Abby White, Author at OneKC

Supporting Career Growth Without Holding People Back

As a leader, watching someone on your team grow into their next opportunity can feel like a double-edged sword: pride in their progress paired with the sting of loss. You want to be the kind of leader who champions careers. However, when that growth means leaving the team, it can get complicated.

How do you strike the right balance?

How do you mentor someone without micromanaging their path or worse, stalling it?

Here are a few tips for mentoring and encouraging upward or outward mobility, from someone who has moved for career advancements personally.

1. Normalize Career Growth — Even if It Means Leaving
If your team only hears praise for loyalty and longevity, they’ll feel torn when ambition pulls them elsewhere. Set a tone early that career progression is expected and supported both inside and outside your organization. Be focused on helping your team grow, even if one day that growth takes them beyond your team and organization.

When people know you care about them beyond their current role, they’re more likely to bring you into the conversation early, not at the resignation letter stage.

2. Shift From Ownership to Stewardship
It’s easy to feel possessive of top talent, especially if you’ve invested time and energy in their success. But strong leaders don’t own people, they steward their growth. Make sure you are not holding onto talent because they are essential, and you are uncomfortable with change. Be proud to see them thrive somewhere else.

3. Build Development into the Everyday
Don’t wait for someone to express a desire to leave to start talking about development. Regularly check in with team members on skills they want to develop, experiences they’re curious about, and roles they envision long-term. Regardless of if they stay, the investment pays off in motivation and a feeling that they matter to the team and organization.

4. Celebrate Wins with Grace
When someone lands a new opportunity, fight the urge to make it personal. Reinforce how proud you are of them, how they have earned the new opportunity and how grateful you are for everything they contributed to the team. That moment of grace will define how people remember your leadership.

5. Create a Legacy Culture
When people leave, help them shape their legacy. Have them document their knowledge, mentor others, or reflect on what they learned. Let them know their time mattered and contributions made a difference. Make sure the team hears you and sees you championing growth for those that stay and those that go.

People don’t just talk about how you managed them, they talk about how you supported their next move. Be the kind of leader they thank in LinkedIn posts, job interviews, and years down the road. In the end, your legacy as a leader isn’t how many people stay under you, it’s how many grow because of you.

Trailblazing Leaders Join KC Animal Health Corridor Board Amid Landmark Year for the Region’s Industry

New board members from Boehringer Ingelheim, Dechra and Elanco bring deep expertise, bold vision to region’s animal health cluster

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – June 11, 2025 – The KC Animal Health Corridor has announced three new additions to its board of directors: Fiona Rey, Elanco Animal Health; Dr. Fatou Sow, Boehringer Ingelheim; and Dr. Jill Stohs, Dechra. Their appointments were formalized during the Corridor’s June 9 board meeting and come at a pivotal moment of momentum for the region’s globally-recognized animal health industry.

With deep industry experience and forward-thinking leadership, the new board members reflect the strength and diversity of the Corridor’s influence — a collective representing the world’s largest concentration of animal health companies.

Fiona Rey, executive director of U.S. customer experience: revenue growth management | launch and marketing ops at Elanco Animal Health, is known for transforming business operations and launching breakthrough products that shape the future of animal health. Since joining Elanco in 2018, Rey has led global product launches, revived critical business units and introduced first-in-class treatments to market.

Dr. Fatou Sow, head of U.S. global innovation & immunology research at Boehringer Ingelheim, brings more than 15 years of experience leading R&D, manufacturing and global partnerships across the animal health industry, driving strategy focused on immune-mediated diseases in companion animals. Sow has held leadership roles at Novartis, Elanco and Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Medicine Belgium, and actively supports the development of scientists and emerging industry leaders.

Dr. Jill Stohs, senior director of veterinary professional services & medical affairs at Dechra, brings a career rooted in hands-on veterinary care, technical expertise and medical education. Trained at the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Stohs now leads a team of more than 40 veterinary professionals across the country. She is a passionate advocate for elevating veterinary science through education, mentorship and service.

