Veeva Systems Announces New Engineering Hub in Kansas City

Global leader in cloud software for life sciences accelerates job growth and innovation in Kansas City

Kansas City, Mo. – March 21, 2023 – The Kansas City Area Development Council announced today that Veeva Systems, a global leader in cloud software for the life sciences industry, will grow its operations in the Kansas City region.

The company will create more than 100 jobs over the next five years across the Midwest in engineering, product, sales, and services. With the option to work from home or in the office as part of Veeva’s Work Anywhere approach, the Kansas City office will serve as a hub for collaboration.

“We are excited to expand our presence in the Midwest which has been a great place for us to grow technology talent,” said Greg Whitsitt, engineering director and Kansas City site leader at Veeva. “For our engineers, consultants, and sales leaders in the region, the office will be a place to build new connections and share ideas to further innovation.”

Veeva selected the Lightwell Building in downtown Kansas City for its 10,000-sq.-ft. engineering hub. The new office will have private workspaces for focused work and carefully crafted areas for meetings and social interaction.

The company joins a diverse network of health IT companies in Kansas City, employing 100,000 in the tech sector overall, and nearly 300 life sciences organizations in the region – representing a $9.1 billion per year industry employing 34,000 people.

“We’re proud that another leading technology company like Veeva has chosen Missouri for our ideal business environment,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “With an expanding list of cutting-edge employers, our state already stands out as a growing tech hub where innovators thrive. We look forward to the positive impact Veeva will bring to Kansas City and our state’s vibrant technology industry.”

“We are thrilled to have Veeva join our life sciences technology sector in Kansas City, highlighting both our strong workforce and the continued growth of the software industry in downtown Kansas City,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “With Veeva’s addition to our community, Kansas City will continue to be a leader in growing our nation’s vital life sciences technology industry.”

“Veeva is one of the world’s most successful cloud software companies. Adding them to Missouri’s long list of leading global tech and health innovation companies is extremely exciting for our state,” said Subash Alias, CEO, Missouri Partnership. “Veeva plans to hire more than 100 people in the region, and we are confident they will find the brightest talent here, as well as a thriving tech ecosystem that continues to grow and shape the future of the tech industry.”

“There’s nothing like starting off the year with a win for our community,” said Steven Anthony, executive director of business development, Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri. “We look forward to continuing the momentum Veeva will create, bringing new businesses, jobs and investment to Kansas City, Missouri.”

“As a hub for the life sciences industry, Kansas City is a key location for leading companies like Veeva to expand and advance their innovative technology,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO, Kansas City Area Development Council. “With the more than 3,600 people that graduate with life science degrees in the metro each year, Kansas City offers companies like Veeva a well-educated pool of talent and a strong network of expertise as they continue to grow.”

Veeva is hiring software engineers, product managers, as well as sales and services leaders in the Midwest to help life sciences companies develop and bring medicines to market faster and more efficiently. Learn more about Veeva’s open positions at careers.veeva.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.org

About Greater Kansas City

Home to 2.5 million people, Kansas City is a vibrant metro in the heart of the U.S., known as the “KC Heartland.” The KC region is a center for leading industries including technology, logistics, animal health and entrepreneurship, and is home to a renowned arts community. | KC.org

Chick-fil-A Supply to Open Nearly 148,000-Sq.-Ft. Distribution Center in the KC Region

Olathe, Kan. – March 14, 2023 – The State of Kansas and the City of Olathe with the Kansas City Area Development Council announced today that Chick-fil-A Supply, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chick-fil-A, Inc., and distribution service provider of the fast food chain’s restaurants, plans to establish a market distribution center in the Kansas City region.

The company plans to invest $31 million in the market distribution center, creating more than 60 jobs. The facility will be located at Lone Elm Commerce Center in Olathe, developed by Frontier Real Estate Investment, formerly Heise-Meyer.

“The Kansas City area is a prime location to invest in our business, create jobs, and grow our supply chain operation,” said Josh Grote, executive director, Chick-fil-A Supply. “The region has a deep pool of skilled talent that we know will excel in serving the franchise Operators, licensees and team members delivering an authentic Chick-fil-A experience at each of our locations.”

