INSIDE: ~ Note from the President ~ The Rundown ~ Jessica’s Corner ~ Investor News ~ Looking Ahead Photo courtesy of B&B Theatres
the Skinny
News from the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council - January 2018, Q2
Note from the President Happy New Year from the Lee’s Summit EDC! The LSEDC is closing out a year that saw many exciting events, including the completion and opening of the Missouri Innovation Campus and Saint Michael the Archangel High School, a Holiday Inn Express Hotel, a new expanded runway at Lee’s Summit Airport, and a state-of-the-art renovation of B&B Theatres on Douglas Street. On the project front, activity remains strong along the View High Corridor. The Village at View High mixed-use project began in earnest in November, with infrastructure development commencing on the Meridian at View High apartments. Just to the south, the new B&B Theatres within Fascination at New Longview is going vertical, and leasing activity for office space in the project is moving forward. The aviation industry continues to be an exciting area of expansion for Lee’s Summit. In October, I was honored to join a team representing Lee’s Summit at the 2017 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas. After celebrating the runway expansion at Lee’s Summit Airport, work on a new taxiway is underway. The runway and taxiway are a perfect complement to the City’s purchase of Hangar One and will assist in recruiting corporate aircraft to the airport. On the infrastructure front, the new Blackwell Road interchange and roundabout is open, and construction is moving along on the new diverging diamond interchange and roundabout at MO-50/US- 291. Both improvements will help open development activity on the south side of town. Business retention and expansion continues to be a priority for Lee’s Summit EDC. Jessica Hamilton has conducted more than 27 on-site business retention visits this year and provided 186 assists to the Lee’s Summit business community. We hope you’ve enjoyed our weekly Development Download in 2017. Please continue to email Tina with tips and project updates! Finally, thank you for your support of the LSEDC in 2017. Here’s to continued economic growth and activity in 2018!
Yours Truly,
Page 2 | Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council
the Rundown We rounded out 2017 with top headlines from the past quarter. Catch all these stories on our website at www.leessummit.org/news
Summit Technology Students Celebrate National Manufacturing Day City of Lee’s Summit Celebrates Opening of Runway Extension Construction set to begin on Pine Tree Plaza renovation Edgemoor, KCADC launch ‘Better KCI’ campaign at LSEDC luncheon KC’s Regional Bid for Amazon HQ2 Represents Largest Response Effort in Kansas City Area Development Council History Former Burns & McDonnell CEO offers leadership insight Site preparation begins for Meridian at View High
We hosted many events:
Programming continues to be a high priority for the LSEDC. In October, Advisory Board members were invited to hear details surrounding the proposed plan for a single terminal airport. ‘ A Better KCI’ was presented by KCADC’s President Tim Cowden and special guest, Geoff Stricker with Edgemoor. The quarterly investor meeting in November featured another Speaker’s Series event with former ceo of Burns and McDonnell and local philanthropist, Greg Graves. His candid message focused on leadership with shared experiences from mentors such as former Kansas City mayor, Kay Barnes and H&R Block founder, Henry Bloch. In addition, all Investor’s enjoyed a few drinks on us at the monthly Hump Day Happy Hour held in downtown Lee’s Summit at Llywelyn’s Pub and the joint holiday party with the Chamber at Longview Mansion.
We partnered with STA and KCADC LSEDC partnered with Summit Technology Academy (STA) in October to celebrate National Manufacturing Day by touring local businesses in Lee’s Summit. Special thanks to Automated Motion Inc, Creative Blow Mold Tooling and ULTRAX Aerospace.
