political consultant, and former KC Chamber staff member, now advocates for members in Washington, DC as a federal lobbyist.

George Stafford Kansas

Luther Washington Washington, DC

ka, and Washington D.C. “My three areas of focus are 1.) To communicate to the Missouri and Kansas delegation the agenda of the KC Chamber, and as certain issues develop ensure those are reinforced; 2.) Help facilitate the DC Fly-In, and 3.) Assist in coordinating Spotlight KC, giving staff members a firsthand view of local issues,” says Washington.

He’s glad to handle a job that’s not top of mind for many chamber members. “Like so many things in life, you can’t expect people to keep abreast of every political issue. Most people depend on others to do that, and there is no one more knowledgeable or up to the task than the KC Chamber,” says Washington. “They stay up to date and are in constant contact with delegates. The chamber is knowledgeable, aggressive, and can best articulate matters of business and the welfare of the community.”

That theory trickles down to the state level. Nancy Giddens and Shannon Cooper join for a combined 17 years of lobbying for the KC Chamber in Jefferson City. Nancy's interest in business and public policy stems from her education at the University of Missouri. Shannon served as a legislator in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2000 to 2008.

“The KC Chamber provides a daily voice for its members within the Capitol walls. Chamber membership offers a direct link to the daily happenings in Jefferson City, which is valuable to business owners as they assess needs and growth strategies,” says the Giddens Group.

The Giddens Group reflects proudly on past successes on behalf of the chamber, but recognizes obstacles to overcome. “Past successes such as tax reciprocity between Missouri and its neighboring states, the creation of the Animal Health Corridor spanning Missouri and Kansas, and defending against attacks on stem cell research, are encouraging for Chamber members. However, the failure to pass comprehensive economic development is a frustration.”

George Stafford spent 14 years as a member of Kansas Senator Sam Brownback's staff. Now he’s working to champion the needs of KC Chamber members in Topeka.

“Essentially, I’ve been on both sides of lobbying throughout my more than 15-year career in Kansas. First as

then-U.S. Senator Brownback’s Commerce and Industry Director, where I interacted with numerous members of the business and chamber communities,” says Stafford.

“Later, while serving as Brownback’s Deputy Chief of Staff, based in Kansas.”

Stafford now represents the interests of clients as a member of Polsinelli’s lobbying group. “I look forward to working with the KC Chamber and getting to know its members. While it’s challenging to paint a clear picture of the upcoming legislative session, a key issue facing the legislature may be whether it will have to address the Gannon school finance lawsuit. If the issue comes before the

It’s our goal to keep the membership informed of developments in the session as they arise,” says Stafford. legislature, we could very well expect to see a very long and arduous session. It’s our goal to keep the membership informed of developments in the session as they arise,” says Stafford.

Challenges are expected in other capitols, too. The Giddens Group says the election year will define action in the legislature. “Many members will be appealing to their bases, creating philosophical divides between the parties.

This polarization will make it difficult to reach consensus on many legislative initiatives such as tax policy, economic development, statewide bonding projects, and Medicaid expansion and reform.”

Washington concurs. “It’s difficult to find consensus, except in local issues. We likely won’t see change until both parties cut out the extremes,” he predicts.

One way each of the KC Chamber’s lobbyists notes impactful change: a loud voice from the constituency.

“No member is too small or too large to participate in the state affairs process,” says the Giddens Group.

“The good news is the KC Chamber has a loud and unified voice that is heard,” says Washington. “It’s one thing to have my voice in DC, but it means even more when constituents—chamber members—make a stop in DC to personally speak with members of the delegation.”

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NEW MEMBERS Welcome to these members who recently joined the KC Chamber.