“Chick-fil-A Supply is a great addition to the growing array of companies Kansas is partnering with in the logistics sector,” Kansas Assistant Secretary of Commerce Nadira Hazim-Patrick said. “Their investment shows the Kelly Administration’s focus on this segment is paying off.”

The Olathe facility will be Chick-fil-A’s fifth distribution center in the U.S. and the company’s first in Kansas. Chick-fil-A Supply’s market distribution centers are aimed at supporting and creating greater flexibility within the company’s supply chain.

“We are thrilled that Chick-fil-A Supply has chosen Olathe to open its distribution center,” said Tim McKee, CEO of the Olathe Chamber of Commerce. “The City of Olathe and the Olathe Chamber have had a great, long-standing relationship with Chick-fil-A and look forward to seeing that relationship continue. This investment in our market is another big win for our community and Chamber.”

The Kansas City region’s central location, skilled workforce and robust industrial market make it a leading U.S. logistics hub and key location for companies looking to optimize their supply chain operations. With an abundant infrastructure and transportation network, 85% of the U.S. population can be reached from a Kansas City location in two days or less.

“The KC region continues as a leading logistics hub for North America with a number of major companies, including Chick-fil-A Supply, choosing our market for its many industrial advantages,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “With 12.6 million sq. ft. of new industrial space under construction in the KC market at the end of last year, our KC SmartPort team is focused on elevating our region’s comprehensive strengths to attract manufacturing and distribution businesses from around the world.”

The facility is projected to operate at full scale in early 2024. For those interested in job opportunities at the new location, please visit Chick-fil-A’s Careers website.

About Chick-fil-A Supply, LLC

Chick-fil-A Supply, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chick-fil-A, Inc., is an innovative distribution service provider focused on understanding and meeting the unique needs of Chick-fil-A® restaurants. Chick-fil-A Supply ensures restaurants have the food and products they need through a seamless delivery experience that extends the Chick-fil-A culture of care. To learn more about Chick-fil-A Supply, visit cfa-supply.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 60,000 new jobs over its 40-year history. KCADC also leads the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort, TeamKC, KC Global Design and KC Heartland. | onekc.org

Kansas City’s New Airport Terminal Attracts National Media Attention

On February 28, 2023, Kansas City opened its new 1-million-square-foot terminal. As the largest infrastructure project in Kansas City’s history, the new $1.5 billion single Kansas City International (MCI) terminal is one of the most inclusive in the U.S.

The Kansas City Area Development Council, alongside investor and public relations firm, Violet PR, and many partners involved in the project, shared insight into the new terminal’s inclusive amenities, innovative features, local brands and massive public art program.

The effort garnered national attention generating 42 pieces of coverage with an audience reach of 1.02 billion.

Top Media Highlights

Local Media Highlights

KC’s Food & Bev Industry Makes Headlines with Processing Center & Cold Storage Facility Announcement

West Liberty Foods and Vertical Cold Storage announced in January 2023 their plans to open a food processing center in Kansas City, Missouri, attached to a supporting cold storage facility. The news garnered local and trade media attention for KC’s fast-growing food and beverage industry.

Coverage Highlights

  • 35 Pieces of Media Coverage
  • 35 Social Shares and Website Mentions
  • 3.3 Million Estimated Coverage Views

Trade Media Highlights

Local Media Highlights

URBN Announcement Spotlights KC’s Industrial Sector

URBN announced in January 2023 its plans to establish a new fulfillment center for its clothing rental brand, Nuuly, in the KC region. The news garnered local and trade media attention for KC’s flourishing industrial sector.

Coverage Highlights

  • 34 Pieces of Media Coverage
  • 57 Social Shares and Website Mentions
  • 2.47 Million Estimated Coverage Views

Media Highlights

Food Processing Center and Accompanying Cold Storage Facility to Open in KC

Congratulations to our partners in Kansas City, Missouri, on the announcement that West Liberty Foods and Vertical Cold Storage plan to establish a food processing center and accompanying cold storage facility at the I-49 Industrial Center, representing a collective $199.6 million investment.

The two facilities, directly connected to support the production of grab-and-go sandwiches, will occupy a combined 327,000 sq. ft. and create 583 jobs, with $39.7 in payroll.