President Rick McDowell joined members of KCADC at this year’s IMN Fall Forum in Chicago. A rigorous three day schedule included one-on-one meetings with C-Level representatives and site consultants on behalf of data centers and cloud service centers nationwide. Lee’s Summit Economic DevelopmentJuly Council 2015 || Page Page 33
Jessica’s Corner Business & Community Leaders Discuss “Doing Business in Lee’s Summit”
The LSEDC hosted its first CEO Luncheon in October. This opportunity allowed Lee’s Summit businesses and civic leaders to have an open discussion about strengths and challenges to doing business in the community. Participants included representatives from Lee’s Summit Medical Center, GEHA, AT&T, Truman Medical Center, John Knox Village, Viracor Eurofins, IPL-US Inc. Bennett Packaging, Mayor of Lee’s Summit, City Management, and LSEDC Executive Committee. - Special thanks to our sponsor, Equity Bank! Key take-away’s included:
WINNING ATTRIBUTES: Highly Educated Population Progressive Community Innovative High Quality of Life Competitive Environment CHALLENGES: High-skilled workforce availability Low-skilled workforce availability Logistic transportation Public transportation Community aesthetics On the topic of workforce, leaders had high praise for Lee’s Summit’s amenities, including ideal location and plentiful retail and dining opportunities. Executives expressed a need for more skilled health care workers, a problem which would be resolved with more affordable housing options. Overall, the consensus was that competition is intense for skilled workers, something that is both good and bad. The LSEDC strongly believes in workforce partnerships to address challenges locally and regionally. As an organization, we are actively participating in the LS-R7 Business Roundtable, Summit Technology Academy Advisory Board, and TeamKC Advisory Board. Jessica will be co-chairing the Regional Workforce Intelligence Network (RWIN) through Mid-America Regional Council. “As I wrap up my first year with the Lee’s Summit EDC, I am excited to lead our Business Retention|Expansion (BR|E) program in 2018. Over the last 12 months, I have had the opportunity to engage one-on-one with many of the community employers and education partners to learn of their workforce needs, challenges, and efforts. The champions of this community truly make the difference as they work together to address issues. With a tremendous education ecosystem and a foundationally sound business community, there is no doubt that Lee’s Summit will be a leading example for addressing workforce challenges. We will continue the implementation of our BR|E initiatives and remain a resource for the Lee’s Summit Community and a role model for the region.” - Jessica Page 4 | Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council
LSEDC HR Roundtable Focuses on Veteran Sourcing Workforce availability continues to be a significant challenge in many industries. LSEDC hosted Vikki Nicometo from JCCC for a quarterly roundtable discussion aimed at assisting employers with veteran recruitment efforts. Nicometo offered insight into best practices for employers interested in recruiting veterans as they transition from military service to the civilian workforce. The process can be intimidating, as many companies often do not know where to start in order to tap into this talent pool. Employers learned the value of veterans in the workforce, common mistakes companies make when hiring veterans, ways to prevent common veteran hiring mistakes, and steps to create a Hiring Heroes strategic plan. The program was opened to many Eastern Jackson County employers as an opportunity to build a strong workforce in the area.
Educational Ecosystem Case Study: STA/ULTRAX
It is imperative that the Lee’s Summit business community continues to engage with the local education system on all levels. The more career exposure opportunities created for the future pipeline of talent, the more likely students are to stay in the local workforce. ULTRAX Aerospace, Inc. is a prime example of an employer taking advantage of the local workforce pipeline. Over the past year, this company has brought 10 Summit Technology students on board for internship or employment opportunities. Highlights of the partnership include: • • • • •
2 STA students set to complete one-year internships in 2018. 4 former STA students completed summer internships in 2017. 1 former STA student hired as a FTE in 2017. 1 former STA student hired as temporary/full-time mechanical engineer 2 current STA students employed part-time (after school) with eligibility for future full-time internship positions.
If you would like more information about pairing students with your company, please reach out to Jessica at jhamilton@ leessummit.org or at the office at 816-525-6617.
UPDATE: Local Employers Gain Diodes Fab-Tech Employees Company closings are difficult for any community, but what makes a difference is how the leaders and organizations respond to it. The LSEDC worked directly with Diodes human resources and the Lee’s Summit business community to help transition employees to local employers. It is difficult to measure exactly how many employees were able to find job opportunities inside Lee’s Summit, but we know for sure of two local employers who have officially hired some of them as a direct result of our contact. As we continue to foster relationships with local businesses through our HR Roundtable, we anticipate sharing more success stories with you. Keeping talent local improves our economy and enhances the community.
Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council | Page 5
Investor News WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST INVESTORS! Benefactor Level - $2500 Advisory Board Member Allan Bush, Alpha Omega Geotech
Investor- $1000 B&B Theatres Cooper Wealth Management Group Terracon
STA Students Experience Lee’s Summit Manufacturing Companies Summit Technology Academy (STA) students visited a trio of Lee’s Summit companies to learn first-hand about careers in the advanced manufacturing industry. The educational event on Oct. 6 coincided with National Manufacturing Day, which was created to inspire students to choose careers in modern manufacturing.
The event was made possible through a partnership between the LSEDC and Summit Technology Academy, as well as local manufacturers Automated Motion Inc., Creative Blow Mold Tooling, and ULTRAX Aerospace Incorporated. “By inviting three thriving local companies with distinct and unique operations to host students as part of National Manufacturing Day, our goal is to give these future employees a snapshot of career opportunities in manufacturing,” Summit Technology Academy Principal Elaine Metcalf said. “Students gained a better understanding of the skills and education needed to advance in the industry.”
The students had a great time. One of them was even quoted saying, “I am ready to apply now!”
Page 6 | Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council
ULTRAX touts Missouri’s aerospace industry at Dubai Airshow ULTRAX Aerospace joined Missouri economic development and trade officials at the Dubai Airshow in November with plans for a follow-up international appearance at the Singapore Airshow in February. More than 26 states and about 100 U.S. exhibitors joined the USA Pavilion at the Dubai Airshow with a unified message: “Ask America.” Missouri’s presence was so significant that airshow officials awarded it one of just three “mini-pavilions” at the international trade show, along with North Carolina and Washington. Travis Fisher, ULTRAX vice president of corporate development expressed his appreciation for the Missouri EDC’s commitment to building and strengthening international partnerships for the aerospace industry. “ULTRAX is grateful for our partnership with the EDC. Their commitment to growing exports for Missouri allows us to have a presence on a global stage, something we appreciate more than ever as we target new markets in 2018.”, Fisher said. ULTRAX Aerospace has been a key provider of military aircraft maintenance solutions for more than 20 years, and will expand into commercial aviation markets in 2018, according to Fisher. Partnership with the Missouri EDC will continue to be a valuable asset for connecting ULTRAX across the globe.
New LSMC tower, maternity unit set for 2018 delivery Interior work is well underway for Lee’s Summit Medical Center’s $21 million tower expansion, with completion expected in May. The project includes a new 25,000-square foot center for orthopedic, spine and rehab patients on the third floor, plus a new 12,000-square foot labor and delivery unit on the second floor. Rooms on the third floor are designed and constructed with the needs of total joint replacement patients in mind, according to Lee’s Summit Medical Center President and CEO Matt Sogard. “Lee’s Summit Medical Center is the leading joint replacement location in the area, and now we will have the space to better handle the growing volume of patients,” Sogard said. The fully renovated second floor maternity unit is due next summer and will include the latest labor and delivery amenities and technology. Sogard said the renovation will help Lee’s Summit Medical Center respond to the community’s need for a modern maternity unit. “The growth in Lee’s Summit is significant, and our patient satisfaction scores are very high,” Sogard said. “The ability to deliver babies here is long overdue.” Project partners include JE Dunn, general contractor; Henderson Engineers, general engineering; MMC Contractors, mechanical engineering; and Faith Technologies, electrical engineering. Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council | Page 7