“The new additions to our board are bold, strategic thinkers who exemplify the kind of leadership that’s driving the next era of animal health,” said Kimberly Young, president of the KC Animal Health Corridor. “Their perspectives will help ensure the KC Animal Health Corridor remains not just the industry’s largest cluster, but its most dynamic and future-ready.”

The addition of new board leadership comes amid a milestone year for the Corridor, marked by major announcements from global leaders in animal health. Australia-based Ceres Tag selected the KC region for its North American headquarters in January, citing the Corridor’s strength as a hub for innovation. In May, Merck Animal Health announced a nearly $900 million expansion of its De Soto, Kansas, campus — further cementing the region’s role as a driver of global animal health.

About the KC Animal Health Corridor

Representing more than half of the global animal health industry’s sales and home to over 300 animal health companies, the KC Animal Health Corridor is the largest concentration of its kind worldwide. Anchored by Manhattan, Kansas, and Columbia, Missouri, the Corridor serves as a thriving hub for innovation and collaboration. | kcanimalhealth.com

Streamlining International Trade in Kansas City

The Connector | May 2025

Welcome to The Connector. Fetching the freshest animal health news.

Important Things You Need to Know

Something Big Is Coming: Le's see how big Animal Health can get. Animal Health Corridor Summit

Something BIG is about to drop at the Animal Health Summit 👀

Circle August 25-26 because this year, the Summit isn’t just back, it’s bringing something new to the table. The kind of announcement people will be talking about.

We’re keeping it quiet for now… but trust us, you’ll want a front-row seat when it hits.

>> Register

>> 2025 Agenda

Merck Animal Health Announces Major Expansion in the KC Region

Merck Animal Health is growing its Center of Excellence in De Soto, Kansas with a $895 million investment in the site’s existing manufacturing facility. The project includes 200,000 square feet of new manufacturing and research space, 200 new facility jobs, and 2,500 construction jobs. >> Get the Details

Bimini Pet Health Breaks Ground on Next Phase of Growth

Bimini Pet Health has officially begun construction on a new ingredient blending facility at its Topeka headquarters. This latest expansion boosts production capabilities, supports global growth, and brings new jobs to the local community. >> Learn More

The Key Ingredients for Winning Projects & Long-Term Success

For an industry to thrive and win big business, it takes collaboration across various conditions and stakeholders: state and local leadership, a pro-business environment, supportive communities, utility partners, a dynamic innovation ecosystem, and a highly skilled workforce. This month’s blog discusses the secret sauce for lasting growth in an industry. >> Read Full Blog

Industry News

CATalyst Council Releases First 2025 Market Insights Report: Feline Veterinary Care Emerges as Industry Growth Driver

epiq Animal Health and Interpath Global Launch Second Joint Health Product Offering – This One for Dogs

Dechra Announces FDA Approval of Otiserene® (marbofloxacin, terbinafine, and dexamethasone otic suspension) the latest treatment for canine otitis externa

HILL’S PET NUTRITION ENHANCES HILL’S SCIENCE DIET PORTFOLIO WITH GAME-CHANGING MICROBIOME INNOVATION

Tractor Supply Launches New Tractor Supply Rx With Easy Ordering for Pet and Animal Pharmacy Needs

Darwin’s Ark Teams Up with Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Leading Research Institutions to Explore Cats’ Genetic Code

New perspectives: Why veterinary care is so much more than you may think

Search-and-rescue dog stays mission-ready with help from Mizzou

Zoetis Announces First Quarter 2025 Results

CERES TAG Launches Next-Generation CERES RANCHER(TM) Device, Delivering Smarter Animal Health Intelligence for U.S. Cattle Producers

PBI-Gordon Companies Acquires TriviumVet, Expanding Portfolio of Innovative Treatments in Pet Health

AVMA names Dr. Carlo Siracusa recipient of 2025 Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award

Save the Date

2026 Animal Health Summit

August 31 – September 1

View Animal Health Corridor Events

KC Offers Stable Business Climate Amid Tariff Turbulence

The Key Ingredients for Winning Large-Scale Animal Health Projects & Building Long-Term Success

Securing large-scale projects in any industry is never a solo effort—it’s a team sport. As the saying goes, “Success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan.” This rings especially true when the stakes are high. To win big, it takes collaboration across various conditions and stakeholders: state and local leadership, a pro-business environment, supportive communities, utility partners, a dynamic innovation ecosystem, and a highly skilled workforce.