The Kansas City Area Development Council was proud to partner with the following organizations in attracting West Liberty Foods and Vertical Cold Storage to the KC region:

State of Missouri

Missouri Department of Economic Development

Missouri Partnership

City of Kansas City, MO

Port KC

Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri

Evergy

Spire, Inc.

Platform Ventures

CBRE

Polsinelli

KC SmartPort

Read the News Release

Major food processing center and cold storage facility to open in Kansas City

Kansas City, Mo. – January 23, 2023 – The Kansas City Area Development Council announced today that West Liberty Foods will open a food processing center in Kansas City, Missouri, attached to a supporting cold storage facility to be developed by Vertical Cold Storage. The companies are expected to invest a combined $199.6 million in capital investment and create 583 jobs, with $39.7 million in payroll.

The food processing center and cold storage facility, a combined 327,000 sq. ft., will be directly connected and support the production of grab-and-go sandwiches. The facilities will be located at the I-49 Industrial Center within the 49 Crossing industrial zone.

“Missouri is home to nearly 400 food companies, and we are excited to welcome West Liberty Foods and Vertical Cold Storage to our state’s robust food and agricultural network,” said Gov. Mike Parson. “When a company selects Missouri for a new facility, we understand it’s a major decision, and we are committed to their success in our state. We are looking forward to watching these two companies grow right here in Missouri.”

“As we continue working to grow all parts of our city, Kansas City is pleased to welcome West Liberty Foods to our community as it puts down roots in south Kansas City,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “Not only will West Liberty Foods bring hundreds of new good-paying jobs to Kansas City, it will put to good use the former Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base, and help to spur further development in Martin City.”

West Liberty Foods ranks as one of North America’s top 50 protein processors, producing nearly 650 million pounds of food product each year for grocery stores and restaurants across the United States. Headquartered in Iowa, with additional production facilities in Utah and Illinois, the new Kansas City facility represents the company’s first expansion into Missouri.

The accompanying cold storage space will be operated by Vertical Cold Storage, which provides comprehensive cold storage services for frozen and refrigerated foods. It will be the company’s sixth location nationwide.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our signature protein offerings with our new premade grab-and-go sandwich program,” said Brandon Achen, CEO of West Liberty Foods. “Based on its proximity to key stakeholders for the project, Kansas City is the ideal location to house our newest technology, and we look forward to the growth this area has to offer.”

“Not only is Kansas City a leading logistics hub, it is also an exceptional place to live and work. West Liberty Foods’ decision to place a world-class facility in our community is proof that we are growing a community for all. Port KC has led the efforts to transform 49 Crossing, the industrial zone that includes I-49 Industrial Center, into a thriving area for more than 5,000 quality jobs in south Kansas City,” said Jon Stephens, president & CEO of Port KC.

Kansas City’s location has contributed to the continued attraction of food and beverage companies to the region, which ranks No. 8 among the top 50 food manufacturing markets in the U.S. for three-year job growth.

“At EDCKC, one of our main focuses is job creation,” said Steven Anthony, executive director of business development at the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri. “This addition of almost 600 new, well-paying jobs is a great economic driver for KCMO.”

The Kansas City region, where 85% of the U.S. population can be reached in two days or less, has experienced rapid growth as a food and beverage logistics hub for the U.S. in the last several years.

“More than 675 industrial food and beverage companies call the KC region home, thanks to our proximity to key agriculture markets, advanced logistics infrastructure and strong industry-specific talent pipeline,” said Chris Gutierrez, president of KC SmartPort, an affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “With nearly 27,000 people employed in the food and beverage industry and a robust network of industrial assets, Kansas City can support leading companies like West Liberty Foods and Vertical Cold Storage with the resources they need to thrive.”

In the last two years, the Kansas City region has attracted food and beverage companies pledging to create more than 1,800 jobs, invest over $486 million and occupy nearly 4.2 million square feet.

About West Liberty Foods

Founded in 1996 under the guiding principles of the Iowa Turkey Growers Cooperative and recognized as one of the top 50 protein processors in North America, West Liberty Foods is a food company who manufactures signature meat and poultry products that can be found in well-known grocery stores and top restaurant chains nationwide. For more information, please visit www.wlfoods.com.

