Business
Shriners, Baptists Cancel Big KC Conventions Because of Covid
By Kevin Collison Two major conventions scheduled to come to downtown Kansas City this summer, the Shriners International and National Baptists, have cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic, an estimated $30 million blow to the local economy. During a sobering briefing to the Downtown Council board Thursday, Jason Fulvi, president and CEO of Visit KC,…
KC Barbell Beefs Up Size at New Location Near Crown Center
By Kevin Collison As soon as the city gives the all clear from Covid-19 health restrictions, Jay Ashman and his partners are ready to teach people how to pump iron at their new digs at 2734 McGee Trafficway just south of Crown Center. The new home of Kansas City Barbell is twice the size of…
City Council Narrowly Approves Waddell HQ Design Despite Objections by Neighborhood, City Planners
(Updated: Citing the late Kenny Rogers tune “The Gambler,” Mayor Quinton Lucas cast the deciding vote in a 7-6 City Council decision to approve the design and development plan of the Waddell & Reed headquarters project late Thursday afternoon. With several Council members expressing disapproval of the controversial design during deliberations and seeking to send…
Downtown Marriott Goes Dark, Metro’s Biggest Covid Hospitality Casualty
By Kevin Collison Metro Kansas City’s largest hotel, the 970-room Downtown Marriott, has gone dark until at least May 11 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the biggest local casualty of the collapse in the national hospitality industry caused by the virus. The 22-story hotel, known for the vivid LED lighting displays splashed across its broad…
MEDiAHEAD! Switches to Fun-Time Production During Covid Crisis
By Kevin Collison Being stuck at home with kids looking for something fun to do during the Covid-19 crisis can try the patience of any parent. Worrying about keeping your print shop workers busy and employed during the current economic slowdown caused by the virus is exasperating too. Kathryn “Kat” McDaniel, president of MEDiAHEAD!, has…