KANSAS CITY, Mo. — People in south Kansas City came together Saturday at Avila University to learn ways they can improve their community.
The focus was on attracting more jobs, improving small businesses and getting an update on some large corporate projects in the area.
"South Kansas City is big, it's growing, and it's the place to be,” South Kansas City Alliance Board Member Tracey Hawkins said.
That was the overarching feeling among the more than 100 people who attended the fifth annual South Kansas City Economic Development Summit.
"We offer it as an opportunity for residents as well as businesses to get to know what is happening in south Kansas City,” Hawkins said.
Information about local neighborhood associations as well as developments and renovations also were available.
Small business owner Phil Giordano appreciated the opportunity to learn how he can grow his lawn business.
"Knowledge is wealth,” he said. “The more you know about a company, the better decisions you can make.”
Giordano believes the south KC community is really making a name for itself.
"I believe now we're getting pretty well recognized around the country for our expansions and stuff,” he said. “This is all about our community and community participation.”
Picking one another’s brains was another big benefit for local small business owners.
"We want people to hear those stories,” Hawkins said. “Those small businesses — what they did right, what they did wrong — and to teach other businesses. I'm a small business owner. I want to hear their stories. I want to know how they do what they do.”
A big part of the Economic Development Summit was about growth.
Cerner is in the midst of its second phase of construction for the innovation campus, which eventually will house 15,000 employees.
Organizers hope the campus attracts residents, dollars and other development to south Kansas City.
"(We’re) hoping to see more jobs and upscale jobs come to that area,” South Kansas City Alliance Board Member John Sharp said. “But I really want to see more of those people living in south KC, too. We don't want them to just get off the freeway, go to work and get back on the freeway and go back to Johnson County (Kansas)."
As for the future, people at the summit said it looks bright.
