Thomas M. Hoenig

James E. Smith

LSEDC President and CEO Jim Devine and R-7 School District Superintendent Dr. Tony Stansberry recently returned from China where they, and other officials, were guests of the Freeman Family Foundation.  Jim and Tony were among 30 individuals from the Lee’s Summit school district, and four other districts in Kansas to participate in the exchange.  All expenses were paid by the foundation, which seeks to inspire educators to teach more about Asian studies in their schools due to the exploding impact of China on the world’s economy.

“The trip had a profound impact on me as I began to understand the huge global ramifications of the burgeoning Chinese economy and business climate, as well as its educational system and cultural heritage,” Jim said. 

Other Lee’s Summit attendees included Dr. Dan Lumley, Director of Curriculum and Instruction K-12, John Faulkenberry, Lee’s Summit High School Principal and Jon Ellis, past LS Chamber of Commerce Chairman and President of Paradise Park Inc. The Lee’s Summit group is preparing a speakers bureau presentation for any interested parties.  Contact Teresa Evans at tdevans@leessummit.org for further information. 

(Top Right) Dr Stansberry signs a memo of understanding with Principal Zhang Baozhou to consider further educational exchanges with Chang An #1 Middle School Shaan X1.

(Bottom Right) China is a land of contrasts.

Lee’s Summit was front and center during a recent tour of Greater Kansas City by nationally-recognized site selection consultants.  Consultants from the following nationally significant firms attended:  The Wadley-Donovan Group-New York; Julien J. Studley – Los Angeles; King Realty Inc. – Atlanta,; Colliers International – Los Angeles, Trammell Crow – Dallas; Bearing Point – New York; KPMG LLC – Kansas City; The Staubach Company – Atlanta; CB Richard Ellis – Atlanta; Colliers International – Los Angeles, CB Richard Ellis – Newport Beach, CA, Duke Realty – Atlanta, First Industrial - Chicago

Our associates at the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) brought the consultants to Summit Technology Campus on November 22.  Major existing tenant companies including Cerner and Waddel and Reed were included in the presentation and noted their satisfaction with the campus’ excellent operating costs and working conditions.  The consultants especially noted STC’s secure infrastructure for data and call center operations. In fact, several consultants requested additional information for existing client requirements.   

Representatives from LSEDC, the State of Missouri, Aquila and Missouri Gas Energy greeted the consultants while they were in Lee’s Summit.  The tour wrapped up with a tailgate party co sponsored by Summit Technology Campus and attendance at the Chiefs vs. Patriots football game, hosted by KCADC. 

It is important to note the unique and positive working relationship LSEDC and KCADC share.  We are fortunate to have a metro-wide organization that works diligently to bring in consultants and businesses from across the United States.  Once the KC metro area is in the finals for a possible site decision, it is then the LSEDC’s job to shine the brightest light possible on the positive characteristics of our community.