A skyline full of opportunity. | Photo by @jrw_shoots
More than 1 million people (and thousands of businesses) contribute to the Kansas City metro area’s $142.5 billion economy. But have you ever wondered about KC’s heaviest hitters?
Consider this Kansas City Business 101 — your guide to our region’s sixkey industries and six major employers.
Note: When we say Kansas City metro area, that refers to the Missouri counties of Bates, Caldwell, Cass, Clay, Jackson, Lafayette, Platte, and Ray; and the Kansas counties of Douglas, Franklin, Johnson, Leavenworth, Linn, Miami, and Wyandotte.
The key industries
There are six key industries that represent the Kansas City metro area’s economy, based on data from the Kansas City Area Development Council. We’ve listed them in order of employment numbers.
Bioscience | 129,197 employees The KC region is a proven global leader in animal health, drug development, diagnostics, and clinical research. The region offers a strong network of expertise + knowledge for human and animal health companies — all working to grow their businesses and advance their technologies.
Technology | 102,743 employees Our tech sector is growing faster than the national average, directly contributing almost 10% to the regional economy. One in every 10 workers in KC is employed by the tech industry — with 3,918 tech companies in the metro, ranging from startups to global enterprises.
Financial Services | 79,400 employees The diverse and well-balanced economy, network infrastructure, and skilled workforce of KC makes it attractive to the financial services industry.
Distribution | 63,983 employees KC is the most centrally located major US market — making it the focal point of movement + distribution of goods. With that being said, we are currently experiencing one of the largest industrial booms in KC history. It is a popular metro of choice for distribution due in large part to the region’s abundant, multi-modal transportation network.
Food and Beverage | 25,500+ employees 670+ industrial food and beverage companies call KC home — and it’s not hard to see why. KC’s food and beverage industry continues to thrive with proximity to key agriculture markets, advanced logistics infrastructure, and a strong industry-specific talent pipeline.
Leawood Wellness Consortium | Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 8-9 a.m. | CommunityAmerica Credit Union, 5601 W. 95th St., Overland Park KS | $15 | Connect with KC metro health + wellness providers and vendors over the Quadrants of Wellbeing.
Book Munch for the Lunch Bunch | Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Irina’s Gourmet Bakery, 12805 S. Mur-Len Rd., Olathe, KS | Free | Come hang out with other book lovers at this nontraditional book club. 📚
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. | Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Kauffman Center | $86.50-$121.50 | Listen to this electrifying tribute celebrating the music of the legendary Aretha Franklin.
Thursday, November 17
A Charlie Brown Christmas | Thursday, Nov. 17-Saturday, Dec. 3 | 10 a.m. | Crown Center | $14-$18 | Watch this animated classic come to life on The Coterie stage. 🎶
Trade Essentials: Learn How to Expand Your Business Globally | Thursday, Nov. 17 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Restless Spirits Distilling Company, 109 E. 18th Ave., North Kansas City, MO | Free | Learn how your business can leverage local resources to improve global opportunities, part of Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Friday, November 18
Holiday Lights Parade & Mayor’s Tree Lighting | Friday, Nov. 18 | 4-7 p.m. | Haymarket Square, 7th & Cherokee St., Leavenworth, KS | $0+ | Watch the holiday parade and see the tree lighting while snacking on local food vendors. 🎄
Reba | Friday, Nov. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | T-Mobile Center | $74-$225.75 | With 35 No. 1 hits under her belt, this award-winning entertainer is one you don’t want to miss.
Uptown Hoedown | Saturday, Nov. 19 | 7 p.m. | Hale Arena, 1701 American Royal Ct., Kansas City, MO | $125 | Tickets include an all-you-can-eat buffet, a full-service bar, dancing, and a private concert by Tenille Arts.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Well, it’s happening. KC Royals CEO John Sherman officially announced that the team will move forward with a stadium relocation. Due to the cost to maintain the current stadium, as well as the opportunity a new location would offer, it is officially time to accept the fate. 🏟️
Sporting KC has exercised contract options for midfielder Cam Duke, defender Kortne Ford, and goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh. Contrarily, the club has declined contract options for defenders Nicolas Isimat-Mirin, Kaveh Rad, and Graham Zusi. Keep your eyes on the off-season roster moves here. 👀
Cause
Picture this: a vending machine, but instead of snacks, you choose a charity to support instead. Lucky for you, this exists right here in KC. Donate to a cause of your choice with the swipe of a card (cash is not accepted). Giving Machines KC is located at the Crown Center today until Saturday, Jan 1.
Opening
Do you remember Justus Drugstore? After closing in 2018, the eatery is returning to KC with an entirely different concept — monthly themes, like 1920 New Orleans or Spanish tapas. The owners anticipate opening in March or April 2023, likely in the Midtown area. 🍽️ (The Kansas City Star)
Award
Drum roll, please. The winners of the second-annual Pinnacle Prize have been awarded to Brandon Calloway and Rachel Jefferson. This $100,000 prize goes to two Kansas Citians who are working to strengthen communities that face socioeconomic challenges.
The good news continues. LaunchKC — a program aiming to create a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem in KC — has announced the winners of its grant competition. Six early-stage tech companies won $50,000 in non-dilutive grants, plus access to business support and networking. 💰
Holiday
Ring in the holiday season at Parkville’s Christmas on the River on Friday, Dec. 2 starting at 6 p.m. Enjoy local entertainment, food vendors, and end the night with a firework show. The event will take place in Downtown Parkville — check here for parking information. 🎅
Correction
We were so busy picking out our blue, crimson, royal purple, and white — we accidentally gave you the wrong date for the KU vs. K-State game. Talk about a flag on the play. We were right that the Sunflower Showdown is on a Saturday, but it’s Nov. 26 (not Nov. 25). (Kansas City Star)
DYK
Did you know this is your last chance to share yourBlack Friday deals with our KCtoday readers? Promote your business with us by submitting a deal to be included in our Fri., Nov. 25 newsletter. Pricing varies by market + must be submitted by today, Wed., Nov. 16.
Shop
Psst — Thanksgiving is next Thursday, Nov. 24. If you’re planning to serve turkey, don’t forget that a meat thermometer is essential to avoiding a potential case of food poisoning. Try this waterproof digital meat thermometer with 53,000+ five star reviews or splurge on this smart meat thermometer that connects to your phone via Bluetooth.*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
The future home of the NFL Draft. | Photo by George Vega
Earlier this year, the Kansas City Sports Commission announced that KC would be hosting the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27-Saturday, April 29. As the date approaches, KC is ironing out the plans for this highly anticipated football tradition.
A preliminary site plan shows the focus on Union Station and the National World War I Museum and Memorial. A main stage will be located in front of Union Station, and a Draft Experience will be set up on the lawns near the Liberty Memorial.
The NFL Draft Experience will allow fans of all teams to test their football skills, enjoy interactive exhibits and autograph sessions, and take pictures with the Vince Lombardi Trophy (back home in KC where it belongs).
Editor’s pick: Great news — I snagged tickets to Taylor Swift’s tour coming to KC next year. While the process was grueling, I cannot wait to see Arrowhead transformed for The Eras Tour. ✨
Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.
* This content is paid advertising, or contains links to our Six & Main marketplace, or affiliate partners which we may receive a commission from. ^ This content is created by our content studio.