The Aspiria Campus in Overland Park will serve as host to one of the fastest-growing health care companies in the U.S.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – September 10, 2024 – Today, The Kansas City Area Development Council announced that Healthcare IT Leaders, a national leader in health care consulting and digital transformation, plans to house its new IT managed services hub in a 10,520-square-foot Class A office space on the Aspiria Campus in Overland Park, Kansas.

“The health care industry increasingly relies on firms like ours to manage significant parts of their infrastructure and application stack. By locating our managed services hub in the Kansas City region, we’re able to meet that demand and rapidly expand our operations by leveraging the area’s extensive health IT talent network,” said Healthcare IT Leaders CEO, Ben Hilmes, a former senior executive at KC-based Cerner Corporation — now Oracle.

Healthcare IT Leaders is a full-service IT consultancy, connecting its 450+ clients with experienced technical, clinical, financial, business and operational talent. With hundreds of employees around the United States, and offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; and Greenville, South Carolina, the Kansas City location will house key senior executives and give the company a critical operational hub in the Midwest.

“Supporting innovative professional and technical services businesses is a big part of Kansas’ economic development strategic plan,” Kansas Commerce Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson said. “Attracting Healthcare IT Leaders, one of the industry’s fastest growing IT service companies, is a huge win for the Kansas City region and the state.”  

Healthcare IT Leaders was recently named to the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing, privately held companies. The company’s investment in its new location is expected to create 25+ high-wage jobs with six-figure salary opportunities for skilled IT professionals.

Healthcare IT Leaders joins fellow innovative companies located on the Aspiria Campus, including T-Mobile, TraviPay and Cogent. Andrew Greene of Cushman & Wakefield assisted Healthcare IT Leaders with its office search. The Aspiria Campus is owned and operated by Occidental Management.

“The Overland Park Chamber and EDC are thrilled to have Healthcare IT Leaders join other prominent companies providing digital health services in Overland Park. The company’s decision to establish a location here is a testament to our growing reputation as a hub for innovation and health care excellence,” said Libbey Tucker, senior vice president of economic development at the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce. “This partnership will create high-quality jobs and further our region’s leadership in the technology and health care sectors.”

Driven by its key value of philanthropy, Healthcare IT Leaders is further strengthening its commitment to the KC region by serving as the Survivorship & Hope presenting sponsor for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night event in Overland Park on October 5. Funds raised support lifesaving research, advocacy and aid for blood cancer patients and their families.

The Kansas City region’s digital health sector is a hub for companies innovating at the intersection of health care and information technology. With more than 100 pioneering companies and a network of 25,000 seasoned professionals, digital health companies in the KC region are revolutionizing health care.

“The addition of Healthcare IT Leaders to our region is an exciting opportunity for Kansas City’s thriving digital health cluster. The company’s expertise in health care innovation will be invaluable to forging new pathways for ideas, talent, capital and customers to converge,” said Dick Flanigan, CEO of Digital Health KC. “We look forward to supporting the collaborative innovations Healthcare IT Leaders’ presence will foster within our robust network of digital health companies.”

“In today’s highly competitive economic development landscape, exceptional real estate, strong workforce and a vibrant community are key to attracting successful office deals. Kansas City offers all these advantages at a world-class level,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “The ease of doing business, combined with a booming tech job growth and a skyrocketing global brand, make the KC region a premier destination for innovative businesses including Healthcare IT Leaders.”

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About Healthcare IT Leaders

Healthcare IT Leaders is a national leader in IT consulting and workforce solutions. We help leading hospitals and health systems achieve their goals for digital transformation and optimal patient care with implementation services, project management, consulting, managed services and talent solutions. | healthcareitleaders.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 Global Design and KC Heartland. | onekc.org

The centrally located facility will bolster the company’s ability to supply construction and home improvement products nationwide

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – August 30, 2024 – MARSHALLTOWN, recognized for supplying high-quality tools and products to major brands including Lowe’s and Home Depot, announced its plans to open a new distribution facility. The family-owned manufacturing company is locating its new facility in Scannell Properties’ 435 Logistics Park in Kansas City, Kansas.

“I am thrilled to announce MARSHALLTOWN’s plans to build a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in the Kansas City Metro area that will significantly enhance our logistics capabilities,” said Jack Murders, COO of MARSHALLTOWN. “This project will add more than 200,000 square feet of finished space to MARSHALLTOWN’s ever-growing facilities footprint and offers a tremendous opportunity for future growth. This strategically located facility is set to become a key hub for distribution and a vital transfer point between our operations. We believe this move represents another forward-thinking step for MARSHALLTOWN, reinforcing our commitment to strategic growth and operational excellence.”

The 200,000-square-foot distribution center is expected to create 40 new jobs, representing a capital investment of $27 million.

