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A Few Words from Jim
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In these turbulent times where the new normal has yet to be defined, I reflect upon a quotation whose source I do not know. It has particular meaning for me since I ride horses. But the quotation may provide solace to anyone contemplating their past, present and future. Similarly, for communities, leaders, companies and entrepreneurs, uncertainty and/or quiescence could be seen as opportunity for risk taking.
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming-WOW! What a ride!"
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Promoting shopping locally is always the right thing to do. Building on proven east and west coast business models, Lee's Summit has been selected as one of the first test markets by a new competitor: DealBug. DealBug.com, a daily discount shopping site, allows the consumer to purchase commonly used LOCAL products and services at discounts typically not seen in stores. And, DealBug shares a portion of its revenues by supporting schools, charities and other non-profit organizations. Pass this article to friends and business associates to consider being a DealBug Sponsor. They can be reached at admin@dealbug.com or by calling (877) 467-5401 or (913) 660-7342. Visit www.DealBug.com and see what the buzz is all about. The daily bug deals will launch initially in Lee's Summit on August 2.
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At the Annual Investor Meeting on July 14, LSEDC introduced its 2009 – 2010 Annual Report, titled “Acclaim, Accolades and Applause: An Award Winning Year for Lee’s Summit.” Visit the LSEDC Web site at http://www.leessummit.org/annualrep.aspx to download and view the interactive report.
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LSEDC’s Treasurer Brad Cox and Jim Devine have been very involved in working with the city and Martin City Melodrama to transform Arnold Hall into a regional performing arts center in downtown Lee's Summit. In recent months, LSEDC has partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to hire candid marketing to brand the project and develop supporting materials for the fundraising effort. We have also identified $25,000 for the 501(c)(3) board to hire a professional fundraiser, and we have applied for a second grant from the Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) to continue the momentum. Several LSEDC investors are on the 10-member not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Board guiding Arnold Hall’s redevelopment and transformation into a regional performing arts center. The LSEDC members are: Brad Cox, Langsford Development; Machelle Riffe, Lee’s Summit Community Christian School; Dr. Bud Hertzog, Lee’s Summit Animal Hospital; Carl Chinnery, Chinnery Evans and Nail; John Beaudoin, Lee’s Summit Journal; David Gale, Gale Communities; and Tom Jackson, Metcalf Bank.
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On June 24 at Longview Mansion, the Lee's Summit community came together to celebrate the 21 years of service of former Mayor Karen Messerli. Under Karen's leadership as mayor, Lee's Summit experienced tremendous growth and progress. As a token of appreciation, Karen was presented with a limited edition artisan crystal horse crafted by the Waterford Crystal Company, along with a travel voucher for $2,000 for Karen to take a much needed vacation to a location of her choice. In addition, more than $ 2,000 was raised for Hope House, which was one of Karen's passions to bring to Lee's Summit.
Photo courtesy of John Beaudoin, Lee's Summit Journal.
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Money Magazine recently announced its 2010 Best Places to Live, and Lee’s Summit made the list. The highest rated Missouri city on the Eastern side of the Kansas City metro — Lee’s Summit ranks 27 out of the 100 best small cities in the United States, moving up from its 2008 position as number 79.
To be named one of America's 100 best places to live, the city must offer plentiful jobs, excellent schools and affordable housing. "Being named to this prestigious list validates the fact that Lee's Summit is a great place to live, work, play and learn," adds Jim Devine, President and CEO of the Lee's Summit Economic Development Council.
To view Lee's Summit on the Money 100 Best Places to Live list, visit http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2010/snapshots/PL2941348.html
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Teresa Evans, Vice President of the Lee's Summit Economic Development Council (LSEDC), recently achieved an advanced level certification from Business Retention and Expansion International (BREI), an association of economic development professionals who advance business retention and expansion efforts in their communities. Evans earned the Business Retention and Expansion Professional Certification (BREP), building upon the entry-level Project Coordinator certification she earned in June 2008. The advanced BREP certification is awarded to economic development professionals who complete a set of education requirements, participate in a BRE program and are actively involved in the BREI organization.
"Business retention and expansion is one of LSEDC's four focal points, which makes Teresa's role of serving the needs of existing businesses in Lee's Summit a critical one," said Jim Devine, President and CEO of LSEDC. "The advanced BREP certification will allow her to more effectively provide solutions to employers in Lee's Summit and assist them with growth initiatives to ensure they remain in our community."