While measurable business incentives—such as tax breaks, infrastructure support, and access to capital—are often top of mind when companies evaluate location options, it’s the intangible factors that make all the difference for long-term success. These are the elements that can’t easily be quantified but are critical to ensuring a project’s sustainability and growth over time.

One of the most significant intangibles is how well a project aligns with the region’s economic development strategy. A successful project isn’t about financial incentives alone. It’s about how it fits into a broader vision for the region’s growth and development. When regions invest strategically in industries, they create fertile ground for policy, innovation, workforce development, and the kind of collaborative ecosystem that drives sustained success.

In the case of the KC Animal Health Corridor, this kind of long-term thinking has been key to our rise as a global hub for animal health and bioscience over the last twenty years. The Corridor doesn’t attract companies simply because of its incentives—it draws them because of the strong partnerships, the supportive infrastructure, and the commitment to advancing the industry’s future. Over the last two decades, the Corridor has developed a unique ecosystem where innovation, collaboration, and workforce development thrive, fueling not only short-term wins but also the long-term growth of the animal health sector.

Ultimately, the success of large-scale projects depends on strong business incentives, a pro-business environment and a region that invests in its industries. Regions that align their economic strategy with emerging trends and foster an environment where collaboration and innovation can flourish will win. The Animal Health Corridor is a prime example of what’s possible when the right elements come together to build a sustainable, thriving industry.

Merck Animal Health Grows R&D and Manufacturing Footprint in KC Animal Health Corridor

Congratulations to our partners in De Soto, Kansas, on the selection of Merck Animal Health’s announcement to invest $895 million in the expansion of its manufacturing and R&D operations, creating 200 jobs and 200,000-square-feet of new space.

Merck Animal Health is a research-driven global leader in veterinary medicine, offering one of the industry’s most innovative and scientifically proven portfolios for disease prevention, treatment and control across major farm and companion animal species.

The Kansas City Area Development Council was proud to partner with the following organizations in attracting Merck Animal Health’s expansion to the KC region:

State of Kansas

Kansas Department of Commerce

City of De Soto, Kansas

De Soto Kansas Chamber of Commerce

De Soto Economic Development Council

Evergy

KC Animal Health Corridor

Read the News Release

Merck Animal Health Expands Operations with $895 Million Investment in De Soto, Kansas

Expansion further establishes KC region as global leader in animal health

DE SOTO, Kan. – May 8, 2025 – Merck Animal Health, a leading biopharmaceutical company, today announced plans to invest $895 million in the expansion of its biologics facility in De Soto, Kansas.

One of the most significant economic development projects in Kansas history and the largest to date for Merck Animal Health, the 200,000-square-foot expansion includes an $860 million investment in the site’s existing manufacturing facility and a $35 million investment in its research and development laboratories.

The project reinforces the Kansas City region’s position as the center of the global animal health industry, building on its long-standing network strength and strategic advantages in innovation.

“Our De Soto manufacturing facility is strategically located in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor. This region is renowned for its concentration of animal health companies, fostering an unparalleled ecosystem for innovation, collaboration and industry leadership,” said Richard DeLuca, president of Merck Animal Health. “This investment in our site is designed to increase Merck Animal Health’s ability to meet the growing customer demand for its portfolio of animal biologics products and ensure the company remains at the forefront of innovation in the animal health sector. This initiative also reflects our dedication to advancing animal health and our on-going investment in the communities where we operate.”

Site preparation and facility design will begin immediately, with 2,500 construction jobs expected to support site development. The expansion will create more than 200 new full-time roles when manufacturing operations begin in 2030.

“This extraordinary investment by Merck Animal Health underscores my administration’s commitment to securing a strong economic future for our state and ensuring prosperity for generations to come,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Public-private partnerships that lead to major global projects, such as those with Merck, Fiserv and Panasonic — just to name a few recent successes — are occurring because people believe in Kansas. They believe in who we are, what we are doing and the direction we have taken.”