Associations Kansas City Regional Transit Alliance Kite Singleton (816) 471-6808 FAX (509) 471-6800 www.kctransit.org

Education Brown Mackie College - Kansas City Kathy Vollenweider (913) 768-1900 Ext:2536 FAX (913) 495-9555 www.brownmackie.edu

Legal Services Stacy Shaw & Associates, LLC. Stacy Shaw (816) 359-1877 FAX (877) 474-7254 www.StacyShawLaw.com

Office Supplies Office Products Alliance Mark Whitlow (816) 777-2810 FAX (816) 777-2811 www.officeproductsalliance.com

Attorneys Burke Payne Michael Burke (816) 533-7950 www.burkepayne.com

Education Southwestern College Professional Studies John Hudson (913) 323-6842 www.SouthwesternCollege.org

Manufacturers WireCo WorldGroup Chris Ayers (816) 270-4700 FAX (816) 270-4707 www.wirecoworldgroup.com

Physical Therapy SERC Physical & Hand Therapy Matthew Oleksy (816) 399-4640 FAX (816) 399-0801 www.serctherapy.com

Engineers–Consulting Thompson Design Consultants, P.C. H. Wayne Thompson Jr., P.E., CCIM (816) 421-5485 FAX (816) 221-8972

Manufacturers IodiTech Curt Thomas (816) 421-0366 www.ioditech.com

Real Estate Union Hill Robert L. Frye (816) 777-5917 FAX (816) 472-0422 www.UnionHill.com

Event Space The Guild LLC Lyndon Wade (816) 421-0011 www.theguildkc.com

Manufacturers R-O-M Corporation Jeff Hupke (816) 318-8000 www.romcorp.com

Event/Sponsorship Services Visions KC Kelly Hoefer (816) 820-2541 visionskc.com

Non-Profits & Small Businesses National Institute for Construction Excellence Gregory A. Lever (816) 474-0108 FAX (816) 561-9927 www.nice-kc.com

Attorneys Rasmussen Willis Dickey & Moore LLC Mark Galus (816) 960-1611 FAX (816) 960-1669 www.rwdmlaw.com Branding LatinPointe, Inc. Sarah Chavez (913) 397-8850 FAX (913) 397-0890 www.latinpointe.com Cleaning Supplies Hillyard, Inc. Dave Layman (816) 569-0900 FAX (816) 569-0909 www.hillyard.com Consultants MJ Eisenhower and Associates Mary J. Eisenhower (816) 872-6036 www.mjeisenhower.com

Fulfillment Services Fulfillment Plus, Inc. Christina Sloan (816) 221-4700 FAX (816) 221-0221 www.fulfillment-KC.com

Office Supplies Office Essentials Kate Dougherty (816) 285-0955

Real Estate Development & Properties The Heights at Linden Square Michael Collins (317) 816-9300 www.flahertycollins.com Sports–Professional Sporting Kansas City Greg Cotton (913) 387-3400 FAX (913) 387-3401 www.sportingkc.com Web Design & Development Code Koalas Ryan Wyse (816) 529-9245 www.codekoalas.com

Human Resources Consulting Life Coach Industries Michele Burch Jones (913) 908-4545 www.lifecoachindustries.com

PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE & LEADERSHIP CIRCLE The following companies recently renewed their commitment to the KC Chamber’s President’s Circle.

Americo Life, Inc. Bank Midwest, N.A. Butler Manufacturing City of Kansas City, Missouri DST Systems, Inc. Enterprise Bank & Trust

Fleishman-Hillard Inc. Garmin International, Inc. HNTB Companies Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies Isle of Capri

JE Dunn Construction Group, Inc. JPMorgan Chase & Co. - Commercial Services Kansas City Life Insurance Company Lockton Companies, LLC Perceptive Software

Shawnee Mission Medical Center Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP US BANK

The following companies recently renewed their commitment to the KC Chamber’s Leadership Circle.

Ascend Learning Bank of Kansas City, N.A. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Bushnell, Inc. C & C Group Dentons US LLP Full Employment Council, Inc. Great Wolf Lodge

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HDR Engineering, Inc. Hoefer Wysocki Architects, LLC Hunt Martin Materials Kansas City Area Development Council Kansas City Internal Medicine Research Medical Center LaserCycle, Inc. Marks Nelson Vohland Campbell

JANUARY 20 14

Radetic LLC Missouri Bank MRIGlobal Nabholz Construction Services Peterson Manufacturing Company Physicians Business Network Pioneer Services, A Division of MidCountry Financial Corp.