Teresa Evans joined LSEDC in August 2002 with 20 years of experience in education. She was employed by the Metropolitan Community Colleges working in student services as an academic advisor, and then in employee development, coordinating and facilitating training needs for more than 1,000 employees. Evans holds an Associate in Arts from Longview Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology summa cum laude from Park University. Evans completed the Heartland Economic Development Course through the University of Northern Iowa in 2003, is a graduate of Leadership Lee's Summit 2004, has completed a variety of business retention based e-Synchronist courses and training through the Missouri Economic Development Academy.
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At the June 28, Lee's Summit Gateways Business Alliance (LSGBA) meeting, Mayor Randy Rhoads and City Manager Steve Arbo addressed questions from the CEOs of major employers in Lee's Summit. LSGBA provides a venue for community CEOs to discuss areas of mutual concern and develop action plans to address them. Establishing ongoing dialogue with a new mayor will be beneficial to all parties.
Opening the meeting by saying "I am aware of your contribution to the city and appreciate that as business owners and managers you are the backbone of this community," Mayor Rhoads addressed questions regarding infrastructure improvements for the 291 bridge over 50 Highway and MO 150, the Strother Road interchange, public transportation, the Lee's Summit Airport, renewable energy, the landfill and Lee's Summit taxes.
City Manager Steve Arbo gave an overview of the city's budget, the 360 Strategic Planning Process and the city's efforts on process improvement through the Missouri Quality/Baldrige Awards program.
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With less than 10 percent of land available in Lee's Summit, how we develop the remaining parcels is critical to the future growth of our progressive community. One of the last large pieces of land - and one that is considered the gateway to Lee's Summit - is the corner of View High and I-470. Although this intersection stands empty today, there is a far-reaching effort underway to develop this prominent entrance to Lee's Summit: the Green Technology Corridor.
"This public-private development initiative between Lee's Summit entrepreneur and founder of ViraCor Laboratories, Flip Short, the City of Lee's Summit and the Lee's Summit Economic Development Council (LSEDC) will position the community for years to come through a sustainable business park, similar to Corporate Woods in Overland Park," says LSEDC President and CEO, Jim Devine.
"The Green Technology Corridor builds upon the public policy embodied in the City Council priorities and the citizen-led Lee's Summit 360°: Charting Tomorrow strategic planning process by addressing the need to increase commercial development and change the ratios between the residential and commercial tax base in Lee's Summit," states Lee's Summit Mayor Randy Rhoads.
This proactive movement is a great example of the public-private development model in action. According to Lee's Summit City Manager, Steve Arbo, "To develop a new mixed-use business park with office, retail and residential space, the project team is leveraging funding opportunities and other economic development tools at the local, state and federal levels, which includes appropriations, incentives and grants." In fact, the project team has already secured a $1.5 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for sewer and wastewater improvements on the proposed site. Additionally, the project team is leveraging existing infrastructure and investment in the area, including $70 million in interstate highway/interchange funding."
Since two-thirds of residents commute outside of Lee's Summit every day, a master-planned development like the Green Technology Corridor that focuses on attracting sustainable, clean industries will create high-paying, quality jobs that keep tax dollars in our city. This effort will stem the daily "brain drain" while having positive effects on both the economy and environment in Lee's Summit.
"The vision for this land parcel will focus on environmentally-friendly development that incorporates into and takes advantage of the current topography, woods and glens," says current landowner Flip Short.
"With the vision of community leaders and private businesses to make the Green Technology Corridor a reality will position Lee's Summit to better compete for corporate headquarters of large companies in the green energy, health care, technology and sustainable industries," adds Bill Brown, principal at Spectrum Consulting Group who has been engaged by the City of Lee's Summit as a consultant for the Green Technology Corridor. "This type of sustainable business park and the benefits it will bring to our community is the future of development in Lee's Summit."
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Jim Devine, President and CEO of the Lee's Summit Economic Development Council (LSEDC), has been named by the Missouri Economic Development Council (MEDC) as the 2010 Professional Economic Developer of the Year. This prestigious award is presented to an MEDC member who has made significant contributions in the field of community-based economic development. Devine was recognized at a lunch on May 25 held during the 2010 MEDC Spring Conference at Lake of the Ozarks.
