Archive for the ‘Kansas City Events’ Category

KC Biz Journal Panel

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Q: While nationwide, people seem to sharpen the pitchforks and get the torches ready when the topic of the government arises, there still seems to be quite a high level of trust in local government here in Johnson County. Why is that?

A: Doug Davidson, president of County Economic Research Institute Inc., responds:

High level of trust: the various boards have been seeking partnerships and communication with other public entities. Best example: the government working with the public school district to encourage students to come back to Johnson County and contribute to its economy. There is collaboration in the air.



KC Biz Journal Panel

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Joel Wiggins, CEO of the Enterprise Center of Johnson County, speaking on what sets Johnson County apart from its competitors:

Two things that give JOCO an edge in the small business and entrepreneurship sectors:

Tax credit for angel investment into small companies eligible for those investments

Kansas Bioscience Authority: adds a significant benefit to KS for science-based companies

Majority of research happening on the Kansas side, lots of support for science-based companies. This type of support for companies unavailable in Missouri.



KC Biz Journal Panel

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Regarding the border war:

Q: Missouri trying to get companies to come over from Kansas, Kansas trying to get companies to come over from Missouri.  It’s all about the tax incentives, but that’s not quite the whole picture. Elaborate:

A: Chris Wally: Biggest driving factor: people. Everyone needs to recruit or retain the best employees that they can. Johnson Country is a treasure trove of the kind of highly skilled employees that people want.

Second driving factor: There has been and continues to be, the best supply of office space in the metro area here in Johnson County.

Unfortunately, incentives in the border war has received undue attention. Relocation consultants from around the nation look at us as one city, not two. They like what they see; they’re really more put-off by the incentives argument than they are attracted to it.



KC Biz Journal Panel

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Doug Davidson, president of County Economic Research Institute Inc, speaking on the effects of the recession on Johnson County:

22-24,000 jobs lost in Johnson County during the recession.

Johnson County is leading the growth out of the recession in the metro. The secret to Johnson County’s success: the excellent public school systems, the overall high quality of life

Recession initiated by housing sector. Housing sector such a crucial component to Johnson County, that JoCo felt the most recent recession more so than previous ones.

Overall, the economy is growing again.



KC Biz Journal Panel

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Clinton Robinson speaking on infrastructure:

Energy, food, water, telecommunications, federal services: five essential food groups of infrastructure

Johnson County’s quality of life:

People come here for: stability, strong vibrant public/private school system, safety

“Diversity is the name of the [Black & Veatch] game”

 

 

 

 



KC Biz Journal Panel

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Q: Tenants scaling back on size of commercial space. Why is this?

A: Chris Wally: Traditionally, the real estate industry has looked down on downsizing. The downsizing is not related to bad times or failure, but rather more efficient and better ways of doing business.

The challenge for the real estate sector is that the #1 thing on the wish list is: “we want bigger floors, more space”



KC Biz Journal Panel

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Q: Small business creation: how much development on this front have we seen?

A: Joel Wiggins:

On the entrepreneurship side, the industry is essentially recession-proof. It’s a great time to start a business; people are spending again. As the markets fell, investors have less money to contribute to early stage investments. Capital was hit more than the numbers of people looking to start new companies.

 



Help Animals And Have Fun Too At The Fur Ball!

Monday, February 15th, 2010

I occasionally digress from blogging about real estate.  This is one of those times.  My wife Susan and I are passionate about dogs and cats – especially rescued dogs and cats.  As a result, we have been active supporters of Wayside Waifs in Kansas City.  Susan is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the second time.

Wayside Waifs (www.waysidewaifs.org) is the largest and oldest pet adoption center in Kansas City, placing approximately 5,000 animals each year.  We now have 3 dogs (see pictures) and a cat, all from Wayside Waifs, and these are just the latest adoptees in our long experience with the shelter.  So we know firsthand the great work they do and the great animals they rescue.

Wayside’s biggest fundraiser of the year is the Fur Ball Gala and it is coming up May 8th at the Overland Park Convention Center.  I know what you are thinking, another long, boring, black-tie fundraiser.  Not at all!  The Fur Ball is casual, fun and relaxed.  Each year there is an entertaining theme.  This year’s theme is Caturday Night Fever.  You can dress to the theme or you can just go casual.  Either way, it’s a great evening of mingling with fun people in a fun atmosphere with the best, biggest silent auction and the shortest live auction ever.  Great food and even a few dogs to see.

Please go to Wayside’s website and check out the Fur Ball Gala information and the shelter’s whole story.  And please consider supporting the event and/or adopting a new ‘family’ member from Wayside.