Rockhurst University Sporting Kansas City Talon Concrete & Aggregates LLC The Calvin Group LLC Thomas McGee, L.C. WireCo WorldGroup YRC Worldwide Inc.

MILESTONES The following KC Chamber members have celebrated membership milestones in December and January 5 years Bicknell Family Holding Company (BFHC) Crowd Systems EMR, Inc. Global Medical Direct Grundfos Pump Corporation Innovative Design & Renovation Max Electric, Inc. Mid-America Merchandising, Inc. Travois Holdings 10 years Kansas City Testing & Engineering Lidia's Kansas City Southwest Technologies, Inc. The Advantage Group

15 years Celebrity Staff Central Packaging Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue Hays Companies of Kansas City Print Time, Inc. Stowers Institute for Medical Research 20 years Commercial Lithographing Company, Inc. 25 years Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Kansas City Saint Luke's Northland Hospital - Barry Road Campus

30 years Kansas City Electrical Supply Co. Mathews Communications 35 years K.C. Envelope Co., Inc. 40 years IDD InStore Design Display 50+ years E.J. Cody Company, Inc. (53) Geo. P. Reintjes Co., Inc. (50) George K. Baum & Company (53) Golden Star Inc. (53) Metzler Bros. Insurance (53) Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. (56) Wagner Logistics (57)

Foley Equipment (59) AMC Entertainment Inc. (67) BKD, LLP (68) Church of The Nazarene International Headquarters (68) KONE, Inc. (68) Shelton Travel Service, Inc. (69) Sellers & Marquis Roofing Company (72) The Builders' Association (72) Kessinger/Hunter & Company, L.C. (73) Ernst & Young LLP (87) AT&T, Inc. (94) UMB Financial Corporation (97) Husch Blackwell LLP (98) KCP&L (124) Oppenheimer & Co. (127)

Making it Better Together…

For over 60 years, the contractors of the Heavy Constructors Association have been improving the streets, bridges, highways, and water and sewer systems of the Greater Kansas City Area.

During that time we’ve also been improving career opportunities for minorities and women in heavy construction – paving the way to good jobs with good wages and benefits.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Amino Brothers Co., Inc. APAC-Kansas Inc. L.G. Barcus & Sons, Inc. Beemer Construction Co., Inc. Clarkson Construction Company Collins & Hermann, Inc. Comanche Construction, Inc. W.A. Ellis Construction J.M. Fahey Construction, Co. Ideker, Inc. Insituform JK Concrete Construction Julius Kaaz Construction Co. Kissick Construction Company Leavenworth Excavating & Equipment Co.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Loch Sand and Construction Company Mark One Electric Co. Massman Construction Co. Miles Excavating, Inc. Musselman & Hall Contractors O’Donnell & Sons Construction Pyramid Contractors, Inc. Pyramid Excavation & Construction Radmacher Brothers Excavating Co., Inc. Realm Construction Redford Construction, Inc. Seal-O-Matic Paving Co. Superior Bowen Asphalt Co. Tenoch Construction, Inc. Wiedenmann & Godfrey Construction

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PRESENTED BY:

1111111111111111 111111 1 Training Designed with Small Businesses in Mind Lunch and learn with your friends at the KC Chamber!

These sessions were

businesses for small businesses. Get to know

January 8

Small Business Marketing on a Small Budget Presented by Jim Brown and Amy Young, Muller Bressler Brown

February 5

Negotiate When You Need to be H.E.A.R.D Presented by Mary Redmond, FearLess Negotiator

March 5

From Click to Close: How to Sell Through Social Media Presented by Mike Montague, Sandler Training

April 2

The Healthy KC Initiative and its Impact on Small Business Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City.