About Vertical Cold Storage

Vertical Cold Storage is a full-service logistics solution provider focused on building, developing and operating temperature-controlled facilities. Vertical Cold emphasizes customer care and the satisfaction of supply chain professionals while deploying industry-leading technology. More information is available at www.verticalcold.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 60,000 new jobs over its 40-year history. KCADC also leads the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort, TeamKC, KC Global Design and KC Heartland. | onekc.org

About Greater Kansas City

Home to 2.5 million people, Kansas City is a vibrant metro in the heart of the U.S., known as the “KC Heartland.” The KC region is a center for leading industries including technology, logistics, animal health and entrepreneurship, and is home to a renowned arts community. | www.KC.org

URBN to open 604,000-sq.-ft. fulfillment facility in KC region for clothing rental brand, Nuuly

Raymore, Mo. – January 17, 2023 – The Kansas City Area Development Council announced today that URBN will establish a new fulfillment center for its clothing rental brand, Nuuly, in the KC region.

The multinational lifestyle retail corporation plans to locate its fulfillment and laundry facility at the Raymore Commerce Center in Raymore, Missouri, developed by VanTrust Real Estate and marketed by Colliers, pending completion of all state and local approvals and agreements.

The company is expected to invest $60 million in the Nuuly fulfillment center and create 750 jobs within five years.

“Nuuly has experienced significant growth since our launch in 2019,” said Dave Hayne, Chief Technology Officer of URBN and President of Nuuly. “We are excited to open our second U.S. fulfillment center to support our next phase of growth, and proud to work with the State of Missouri and the City of Raymore to bring new jobs to the Kansas City region.”

Nuuly is a subscription rental clothing service for women who love fashion and exploring how to wear, buy and sell it in ways that are gentler on the planet — and their wallets. Nuuly offers over 15,000 styles from over 300 designer and contemporary brands, including Free People, Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie.

“Missouri is a strategic choice for companies like Nuuly that are searching for a location in the middle of America for their expansion projects,” said Gov. Mike Parson. “Missouri is winning more large-scale projects than ever before, and we’re carrying that tremendous momentum into 2023. We look forward to welcoming URBN to the long list of global powerhouses in Missouri.”

URBN’s new Nuuly facility represents a growing presence in the Kansas City region. In 2020, the company announced its plans to establish a $403 million, 1.5 million square-foot omni-channel fulfillment center in Kansas City, Kansas, which celebrated a ribbon cutting in October 2022.

“Since our initial contact and conversations with URBN, we knew they would be great community partners,” said City of Raymore Mayor Kris Turnbow. “We are excited for the opportunity to continue our strong relationship and have them be a part of Raymore’s continued success.”

“As URBN’s second fulfillment center in the KC region, the Nuuly facility reinforces our area as a top U.S. logistics hub,” said Chris Gutierrez, President of KC SmartPort, an affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “Global supply chain demand is ever-increasing, and the KC region’s central location, robust infrastructure and access to skilled workforce continue to attract leading brands to our region. We are excited to see URBN’s ongoing growth here.”

The Kansas City region is a leading North American logistics hub and key location for distribution and e-commerce, with abundant access to rail, air, water and road transportation. As the crossroads of North America, 85% of the U.S. population can be reached from a Kansas City location in two days or less.

About URBN

Urban Outfitters Inc. (URBN) is a leading lifestyle products and services company which operates a portfolio of global consumer brands comprised of Anthropologie, BHLDN, Free People, FP Movement, Terrain, Urban Outfitters, Nuuly and Menus & Venues brands. The Company’s brands offer lifestyle-oriented general merchandise and consumer products through 644 stores in the United States, Canada and Europe, global websites, and catalogs. Free People, FP Movement and Urban Outfitters wholesale sell their products through department and specialty stores worldwide, digital businesses and the Company’s Retail segment. | www.URBN.com