“When companies like MARSHALLTOWN, with its robust distribution network, are looking to expand – they look to Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Kansas Framework for Growth calls for a focus on the distribution, logistics and transportation sector because of our centralized location, well-maintained infrastructure and talent pipeline. MARSHALLTOWN is a perfect fit.”

Brothers Jesse and Lester Williams established MARSHALLTOWN in 1890 as a machine shop and automobile/bicycle repair business, building it upon the foundations of hard work, integrity, and dedication to excellence. Those values have been passed down through generations, molding MARSHALLTOWN into the respected, family-owned company it has been and continues to be today. Through growth and innovation, MARSHALLTOWN has stayed true to its roots, creating superior quality products that reflect the high standards set forth by the Williams family 134 years ago. 

“We are excited to welcome MARSHALLTOWN to Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County. This recognized family-owned business and supplier of high-quality tools and products will be a great addition to our list of great companies in Wyandotte County. We look forward to them connecting opportunities to our residents and engaging the community to help us continue growing our economy,” said Tyrone Garner, mayor and CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas.

MARSHALLTOWN offers more than 9,000 products for a variety of construction and home improvement applications to customers worldwide through a robust distribution network.

“MARSHALLTOWN is a fantastic addition to the growing number of companies at 435 Logistics Park. We are honored to be a trusted partner on the construction of their state-of-the-art distribution center in Kansas City, Kansas,” said Cam Duff, director of development at Scannell Properties.  “We now have over 3 million square feet of projects currently under construction in the Kansas City region, and we continue to commit to the area as a leading industrial real estate developer.”

“The Kansas City region’s central location, robust infrastructure and extensive transportation network make it an ideal choice for companies like MARSHALLTOWN looking to optimize their supply chain,” said Elli Bowen, vice president of KC Smartport, a strategic affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “From KC, industrial operations can quickly and efficiently reach their customers across North America and beyond. We’re thrilled to support MARSHALLTOWN’s continued growth and welcome them to our Top 15 logistics hub.”

MARSHALLTOWN is a privately held company with more than 700 full-time employees and currently operates facilities in Marshalltown, Iowa, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Bushnell, Illinois, and Walnut Ridge, Arkansas.

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About MARSHALLTOWN

Since 1890, MARSHALLTOWN has been the manufacturer of choice for quality, industry-leading construction tools and equipment, catering to a wide range of applications such as asphalt, brick, stone, concrete, paint, drywall, plaster, stucco, tiling/flooring, carpet, roofing, snow removal, and landscaping. With humble beginnings as a machine shop and automobile/bicycle repair business, MARSHALLTOWN has transformed into a family of Iconic American-Made Tool Brands, including Avalanche! winter tools, BARWALT tiling tools, BULLET flooring cutters, DASCO PRO chisels and punches, VAUGHAN hammers and striking tools, and WAL-BOARD drywall tools. The MARSHALLTOWN brands are some of the most trusted in their industry, united by a commitment to innovation, quality, and American manufacturing. With five facilities across the Midwest and a catalog of more than 9,000 products, MARSHALLTOWN aims to constantly innovate the construction tool and equipment space, looking for improved ways to solve problems and finish jobs faster, better, and with more ease. | marshalltown.com

About Scannell Properties

Scannell Properties is a privately held real estate development and investment company that focuses on build-to-suit and speculative development of industrial, office, and multifamily facilities throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. Since its inception in 1990, Scannell Properties has completed 850 development projects totaling 140 million SF. For more information, visit scannellproperties.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 Global Design and KC Heartland. | onekc.org

Community partnerships and energy efficiency key to the company’s presence

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 20, 2024) – Today, Google is proud to announce it is expanding its presence in the Midwest with a $1 billion investment in a new data center in Kansas City, Missouri. Additionally, the company announced it is expanding a skilled trade career development program to the region and contributing to North Kansas City School District’s alternative education STEAM program. Google is also working with Evergy to power the site and Ranger Power and D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) to bring 400 megawatts of new carbon-free energy to the grid as part of the company’s ambitious goal to run on 24/7 carbon-free energy.  

Google’s continued investment in technical infrastructure, including its data centers, plays an essential role in supporting the company’s AI innovations and growing Google Cloud business. Google’s data centers help power popular digital services — like Google Cloud, Workspace (which includes Gmail, Docs, Sheets and more), Search and Maps — for people and organizations worldwide.

“Google’s selection of the Kansas City region is another example of our state’s ability to attract and support world-class companies,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Our skilled workforce, superior infrastructure, and prime business climate continue to result in investments from leading employers. We welcome Google to Missouri and look forward to the positive impact it will provide for our growing high-tech sector.”