May

NO CLASS

June 4

The Power of Social Media, Facebook, Twitter and Blogging Presented by Patrick Schwerdtfeger, a Bloomberg Speaker and Author sponsored by Time Warner Cable

July 2

Communication for Credibility in Business Garrett Gardner, FULL VOICE

1111

your fellow members who

ARRIVAL TIME (TOPIC)

1111

1111 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 111

designed by small

FLIGHT

11111111 1 1 1 1 1 1 111 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 11 August 6

111

in an interactive format

111

are sharing their expertise

111

September 3

that provides useful

information and valuable

October 1

11 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 111 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1111111 put to good use in your 1111 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 business right away. takeaways that you can

111 11111 1111111 1 1 1 111

Deciphering, Understanding & Negotiating Contracts with Large Companies Presented by Larry Nordling, Coronado Katz law firm Employee Record-Keeping Presented by Tracey Goold, Marsh & McLennan Agency

November 5

Email Marketing: the Good, the Bad and the WOW! Presented by Jessica Best, emfluence

December

NO CLASS

REGISTRATION: 11:15 a.m.

PROGRAM: 11:45 - 1 p.m. $15 for KC Chamber members, $20 for non-members Includes lunch and parking validation

11 1 1 1 111

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Register online at www.kcchamber.com Call Kate Kershaw for more information, (816) 374-5492.

2014 SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS ARE PRESENTED BY

1111111111111 111111 1 1 1 1

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3 Ways to Fraud-Proof Your Business Matt Barberich, Jr., MarksNelson

KCC H A M B E R .CO M

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GOOD NEWS Highlighting the good news in KC

People

Debby Paris, FLMI, ACP, was elected Secretary of the Heartland Chapter of the Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals (AICP). Debby is Senior Compliance Specialist and Consulting Assistant at First Consulting & Administration, Inc. AICP has over 1,500 members that serves the insurance compliance community by promoting relationships, exchanging information, and providing learning opportunities within a dynamic regulatory environment. The Heartland Chapter has 175 members in seven states.

MarksNelson is pleased to welcome Gerald Ostapko as an audit senior. The audit department has further expanded with the additions of three new staff accountants: Jamie Morgan, Jake Thomas and Tim Penland. Adding to the expansion, MarksNelson announced promotions in the audit department for Becky Dixon to manager, Erin Hanavan and Matt Schulte to supervisor, and Luke Templin, Jim Homan and Jack Maier to senior.

Deanna Ferrante has joined Netchemia, the leading provider of cloud-based talent management software specifically developed for K-12 school districts and institutions nationwide, as the newly-created Vice President of Customer Success. In her new role, Ferrante will create and drive strategy to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty while continuing to expand, refine and integrate the functions of the 18-member and growing Customer Success team.

Frank Stapley has worked for Belger-Kansas City as a crane operator since 1998, and the company has just announced his promotion to project manager. As a project manager, he is responsible for meeting with new and existing customers to secure new jobs, preparing estimates and quote proposals, and scheduling and managing jobs through completion.

Polsinelli congratulates 33 of its attorneys elected to shareholder from 11 offices across the country. Effective November 1, 2013, attorneys from the following offices became shareholders: Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Kansas

City, Los Angeles, Overland Park, Phoenix, Springfield (Mo.), St. Joseph (Mo.), St. Louis and Washington, D.C. The new Kansas City/ Overland Park shareholders are: Andrew J. Ennis, Health Care Litigation; Aaron C. Jackson, Loan Enforcement; Matthew S. Jordan, Capital Markets/Commercial Lending; Mary Jane Judy, Real Estate Transactions; Ryan M. Manies, Construction/Energy/Real Estate Litigation; Matt R. Moriarity, Loan Enforcement; Andrew J. Nazar, Bankruptcy and Restructuring; Andrea M. Porterfield, Science & Technology; Brett C. Randol, Commercial Litigation; Timothy D. Steffens, Science & Technology; Kelly D. Stohs, Commercial Litigation; Chad C. Stout, Corporate and Transactional; Angela S. Taylor, Loan Enforcement; Keith C. Volpi, Health Care, Professional Liability; Mit S. Winter, Commercial Litigation; and Eric S. Wu, Corporate Finance and Securities.