"The overall award submittal was reflective of Jim Devine's long and active career in economic development. This award is very special to MEDC, and Jim's many successes and achievements make him a worthy recipient," said John Mehner, CCE, MEDC President and CEO of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce. "Jim has exhibited leadership on regional and national levels. His decision-making skills speak to successful projects he has been involved with throughout his career. We are proud to welcome Jim as Missouri's 2010 Professional Economic Developer of the Year."
The Professional Economic Developer of the Year award winner is selected by the Counselors of MEDC, which is an elected group of professionals who have achieved great success in their economic development careers. "I am truly honored to receive this award from my peers in economic development around the state," Devine said. "Being nominated by Greg Foss, my counterpart at the City of Lee's Summit, is indicative of the strong public-private partnership and mutual respect LSEDC enjoys with the City."
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Bennett Packaging is Small Business Administration's 2010 Award Winner
Kathy Bennett of Lee's Summit-based Bennett Package and Displays was named as the Small Business Administration's 2010 region's Women in Business Champion for her service and mentorship of other women who own small businesses. Award criteria include long-term, effective and free assistance to small business owners.
LSEDC Investors Among 2010 Lee's Summit Business of the Year Winners
Two LSEDC Investor businesses were recipients of the Lee's Summit Chamber Res in Motus (Business in Motion) Business of the Year Award presented at the monthly membership luncheon on May 21. candid marketing & communications won in the five or less employees category and Lee's Summit Community Christian School won in the over 15 employees category.
Vegrandis - candid marketing and communications is a full-service branding, marketing, advertising and public relations firm serving clients in Eastern Jackson County and throughout the Midwest. With 100 percent client retention rate in 2009, candid has seen a 58 percent increase in billings during the first quarter of 2010. To support exponential growth, in 2009, candid hired three new team members - and is in the process of adding one more employee to its staff. candid recently obtained its Women-Owned Business Enterprise certification from the State of Missouri.
Magnus - Lee's Summit Community Christian School educates and prepares preschool to 12th grade students for a life of purpose. They impact the youth of greater Lee's Summit through partnerships with 107 staff, 507 families and 128 churches representing 15 denominations. Remaining true to its mission, LSCCS represents the face of the Christian community.
LSPR Finalist for National Gold Medal Award
Lee's Summit Parks and Recreation (LSPR) was named one of the top four parks and recreation agencies in the nation (among cities with population of 50,001-100,000) by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks & Recreation, which has been in existence since 1966, honors communities throughout the United States that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development, and agency recognition.
Since its creation, only two agencies in the state of Missouri have received the prestigious Gold Medal Grand Plaque, Springfield-Green County Park Board in 2000 and Columbia Parks and Recreation in 1984. Within the metro area, Johnson County Parks and Recreation won the award in 1995. Winners will be announced live during NRPA's Annual Congress & Exposition in Minneapolis, MN, October 25-29, 2010.
Lee's Summit R-7 School District earns national "What Parents Want" Award
The Lee's Summit R-7 School District was among 28 Missouri school districts receiving the "What Parents Want" national award, offered by SchoolMatch. The Ohio-based firm ranks school systems in a national percentile format, making it possible for comparisons by parents, home buyers, corporate leaders, policymakers, educators or realtors using its service. The What Parents Want program recognizes school systems that are making noteworthy efforts to meet the needs of their students and families.
A national compilation of more than 95,000 parent questionnaires completed by SchoolMatch clients in 2009 reveals parents most often look for schools systems that are:
- Competitive in academic test scores and academically solid, but not so rigorous as to intimidate their children.
- Accredited.
- Recognized for excellence by a national foundation or by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Competitive in teacher salaries.
- Above average in instructional expenditures on a national percentile basis.
- Above average in expenditures for library/media services on a national percentile basis.
- Known for small class size.
Pfizer Logistics Center Recognized as OSHA VPP STAR Site
The Pfizer Lee's Summit Logistics Center (LSLC) has achieved an important step in the road toward a total safety culture. Recently, the site was awarded OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star designation. VPP is OSHA's premier recognition program for employers and employees who have implemented exemplary workplace safety and health management systems.
In VPP, management, labor, and OSHA work cooperatively and proactively to prevent injuries, illnesses, and workplace hazards. To attain VPP status, employers must demonstrate management commitment to the safety and health of their employees and employees must be actively involved in activities that support the safety and health-management system.