“Kansas City continues to be one of the fastest-growing technology markets in the country, thanks to our prime location with thousands of hardworking, skilled workers,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.  “Our combined effort with Google is a strong reflection of Kansas City’s success in global industry and our future as an international technology capital.”

“We have reached an important inflection point for tech innovation like AI, and data centers are the backbone of this progress,” said Monique Picou, Global Vice President of Cloud Supply Chain and Operations, Google. “Our announcement today is a testament to the resources, talent and welcoming spirit of the Kansas City community. Together, Kansas City and Google will help power America’s digital future and we are excited to contribute to the bright future of the region.” 

“Google’s major investment in KC will have multiple positive impacts long term. Not only will the tech company invest hundreds of millions of dollars benefitting our region’s economy in myriad ways, but Google’s global brand will now be directly linked to KC’s rising brand,” said Tim Cowden, President and CEO, Kansas City Area Development Council. “Google joins other international tech and consumer brands that have recently selected KC for major investments.”

“Data centers and emerging tech infrastructure have never been more vital to our world. Port KC understands that securing Kansas City’s place as a hub for data centers is critically important to the next generation of workforce,” said Jon Stephens, President and CEO, Port KC. “From advanced construction to engineering and IT, we are committed to making KC a leader in creating and growing opportunity for all.”

“This is a significant day for our state as we officially welcome Google to Missouri,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “Google’s decision to expand into Missouri is the culmination of dedicated efforts from a multitude of partners, and we were honored to be part of the team. We extend a heartfelt welcome to Google as we eagerly anticipate its integration into our thriving tech ecosystem.”

“Google’s decision to locate their new data center campus at Hunt Midwest Business Center is the culmination of the long-term vision and sustained teamwork of so many strategic partners at every level,” said Ora Reynolds, President and CEO, Hunt Midwest. “Ten years ago, the Missouri legislature created economic development programs designed to give the state the tools to compete for valuable data center projects. With the leadership of our economic development organizations, local community stakeholders, and our utility provider’s commitment to investing in tomorrow, this collective group has now brought one of the largest and most transformational global technology companies to Kansas City. We have also built a long-term strategy to ensure we can provide the infrastructure, labor, and tax certainty necessary to grow our mission-critical footprint for years to come.”

“This significant investment from Google speaks to the value of Missouri’s economic advantages and collaborative partnerships,” said Michelle Hataway, Acting Director, Department of Economic Development. “We’re proud to support this historic project as Google joins a growing list of innovative companies that are helping Missourians prosper.”

As part of its commitment to community development, Google announced it will bring its Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) program to the Kansas City area. The company is collaborating with the Missouri Works Initiative and the Urban League to help increase the entry-level pipeline in the skilled trades with a focus on underrepresented communities. All STAR pre-employment programs are paid training programs, and offer networking opportunities to help participants move directly into employment on local construction projects.

“Technology employs one in 10 workers in Kansas City,” said Tracey Lewis, President and CEO, Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City. “We’re thrilled that Google’s presence will add to that significant and growing number of employment opportunities in our great community.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Google here in Kansas City and support their goal of building a connected and sustainable world for everyone. This project will bring lasting positive impacts to our hometown community, and our Centennial year is only amplified by bringing this partnership to our home!” said Chris Teddy, Director of Mission Critical, JE Dunn Construction.

More than 65% of young people today will work in jobs that don’t yet exist, but many aren’t developing the problem-solving skills and digital competencies required to prepare for this future. To help bridge the gap, Google is helping support the technology needs of North Kansas City School District with a more than $100,000 contribution to the STEAM center, which prepares high school students with the skills they need to tackle the future’s biggest challenges and opportunities across a variety of disciplines. 

North Kansas City Schools Superintendent Dr. Rochel Daniels says collaborating with Google will benefit students, “Our collaboration will expand students’ access to innovative learning experiences by further leveraging technology and connecting student interests to real-world issues. We are grateful for this opportunity and look forward to a continued relationship with Google.”

“Our reliable, innovative energy solutions fuel the growth of tomorrow’s digital landscape. We’re proud to power Google’s investment in Kansas City and commend Google for its leadership in technology and commitment to sustainability.” said David Campbell, President and CEO, Evergy.

Today, Google is also announcing a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Ranger Power and DESRI to support 400 megawatts of new-to-the-grid carbon-free energy capacity from the Missouri-based Beavertail Solar farm. The Beavertail Solar farm is located in a former coal community and will be part of the evolution towards a clean energy future happening around the country. The agreement will support Google’s ambitious 2030 goal to run all its data centers and campuses on carbon-free energy (CFE), every hour of every day. Today, the company already matches 100% of its global annual electricity consumption with renewable energy purchases and, as a pioneer in computing infrastructure, Google’s data centers are some of the most efficient in the world. 