Webster University has welcomed Dr. Cass Butler, who will serve as director of the Midwest Metropolitan Region and director of the Kansas City campus. She has more than 10 years experience in a variety of roles in higher education administration and leadership, including admissions, enrollment, corporate outreach and operations leadership.

ArtsKC – Regional Arts Council announced that Sharron Hunt will serve as the Honorary Chair for the 2014 ArtsKC Awards.

The only daughter of Kansas City Chiefs Founder Lamar Hunt, Sharron Hunt is the chairperson of the Chiefs Art Program. The 11th Annual ArtsKC Awards will take place on January 24, 2014 at Starlight Theatre’s Enclosed Stage and honors businesses, individuals, and civic leaders for their commitment to the arts.

OMNI Employment Management Services, LLC, announced the following new additions to its team: Heidi Stigers has joined the organization as OMNI’s Business Manager, responsible for all business & administrative functions. Amy McPhail has also joined OMNI’s search practice as a Recruitment Consultant.

Jamie Koval, a partner with VSA Partners, an independent branding firm headquartered in Chicago, has been appointed the Joyce C. Hall Distinguished Professor of Design at the Kansas City Art Institute.

Over the course of his career, Koval has received more than 100 national and international design awards, including the British Design Annual and awards from Communication Arts, ID Magazine, Type Directors and art directors clubs in Los Angeles and New York. His work is in the permanent collection of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. In 2011, he was named “one to watch” by Graphic Design USA. Koval holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in visual communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Kansas.

Brian Archibald has joined Hotel Sorella Country Club Plaza and its top-floor restaurant Rosso as executive chef. Chef Archibald studied at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco and has worked at New York’s four-star restaurant, Daniel, the famed AAA Five-Diamond Phoenician Resort in Phoenix, and most recently at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel.

Thomas Gagliardi will serve as the hotel’s corporate chef. Chef Gagliardi’s past experience includes working at AAA Five Diamond properties such as the Bellagio Resort Hotel and Casino and the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa and opening two five-star hotels in Dubai.

Anniversaries

The region’s only accredited burn center has celebrated its 40th anniversary serving Kansas and Western Missouri. Burnett Burn Center is accredited for both adult and pediatric burns, the only burn center in the region to have either accreditation. In fact, The University of Kansas Hospital’s Burnett Burn Center was one of the country’s first to receive American Burn Association verification and currently cares for about 350 patients each year. The Burnett Burn Center not only covers traditional burns, but electrical and chemical burns as well as burns from extreme cold and frostbite.

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GOOD NEWS CONTINUED In January 1923, BKD co-founders William Baird, Wade Kurtz and Claire Dobson opened Baird, Kurtz & Dobson CPA firm with offices in Kansas City and Joplin, Missouri. To commemorate its 90th year in business, BKD marked the historic occasion with a firmwide celebration.

have exclusive access to TurnBack Marketing's complete line of products, including the increasingly popular baggage carousel ads at KCI. The new agency has already signed 13 clients for 2013 and 2014 campaigns. Learn more at GotBeards.com.

La Bodega has just celebrated 15 years in business in Kansas City. Each distinctive location — the boho-influenced Southwest Boulevard room with its hand-painted murals

by Peregrine Honig and Leawood’s Euro-chic space with one of the best patios around in a vibrant suburban setting — add to La Bodega’s atmosphere. Regarded as Kansas City’s first authentic tapas experience for the last 15 years, La Bodega turns up the heat on Spanish small plates engineered for sharing.

