2024 KCADC Annual Meeting highlights $1.8B of new investment across the region

The Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) hosted its 2024 Annual Meeting last week, drawing over 2,000 civic and business leaders to celebrate a year of robust regional growth and strategic industry advancements. Under the theme “FLEX,” the event underscored the region’s adaptability as a cornerstone of its success. It highlighted achievements in the Kansas City metro area, including 18 counties across Kansas and Missouri.

Record-Breaking Investments and Job Creation

This year, KCADC and its partners secured commitments from 16 companies, resulting in $1.8 billion in capital investments, nearly 1,500 new jobs, $104.7 million in wages, and 2.3 million SF of new development. These milestones reflect Kansas City’s growing prominence as a hub for innovation and opportunity.

Google’s $1 billion data center in Kansas City, Mo., was among the most notable investments in 2024. Alongside its infrastructure project, Google committed to advancing sustainability by adding 400 megawatts of carbon-free energy to the grid. The company also demonstrated a strong community focus, contributing $100,000 to the North Kansas City School District’s STEM initiatives and announcing an additional $120,000 investment to strengthen STEM programs in Kansas City Public Schools.

Strengthening Global Recognition

Increased media attention has bolstered Kansas City’s growing reputation. Over 630 stories spotlight its economic wins and quality-of-life benefits, reaching an estimated 1.25 billion people globally and enhancing the region’s visibility on the international stage.

KCADC President and CEO Tim Cowden emphasized the importance of leveraging this momentum for future growth, attributing the success to a unified regional vision.

Keynote and Awards

Lisa Bodell, CEO of FutureThink and a best-selling author, delivered the keynote address, offering actionable insights into how simplification can drive efficiency and amplify impact. Her message resonated with attendees, providing tools to help businesses streamline operations and focus on meaningful work.

KCADC has also received accolades for its efforts to promote the region. The organization earned two gold medals from the International Economic Development Council, recognizing its KC Options Magazine and the “KC Design Draft” campaign for excellence in economic development marketing.

Building for the Future

As Kansas City continues to grow, leaders across industries remain focused on fostering a resilient and inclusive economy. From groundbreaking investments in infrastructure and education to enhanced global recognition, the region is poised for sustained success.

The KCADC Annual Meeting reinforced the importance of flexibility and collaboration in shaping the future, ensuring Kansas City remains a leader in innovation and a magnet for talent and investment.

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Header image: Board of Directors incoming co-chair and Evergy President/CEO, David Campbell speaks at the 2024 KCADC Annual Meeting. Image courtesy of the Kansas City Area Development Council

KCADC announces new HQ, new venture news at annual meeting

The Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) announced today at its annual meeting that NetPMD Solutions is locating its corporate headquarters in the Kansas City region.

The company selected the KC region based on a combination of factors — including telecommunications infrastructure, central U.S. location, available workforce and affordable tax and utility costs.

“Our projects span across the U.S., so being based in the Midwest provides easy access to our customers. In addition, the favorable business economics and a deep well of talent to draw from in KC will further our growth,” said David Seematter, CEO of NetPMD Solutions.

NetPMD Solutions provides comprehensive design solutions for customers across the U.S., with a focus on fiber networks. The company offers a variety of professional services that can be brought together to form a complete solution, including network design, network engineering and turnkey solutions.

“Kansas City is the most connected region in the U.S. with 5.5 million miles of fiber, and NetPMD Solution’s selection of the KC market for its headquarters will enhance the company’s long-term success,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO at the Kansas City Area Development Council. “With KC’s tech industry employing one in every 10 workers, our region is a prime location for companies looking to tap into a collaborative and talent-rich community.”

While NetPMD Solutions is selecting its final real estate option in Kansas, the company is actively hiring highly driven individuals to join its new operations in a hybrid work model. A variety of technical and non-technical positions are available including CAD Drafters, GIS Engineers, Fiber Network Designers, Professional Civil Engineers and Project Managers. Potential candidates may visit NetPMD Solutions for more information.

The company, with an office currently in Arizona, plans to create more than 100 technical and corporate jobs.

The 2021 KCADC Annual Meeting leaders also announced the new home for KC Global Design, a collective of the world’s leading architecture, engineering, design and construction firms based in the KC region.

Under the KCADC umbrella of initiatives, KC Global Design will continue to focus on building awareness for KC as a top design market, expanding talent attraction and retention, and driving innovation in the industry through collaborative leadership.

“As the sales and marketing engine for the region, KCADC has the resources and expertise to help KC Global Design further its ability to showcase Kansas City’s excellence in architecture, engineering, construction and tech,” said Rich Smith, president and CEO of Henderson Engineers and co-chair of KC Global Design.

KCADC’s Annual Meeting is one of the region’s top business luncheons, gathering company executives, community leaders and civic partners from across the two-state, 18-county area.

Stay tuned next week for additional MWM recap articles from this event, including highlights from the event’s keynote speaker, Mel Robbins.