The new manufacturing facility will expand filling and freeze dryer capacity for large-molecule vaccines and biologic products for Merck Animal Health. As a designated Center of Excellence, it will play a key role in Merck Animal Health’s global manufacturing network while building on its decades-long legacy in the region.

“Merck has been a valued part of the De Soto community for over 20 years, and this $895 million expansion is a remarkable vote of confidence in our city’s future. We’re proud that Merck has chosen to grow right here at home — bringing 200 new jobs to our community and further strengthening a facility that has already played such an important role in our local economy,” said De Soto Mayor Rick Walker. “This is a true success story: we’ve not only retained a major employer, but we’ve helped create the conditions for their continued growth. It’s exactly the kind of outcome we work toward—keeping and expanding the businesses that make De Soto a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

Merck’s De Soto campus is strategically located within the KC Animal Health Corridor — the world’s largest concentration of animal health companies, home to more than 300 businesses representing 56% of global animal health, diagnostics and pet food sales.

“This announcement reaffirms what we’ve long known — the Animal Health Corridor is where global leaders come to grow,” said Kimberly Young, president of the KC Animal Health Corridor. “Merck Animal Health’s expansion in De Soto is more than a vote of confidence — it’s a signal to the world that this region is built for ambitious, industry-defining work.”

The project includes a major expansion of Merck’s research and development laboratories, further strengthening the company’s global leadership in parasiticide and therapeutics development, and deepening its roots in the De Soto community.

“Merck has been not only a great corporate citizen, but an integral economic engine in De Soto for the past 25 years. We are so pleased Merck has chosen to reinvest in our community and are committed to doing so well into the future,” said Tim Holverson, president of the De Soto Kansas Chamber of Commerce & EDC. “De Soto has shown they can deliver the workforce talent and values the economic partnership that has made this a true economic development success story.”

Media assets including photos, video and additional details are available in the Merck Animal Health media library.

About Merck Animal Health

At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we’ve been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines and innovative health solutions for the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, producers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

About the KC Animal Health Corridor

Representing more than half of the global animal health industry’s sales, and home to over 300 animal health companies, the KC Animal Health Corridor is the largest concentration of its kind worldwide. Anchored by Manhattan, Kansas, and Columbia, Missouri, the Corridor serves as a thriving hub for innovation and collaboration. | kcanimalhealth.com

About the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC)

Serving the 18-county, two-state Kansas City area, the Kansas City Area Development Council is an economic development nonprofit that promotes the region’s business and lifestyle assets to companies and talent around the world. Working closely with its two states, and 50-plus county and community partners, the region has attracted more than 64,000 new jobs over its 45-year history. KCADC also leads the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort, TeamKC, KC Heartland and KC Global Design. | onekc.com

Talent in 2025: What’s Working, What’s Not, What’s Next

Let’s face it — recruiting and retaining top talent in today’s world is not for the faint of heart. From AI to Gen Z, the game keeps changing. But the good news? Kansas City companies are rising to the challenge, and the 2025 TeamKC Scouting Report has the playbook to prove it.

Here’s how to level up your talent strategy this year:

Make AI your teammate — not your replacement.

Yep, AI is everywhere. But here’s the catch: while most HR teams are using it, not everyone knows how to talk about it. If you’re feeling a little “robot-shy,” you’re not alone.

Start by demystifying the tools for your team — because smart tech works best when your people know how (and why) to use it.

Go beyond the checkbox on DEIB.

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging aren’t just buzzwords — they’re culture-shapers. KC employers are taking a people-first approach: embracing neurodiversity, building up community connections and making sure everyone feels like they actually belong.

Hint: belonging shows up in the little things, not just the big statements.

Rethink what “workforce” really means.

Five generations, one office (or Zoom call). Sound familiar? Gen Z wants purpose, Millennials want flexibility and everyone’s craving clarity. The smartest talent teams are ditching one-size-fits-all policies and designing benefits, career paths and cultures that flex with their people.

Get comfortable being uncomfortable.

The truth? There’s no “set it and forget it” when it comes to talent strategy. Whether you’re testing new tech, refreshing your values or trying out a four-day workweek, forward-thinking employers know: growth means change, and change might feel messy. Dive in anyway.