Learn more about Google in Missouri at: g.co/economicimpact/missouri

The largest talent leadership summit in KC brought together leaders from around the region to gain insight into global talent trends and how to leverage KC’s momentum 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – February 26, 2024 – TeamKC, a strategic initiative of the Kansas City Area Development Council and the KC region’s authority on HR and talent acquisition, hosted its annual Training Camp event on Thursday, February 22.

The summit, hosted at Starlight Theatre, brought together more than 300 professionals from across the metro to learn about how the KC market stacks up in the global race for talent and how to harness the region’s business and lifestyle assets.

“The power of the TeamKC network is undeniable. These are the professionals working to cultivate our community, bringing in the talent that helps KC grow and succeed as we compete to attract candidates from around the country – and around the world,” said Danielle Hilton, managing director of TeamKC at the Kansas City Area of Development Council. “At Training Camp and events throughout the year, TeamKC fosters knowledge sharing and thought leadership that provides our region’s HR and talent acquisition professionals with the tools they need to attract and retain top talent.”

Community played a central theme throughout the TeamKC Training Camp program:

• Keith Bradley, co-owner of Made in KC, shared his insights on how to incorporate Kansas City’s unique story and leverage its current momentum when recruiting candidates, emphasizing that “enthusiasm is common, endurance is rare.”

• A talent trends panel, moderated by Bill Hurrelbrink of KCTV5 and featuring Julie Deane, chief people officer at KCAS Bio; LeAna Flores, director of diversity, inclusion and belonging at H&R Block; and Kristen Walters, vice president of HR at Panasonic Energy, focused on unique strategies to boost attraction and retention. These included strategic community partnerships, creative total reward offerings and building a culture of authenticity and belonging.
• Keynote speaker for Training Camp, Shane Feldman, shared his “leadership passport” – unique stories handpicked from his travels in more than 30 countries that illustrate how to build engaged communities. Named one of North America’s Top 40 Under 40 LGBTQ+ Leaders, Shane’s universal strategies for community leadership optimize team culture and talent retention.

In recognition of its incalculable contributions to the Kansas City region throughout the last several years, the 2024 TeamKC MVP Award was presented to Union Station Kansas City. As the backdrop to major community events including the NFL Draft, and as a symbol of KC’s perseverance in the wake of the tragic events of February 14, Union Station remains an iconic historical asset contributing to Kansas City as a top destination for talent.

“Today, at the front of our building, a brilliant red banner proclaims: ‘Kansas City Strong and United,’” said George Guastello, president and CEO of Union Station. “As candidates visit Kansas City, we invite them to come to Union Station and be a part of our rich and diverse history, showing them the strength and unity of KC’s people and places. We will welcome them with open arms just as we have for the past 110 years.”

Following immensely popular feedback, TeamKC released its second annual Scouting Report, a comprehensive analysis of national recruitment and retention trends. TeamKC also unveiled its new digital edition of KC Options, an annual publication showcasing the region’s most compelling people, places and companies, consistently ranked by HR and talent professionals as the No. 1 tool to seal the deal with top talent.

“The resources and partnerships through TeamKC’s are essential to the network’s success, from access events and networking opportunities to the annual summer intern program that connects early career professionals with lifestyle activities across the region,” Lauren Bertram, talent acquisition director at Burns & McDonnell and TeamKC board co-chair. “When we come together, we are stronger, and the connections we make through TeamKC help us all year long.”

As the KC region’s authority on talent acquisition and retention, TeamKC has helped to attract thousands of individuals to the area in the last decade and supported major economic development successes including Panasonic, USDA, Meta and URBN, among others.

The TeamKC Board of Advisors is comprised of representatives at leading companies in the KC region, including BHC, Black & Veatch, Burns & McDonnell, Children’s Mercy, Dairy Farmers of America, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Garmin International, Inc., H&R Block, Hallmark Cards, Inc., Henderson Engineers | Henderson Building Solutions, Kansas City National Security Campus – managed by Honeywell FM&T, KCAS Bio, Kansas City University, Moonshot Solutions, Lockton Companies, McCownGordon Construction, Netsmart, Oracle, Panasonic Energy and T-Mobile.

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About TeamKC

TeamKC, an initiative of the Kansas City Area Development Council, is the KC region’s authority on promoting Kansas City as a destination for talent. Working closely with a number of regional partners, TeamKC acts as an extension of the recruiting and HR teams of more than 250 major employers, a network of 1,100+ recruiters in the KC region, helping them navigate and respond to talent market influences every day. As the region’s effort to help employers attract the best and brightest talent, TeamKC helps ensure candidates say “yes” to relocate to or stay in the region to start or further their career. Learn more at www.TeamKC.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 Global Design and KC Heartland. | onekc.org