Sporting Kansas City were crowned champions of Major League Soccer with a penalty kick shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time in MLS Cup 2013 at Sporting Park in December. Aurelien Collin scored the winning goal in the penalty shootout and was named the Volkswagen MLS Cup 2013 MVP. Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper and team captain Jimmy Nielsen announced his retirement from professional soccer two days after lifting the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy at Sporting Park.

Miscellaneous

Congratulations Leawood Elementary and Olathe North High School – Winners of the 2013 Battle of the Brains! Along with taking home $50,000 for their schools, students from each team will work side-byside with Burns & McDonnell engineers, architects, and construction managers to bring

TurnBack Marketing is launching its new ad agency, Beards Advertising, nationally in January 2014. Beards Advertising plans to include a yearlong Kansas City district advertising competition in 2014. Beards will

their winning proposals to life – as full-scale science exhibits at Science City at Union Station. Both teams beat out over 500 entries to claim the grand prizes in the nation’s most robust K-12 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) competition. The proposed exhibit by Olathe North students titled “Tapped Out,” will emphasize rapid decreases in water resources and the steps that must be taken to help ensure clean water does not become a scarce commodity in the future. Leawood Elementary’s “GeneTech” exhibit will explore the wonder and science behind heredity, genetic conditions and technology, and the history of DNA. Polsinelli recently celebrated the official opening of its new headquarters in the Plaza Vista development on the Country Club Plaza. The project, designed by 360 Architecture, involved close collaboration between the design team, Polsinelli, JE Dunn Construction and Plaza Vista developer, VanTrust Real Estate, to deliver a signature building that celebrates the world-class work environment housed within.

THANK YOU TO THE KC CHAMBER’S TOP INVESTORS FOR 2014 BRONZE LEVEL

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Each year, KU Continuing Education (KUCE) serves more than 70,000 individuals through noncredit professional training, conference management, and workforce development and educational outreach opportunities. KUCE trains Kansas law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders, and it provides lifelong learning opportunities for adults over 50 through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Beginning in the spring of 2014, KU Continuing Education will continue to grow its mission from a new home on the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park. The move to the Edwards Campus will coincide with a national search to lead KUCE. Fred Pawlicki is retiring in January after 21 years at KU and eight years as executive director.

Parris Communications has been named the public relations agency of record for Shawnee Mission Medical Center, a leading Kansas City area hospital with the largest market share in Johnson County, Kan. Shawnee Mission Medical Center is a pioneer in minimally invasive surgery (MIS), and has the first and longest running robotic surgery program. The hospital is also known for exceptional women’s care, from

the new $44 million Birth Center, which delivers the most babies in Kansas City, to mammography, breast surgery and GYN surgery. SMMC’s medical staff is the largest in Kansas City, with nearly 700 doctors in 50 specialties.

Office Products Alliance is offering a complimentary cost analysis of all the products that you need for your office, including office supplies, office furniture, inks and toners, and cleaning and breakroom products. Learn more at www.officeproductsalliance.com.

Real Media and Compass Global Media have joined forces. Capabilities include live-streaming content with computer-generated sets, and a state-of-the-art sound stage, ideal for sound design, voice over and music recording technology. To kickoff the fun, Real Media’s doors were opened for a night of entertainment.

Industry professionals gathered for an open house to experience the technology by interacting with the green screen and recording a voice over to a favorite movie trailer.

ARC Physical Therapy+ announced it has entered into a new partnership with U.S. Physical Therapy (USPh). Founder and Chief Executive Officer Matt Condon will remain as CEO of ARC. Two top executives at ARC Physical Therapy+ now have an ownership stake: Chief Operating Officer Jeff Weeks, and Chief Marketing and Acquisitions Officer Brian Stewart will see their roles expanded. U.S. Physical Therapy is one of the largest publicly-traded operators of outpatient physical and occupational therapy clinics in the United States. The company has more than 474 clinics in 43 states and is led

by USPh President and CEO Chris Reading.

Muller Bressler Brown (MBB), recently began work with the Kansas Department of Agriculture in developing an eCommerce solution for the department. As the Agency of Record for the Kansas Department of Agriculture, MBB will provide overall strategy, creative and development in the digital space for KDA. MBB is partnering with Ohio-based FLM+, who specializes in the agriculture category.