Tell your KC story.

People aren’t just choosing a job — they’re choosing a life. So if you’re hiring in Kansas City (or relocating talent here), make sure you’re spotlighting the whole package: great food, short commutes, world-class culture and real community. We’ve got the goods — don’t keep it a secret.

Pro tip: share the KC stories that fill the pages of KC Options – snag print copies for welcome gifts or integrate the digital edition into candidate communications.

And that’s just the highlight reel…

Inside the 2025 TeamKC Scouting Report, you’ll find the numbers behind KC’s rising educated workforce, a snapshot of the markets we’re attracting the most talent from, which industries are driving the region forward and much more. (Spoiler: It’s not just what you’d expect.)

Get the data, insights and fresh ideas to build a talent strategy that works.

👉 Check it out here

Discover more tools, resources and opportunities to join the conversation — connect with TeamKC today.

CERES TAG Launches Next-Generation CERES RANCHER(TM) Device, Delivering Smarter Animal Health Intelligence for U.S. Cattle Producers

New CERES RANCHER device delivers smarter insights, stronger design, and improved efficiency for modern cattle producers across the U.S.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – April 28, 2025 – CERES TAG, the global leader in direct-to satellite animal tracking and livestock intelligence, has announced the launch of its newest product, the CERES RANCHER (TM). This advanced technology represents the latest advancement in a series of innovations designed to equip ranchers, producers, veterinarians, and researchers with powerful, real-time insights that strengthen cattle operations from pasture to plate.

Following strong growth in the U.S. market over the first half of 2025 and early success with key partnerships and distribution, CERES TAG has expanded its portfolio with a device that incorporates feedback from years of field use across global operations. The CERES RANCHER builds on the strengths of the original CERES RANCH device, delivering new functionality, durability, and simplicity to producers while maintaining the accuracy and reliability that has defined the company’s reputation.

“This is the next level of livestock intelligence to meet the future and current demands of ranching,” said David Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of CERES TAG. “We’ve listened to producers, researchers, and field experts around the world, and RANCHER is the result of this research. It delivers better analytical data, faster, and with greater ease of use.”

The CERES RANCHER includes improvements in battery performance and a stronger, more rugged housing. It features a simplified application process and a newly designed activation tool that improves alignment and reduces user error. Additionally, its updated algorithms now provide separately reported data for resting and ruminating behaviors, a critical development for producers and researchers seeking to better understand herd activity and efficiency.

As livestock operations across the U.S. face mounting pressure from reduced herd sizes and rising calf prices, tools like CERES RANCHER offer real advantages in herd management. With continuous insights into grazing, movement, health, and behavior, the device supports better decisions, streamlined labor, and increased profitability for producers of all sizes.

“Our platform is not just about location, it’s about insights that help producers be more productive and thrive in today’s competitive environment” Smith added. “We’re focused on improving productivity and profitability with every tag.”

CERES RANCHER will be available through approved distribution channels. The original CERES RANCH device will continue to be offered while supplies last, giving producers the flexibility to choose the product that best meets their operation’s needs.

CERES TAG continues to scale its presence across North America with the mission of redefining ranching through intelligence, not just tracking. With clients including Lykes Bros. Ranch in Florida and research collaborations with the University of Tennessee, the company is quickly establishing itself as an essential platform in modern livestock management.

CERES TAG is the world’s first direct-to-satellite animal health intelligence platform, delivering secure, real-time insights on cattle health, behavior, and location without the need for cellular networks or manual data collection. With operations across the U.S., Australia, and beyond, CERES TAG is reshaping how producers and researchers manage animal health, biosecurity, traceability, and profitability.

For more information about CERES TAG and its innovative solutions, visit www.cerestag.com.

About CERES TAG

CERES TAG is a pioneering Australian company specializing in direct-to-satellite animal monitoring technology. The company’s innovative solutions provide real-time tracking and data analytics for livestock and wildlife, enhancing productivity, profitability and sustainability in the agriculture and conservation sectors. | cerestag.com

Contact:
Cara Neill
cneill@jnaadv.com
913.327.0055