About Nuuly

Nuuly is a curated destination for anyone who loves fashion and is exploring how to wear, buy and sell it in ways that are gentler on the planet—and their wallets. Customers can choose to engage with the Nuuly brand in multiple ways—through a monthly rental subscription with Nuuly Rent, which offers 1,000s of styles from more than 300 designer and contemporary brands, including Free People, Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie; by buying or selling secondhand through Nuuly Thrift, a peer-to-peer resale marketplace; or both. | www.nuuly.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 60,000 new jobs over its 40-year history. KCADC also leads the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort, TeamKC, KC Global Design and KC Heartland. | onekc.org

About Greater Kansas City

Home to 2.5 million people, Kansas City is a vibrant metro in the heart of the U.S., known as the “KC Heartland.” The KC region is a center for leading industries including technology, logistics, animal health and entrepreneurship, and is home to a renowned arts community. | www.KC.org

KCADC Annual Meeting 2022 Makes a Splash with Record Year for Business Attraction

At its 2022 Annual Meeting, KCADC announced a record-breaking year for the region, attracting companies that will invest more than $5.6 billion in capital investment, resulting in $354 million in payroll and nearly 6,000 jobs. The news made headlines throughout the region.

Local Media Recap

Kansas City Area Development Council Announces Record-Breaking Year, Attracting 13 New Companies to the KC Region, Including Megaprojects Meta and Panasonic

Kansas City Region – November 9, 2022 – The Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) announced today a record-breaking year for the region, attracting companies that will invest more than $5.6 billion in capital investment, resulting in $354 million in payroll and nearly 6,000 jobs. 

The standout year is six times more than KCADC’s historical annual investment success, and over the last decade, the organization’s business attraction efforts are an equal split across the two-state, 18-county region. 

Themed “Level Up,” the event is the region’s largest business luncheon and brought together nearly 2,000 top corporate and civic partners to celebrate KC’s many recent successes that are transforming the market.

“It takes all of us to make the KC region better, and KCADC does its part to lead and contribute to its share of regional successes,” said Brian Roberts, Co-Chair of the KCADC Board of Directors and EVP, Chief Operating Officer – Midwest Series at Lockton Companies. “The strategic investments KCADC has made for decades to elevate our region’s business and lifestyle strengths benefit not only companies considering our region, but provide support and return to companies that are already here.”

In 2022, KCADC, with its partners from across the region, attracted 13 companies, expanding KC’s strengths in manufacturing and distribution, animal health, technology, data centers and more. 

“What’s happening in KC isn’t just about any one individual, company or community. It’s about all of us working together to create the best KC possible,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “We are in a tremendous position to take advantage of the opportunities right before us. Making incremental progress each and every day leads to major success, and that’s happening in KC right now.”

This year’s record-breaking business attraction included two megaprojects: Meta’s $800 million hyperscale data center, and Panasonic Energy of North America’s $4 billion EV battery plant. Executives from both Meta and Panasonic spoke at the event, discussing the benefits of the Kansas City region that resulted in the attraction of these megaprojects. 

“Congratulations to Kansas City on a year of significant growth. Meta is proud to be part of it,” said Katie Comer, head of data center community development at Meta. “We’re committed to playing a positive role in Kansas City and investing in its long-term vitality, and we look forward to continuing to build strong relationships with KCADC and our other community partners for years to come.”

“In addition to its skilled talent and central location, Kansas values many of the same principles in which Panasonic was founded on, including cooperation, gratitude and contributing to society,” said Allan Swan, president of Panasonic Energy of North America. “We could not be more excited to work together and invest in this community as we strive to advance EV battery manufacturing capacity and innovation in America.”

To further the momentum across KC Heartland, KCADC announced a $10,000 contribution to Parade of Hearts which recently announced its plans to continue in 2023. The community art initiative displayed 150+ KC heart sculptures across the metro this year, raising more than $2.5 million to support aspects of the region most impacted by the pandemic. 

To get involved in KCADC, learn more about the region’s business and talent attraction strategies at onekc.org.

About KCADC

The Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) serves the 18-county, two-state Kansas City area by marketing the region’s business and lifestyle assets to companies 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-plus-year history. Leading the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort, TeamKC, KC Heartland and KC Global Design, KCADC’s clients consistently rank the organization as the No. 1 regional economic development group in the nation. | onekc.org