New Investor Spotlight B&B wraps up special delivery for Lee’s Summit movie-goers B&B Theatres opened its luxurious, newly remodeled Lee’s Summit 16 theater on Douglas in time for the holidays, with a blockbuster debut the week before Christmas. Sold-out crowds enjoyed the latest Star Wars movie on the new four-story tall Grand Screen and in B&B’s new MX4D auditorium, the first in Missouri. “The movie-going experience has to be what drives the ship. For us, the movie-going experience is sacred,” said Dennis McIntire, B&B’s vice president of construction and development. The Grand Screen is a wall-to-wall screen that offers immersive sound through a dozen channels, each with independent controls. The previous movie theater footprint could not accommodate B&B’s Grand Screen specifications, so B&B designers began thinking outside the box, adding three rows of pit seating and revamping the slope of the theater entrance to make way for a 50-foot by 30-foot screen for premium, large-format feature presentations. The MX4D theater used 4-D technology to bring the virtual reality experience to moviegoers. Special interactive, automated seats are placed on a gimbal that moves left-to-right and front-to-back, pre-programmed by a third party vendor to sync up with the twists and turns of a movie’s action-packed scenes. “For example, during a motorcycle ride, the seat will tip back, creating the same effect as being on the bike,” said Dennis McIntire, B&B’s vice president of construction and development. Headrests are pre-loaded with water to spray mist on the movie-goer’s face; compressed air can be dispensed to create the feeling of wind in the face or hair; and red lights affixed to the walls can be timed to coincide with gunfire or explosions to bring the movie to life. Smoke machines and a variety of scents can be added to the experience as well. In January, the theater will open its screenPLAY! auditorium, catering to parents, grandparents, babysitters and young children. With a playground for pre-movie fun, families can enjoy the latest animated feature in a kid-friendly environment. In the spring, B&B will further boost its Lee’s Summit presence with the opening of its 7-screen boutique theater in the New Longview mixed-use development on the city’s west side. The theater will include the chain’s signature leather-recliner stadium seating, wall-to-wall curved screens, Dolby 7.1 digital surround sound, and state-of-the-art movie projection technology. New Longview will include a Marquee Bar and Grille with an expanded hot-food menu designed for older movie-goers. “The whole experience will be elevated in the New Longview boutique theatre,” said B&B Executive Vice President Brock Bagby. “The Douglas Road theater caters to everyone, while the New Longview theatre will be aimed expressly at adults.”
B&B Theatres has been family owned and operated since 1924 when Elmer Bills Sr. opened a movie house in Salisbury, Missouri where the future Mrs. Bills played the piano for silent movies. During the company’s 93 years, and four generations of family involvement, it has seen the coming of sound, color, Technicolor, stadium seating, multiplexes, and now digital cinema. Current Operations B&B Theatres is the 7th largest theatre chain in North America and operates 400 screens at 50 locations in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi, and Florida. Page 8 | Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council
Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council | Page 9
Looking Ahead.... 2017-18 Board Members Keith Asel Chairman Machelle Riffe Vice Chair Chip Moxley Secretary Gary Hawkins Treasurer Christine Bushyhead Past Chair Randall Rhoads Mayor Steve Arbo City Manager Dr. Dennis Carpenter Superintendent, LSR-7
~ Save the Date ~
Ron Baker Board Member
January 10th, 2018 - Investor Spotlight, STA featuring CyberSecurity
Will Coates Board Member
*Advisory Board Level Investors Only
January 17th, 2018 - Hump Day Happy Hour
Eric Mann Board Member
All Investor networking event
Dr. Kirk Nooks Board Member
Missouri Innovation Campus, 1101 NW Innovation Parkway, LSMO 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Llywelyn’s, 301 SE Douglas Street 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
February 7th, 2018 - Dr. Carpenter presents, Dr. Cindy Moss - Discovery Ed. MCC Longview - Lee’s Summit 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Larry Hillier Board Member
February 21st, 2018 - Hump Day Happy Hour
Todd Haynes Board Member
All Investor networking event
Tim Paulson Board Member
*Advisory Board Level Investors and Special Guests
Llywelyn’s, 301 SE Douglas Street 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Linda Harrelson Board Member 816.525.6617 | 218 SE Main Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 | leessummit.org