The OSHA VPP program recognizes the best of the best in the area of safety and health performance. The Lee's Summit plant and the Lee's Summit Space Center join only a handful of other Pfizer locations with this designation. In fact there are only approximately 2,200 businesses in the US that have achieved this level of performance.
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Tell us about your company and what it does.
Dow Kokam LLC was established in 2009 to develop and manufacture technologically advanced and economically viable battery solutions for the transportation, defense, industrial, and medical industries. The company is owned by The Dow Chemical Company, TK Advance Battery LLC and Groupe Industriel Marcel Dassault (Dassault). Dow Kokam is also comprised of the former Kokam America Inc. operations located on Hagan Rd. in Lee's Summit. Dow Kokam (DK) is also engaged in the promotion of other power related products such as Protective Circuit Modules, Battery Management Systems, Chargers and Service Equipment. Kokam America (now Dow Kokam) was founded in October, 2005 and joined forces with Dow Chemical in 2009 with a vision of large scale development and production of batteries for the Electric Vehicle, and Hybrid Electric Vehicle markets.
Why did you join LSEDC?
To stay closely connected to the community and network with other LS businesses. One of our goals is to see the greater Lee's Summit community advance in the areas of education, culture, and overall quality of life. We realize that this is a critical factor for attracting and retaining professional talent to the area and we realize much of this starts with the direction the community leaders take regarding economic development.
What have you gained from your investment in LSEDC?
LSEDC keeps us up to speed on both current affairs within the community as well as state and federal regulations. In addition, LSEDC helps to facilitate communications within the community, greater KC, and at the state level. We feel that there is an open conduit for frank discussion with LSEDC regarding local development matters and that this type of environment is useful for local business to help guide consideration on economic development issues in the community.
What projects or activities are you involved in Lee's Summit that would be of interest to our readers?
June 21, 2010 - Ground breaking ceremony for the 400,000 square foot facility in Midland, MI. This facility will produce large format lithium ion polymer cells for the electric vehicle and hybrid electric vehicle markets.
September 2010 - Research & Development expansion at our existing Lee's Summit facility. We are adding a prototype coating line, and two R&D labs to our facility in addition to the type of talent needed to run a world class battery R&D operation. Construction should begin by August of this year.
Dow Kokam, and formerly Kokam America, is a supporter of the FIRST Robotics competition in Kansas City as well as a specific supporter of the LS North HS Team 1987.
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Beginning on July 1, 2010, LSEDC will change its quarterly investor meeting charges to include a higher rate for attendees from non-investor companies. Effective with the July 2010 Annual Investor Meeting, the meeting cost will remain at $20 per person from an investor company, and increase to $25 per person from a non-investor company.
The cost of meetings not only goes to pay for lunch, but also for room rental, venue staff and labor, as well as any other incidentals associated with the meeting (audio visual rental, linens, etc). As has been stated historically, LSEDC does not hold meetings to make money, but rather, to break even. In the past year, we have noticed a trend of consistently losing money on our meetings, and as such have decided it is time to increase the price per person for those who are not investors.
We are also moving to adopt a billing policy for all attendees more consistent with the Chamber's - i.e. - all payments are due by the day of the meeting. Any invoices sent after the day of the meeting will be subject to a $5 billing fee.
For our investors, we will roll out the option to register and pay for meetings online, which we hope you will find more convenient. Any non-investors registering for meetings will follow the same protocol to register: via e-mail or phone. All guests can pay with cash, check, or Visa/MasterCard.
We sincerely appreciate your support of our efforts. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us at 816-525-6617. Thank you!
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LSEDC has lent its KCP&L/Synchronist business software to DLSMS for them to survey businesses in the downtown district of Lee's Summit. A team of volunteers trained by LSEDC conducted in-person interviews with 39 of the 137 downtown businesses. The goal of the process was to identify issues in downtown that can be addressed to improve the viability of businesses operating in this business sector. While the information gathered from each business was confidential, LSEDC aggregated the data into a comprehensive report. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of those interviewed reported an increase in total sales with a 40% increase in average value of individual sales. Ownership and suppliers/distributors relationships have remained stable and workforce needs for the future are increasing to 42%. Ninety-four percent (94%) of the owners/ managers live in Lee's Summit. To download the report, click here.
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