Block Real Estate Services, (BRES) employees joined in the holiday spirit of giving by adopting families from The Children’s Place. Every holiday season The Children’s Place identifies child clients and families

THANK YOU TO THE KC CHAMBER’S TOP INVESTORS FOR 2014 S I LV E R L E V E L ®

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GOOD NEWS CONTINUED who need holiday assistance. BRES was matched with five families, and the company was able to assist these families with gifts, toys and money for a holiday meal.

January is National Blood Donor Month, and the American Red Cross invites eligible donors to join millions across the country in the mission to help save lives. January can be a difficult month to collect donations due to inclement weather and seasonal illnesses.

The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to make an appointment to give during National Blood Donor Month by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society Mid America Chapter will be hosting Kansas City’s On the Move Luncheon fundraiser on January 30 at the Kauff-

Mid America Immunization Coalition, a program of the Mother and Child Health Coalition, honored immunization heroes at their annual awards meeting in December.

The 2013 Silver Syringe Award went to North Kansas City Hospital, for mandating that all employees receive the flu vaccine, and reaching 98.7% vaccination rate this year.

The Corporate Social Responsibility in Media

Award went to The Kansas City Star, Vana Sweetland, for confirming the importance of immunizations to the Kansas City community by providing monthly publication of the Bee Wise Immunize ad. And the Corporate Social Responsibility Award was given to Walgreens, for providing invaluable resources and assistance in immunizing the public against influenza for the 2013-14 flu season.

REACH 20,000 CEOs & Decision Makers in Greater Kansas City.

man Center for the Performing Arts, featuring the original “Dreamgirl” Jennifer Holliday. She will share her captivating story as an individual living with MS as the keynote speaker and entertainer. Tickets are available at www.msmidamerica.org.

GROW YOUR BUSINESS. GROW YOUR NETWORK.

GROW.

For advertising information, please contact Angie Riffel at 913-951-8446 or ariffel@metromediapublishers.com. We publish 6 times a year, the next issue publishes in March 2014 with a deadline for space February 5, 2014.

THANK YOU TO THE KC CHAMBER’S TOP INVESTORS FOR 2014 GOLD LEVEL

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JANUARY 20 14

THANK YOU TO THE KC CHAMBER’S

TOP INVESTORS FOR 2014 P L AT I N U M L E V E L

JANUARY 20 14

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Union Station 30 W Pershing Road Suite 301 Kansas City, Missouri 64108 For membership information, call (816) 221-2424 or email info@kcchamber.com GROW KC Business is produced by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Marketing Department for Chamber Management Services, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of the KC Chamber). Information in this publication is carefully compiled to ensure accuracy.

However, neither the KC Chamber nor CMS assume responsibility for accuracy. Contents are copyrighted by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.

Design solutions for GROW KC Business provided by KC Chamber member Ridpath Creative Partners, LLC, www.ridpathcreative.com.

Connections for America’s Energy ™

Kansas Citians have known us as Inergy for more than 15 years. Now our experienced team has a new name: Crestwood. With greater resources and expanded capabilities, we are connecting new energy supplies with demand across the U.S. including natural gas companies, crude oil refiners, and natural gas liquids marketers.

Crestwood’s best-in-class midstream infrastructure is connecting America with cleaner, more abundant energy from oil and gas fields right here in the United States.

As for Kansas City, we remain very much connected – committed to being an employer of choice, actively involved in community causes and contributing to the metro economy. Crestwood’s two energy partnerships, trading on the NYSE under the ticker symbols CMLP and CEQP, are healthy, growing … and part of Kansas City.

We invite you to connect with us at www.Crestwoodlp.com.

Kansas City Office: Two Brush Creek Blvd., Suite 200, Kansas City, MO 64112

CONNECTIONS

OPERATIONS

EXECUTION

INTEGRITY