06.23.2023

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40º | Rain/snow mix | 98% chance of rain |
Sunrise: 7:37 a.m. | Sunset: 5:12 p.m.

Hallmark’s KC roots ➡️ global operation

KC Made: How Hallmark planted roots for a global operation in Kansas City

The home of Hallmark — right here in KCMO. | Photo via KC Public Library

What started as two shoe boxes of postcards and a dream eventually evolved into Hallmark Cards, Inc. as we know it. From building a brand in the early 1900s to expanding the business portfolio through the 21st century, this is the story of Hallmark’s entertainment empire + its origins in Kansas City.

Fast facts

Founded in 1910
Headquarters located at 2501 McGee St., KCMO for 66 years
Employs ~27,000 worldwide with ~250 at the Kansas City headquarters
~$3.5 billion in yearly revenue
America’s Best Employers 2020/2021 by Forbes/Statista

Printing Press Hallmark KCtoday — A *literal* inside look at an original Hallmark printing press.
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Photo via KC Public Library

Look back to 1910

Joyce Clyde Hall set foot on Kansas City soil with a box full of handmade postcards and a heart full of entrepreneurial spirit. Joyce’s picture postcards quickly became popular and his brother, Rollie, decided to come on board — making their first official name Hall Brothers. Flash forward to 1915, the brothers experience a tragic fire and a decline in postcard popularity. Despite their financial situation, they purchased a printing press and began selling greeting cards.

The brothers are also known for creating the first modern gift wrap in 1917 after resorting to decorated French envelope linings during peak Christmas season. Shortly after in the 1920s, the business officially took on the name Hallmark — a term used by goldsmiths as a mark of quality.

Joyce Hall Kansas City mayor H. Roe Bartle — Joyce chatting with KC mayor H. Roe Bartle.
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Photo via KC Public Library

Putting down KC roots

Joyce and his son, Don Hall, introduced the idea for development of Crown Center on the land surrounding Hallmark’s headquarters. This project turned a once unused part of KC into the retail, office, and entertainment space that we now know.

Where we are today

In 2023, the Hallmark legacy goes far past greeting cards with productions like:

Hallmark Channel
Crayola
Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

From independent retail locations to new products like recordable storybooks + itty bittys® plushies, Hallmark continues to be at the forefront of the entertainment industry with KC as its foundation.

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Events

Friday, June 23

Fourth Fridays Art Walk | Friday, June 23 | 5-8 p.m. | Downtown Lee’s Summit | Free entry | Check out artist pop-ups and showcases at local businesses.
The Great Baking Show Murder Mystery | Friday, June 23, Saturday, July 29, Friday, Aug. 18 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Weston Wine Company, 540 Main St., Weston, MO | $14 | Who loves a murder mystery? If you nodded yes, this themed party is for you.

Saturday, June 24

Stems: A Garden Soirée | Saturday, June 24 | 7-10 p.m. | Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, KS | $150-$250 | Enjoy food, wine, live music, and fireworks at this garden party.
Movie Night on The Lawn | Saturday, June 24 | 7-9 p.m. | Legends Outlets, 1865 Village W. Pkwy., Kansas City, KS | Free entry | Watch “The Princess Bride” under the stars while enjoying full bar service and local eats.

Sunday, June 25

BLVD Sessions | Sunday, June 25-Sunday, July 23 | 2-4 p.m. | Boulevard Tours & Rec Center, 2534 Madison Ave., Kansas City, MO | Free entry | Hear original songs from local musicians while sipping on your favorite Boulevard beer.
Service Industry Night | Sunday, June 25-Sunday, Aug. 6 | 7 p.m. | Kansas City Bier Company, 310 W. 79th St., Kansas City, MO | Free entry | All service industry professionals can enjoy 20% off their tab with ID badge or proof of employment.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Drink

Cafe Cà Phê is opening a satellite location at 12th Street Post in the West Bottoms on Friday, July 7. The new spot — at 1501 W. 12th St. — will offer an exclusive menu, merch, and treats. You can visit on First Fridays, as well as every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Announced

Long live the Lombardi. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Lombardi Trophy in person, now is your chance. The Chiefs Champions Tour will make stops across the Midwest this summer for fans to relive the Super Bowl LVII win all over again.

Sports

While reminiscing is fun, it’s time to set your sights on next season. Chiefs Training Camp begins Sunday, July 23 at Missouri Western State University and runs through Thursday, Aug. 17. Fans can reserve tickets from $0 to $5. (KSNT)

Opening

Strip’s Chicken is heading to downtown Merriam. The chicken strips-focused restaurant is opening in mid-July — at 5831 Merriam Dr. This is its third location, but the first that incorporates a dive bar concept + offers alcoholic beverages. (Shawnee Mission Post)

Ranked

OP on the map. Overland Park ranked No. 2 on WalletHub’s “Best US Cities for Raising a Family in 2023.” The Kansas town earned its spot thanks to key dimensions including family fun, health and safety, education, and affordability.

Arts

Parade of Hearts is seeking artists for the 2024 heart designs. The deadline is Tuesday, Aug. 15 — apply here. Check out this year’s hearts on display around KC.

Health

Summer is officially here — which means more time in the sun. It also means remembering to protect yourself from skin cancer. (Hint: Sunscreen is a good start.) Read up on more skin cancer prevention tips.*

Giveaway

Want to win $10,000-worth of sleep gear? Three words: Sleep Outfitters’ Snoozestakes. Enter to win.*

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Wellness

This line of natural adaptogen supplements is formulated to help you achieve specific outcomes, like: Clarity (entering flow state), Energy (powering through busy days), Motivation (to stop procrastinating), and Logic (for deep, analytical thinking). Take their quiz to find your perfect blend and get 15% off with code 6amcity.*

Development

Placing the final beam

An update on the Kansas City Current’s new stadium at Berkley Riverfront

Teal (and beam) rising. | Photo by KCtoday

The Kansas City Current’s brand new stadium at Berkley Riverfront hit a new construction milestone this week — the placement of the final steel beam.

Vertical construction on the new facility began in April after last fall’s groundbreaking ceremony. Since then, 80,000+ hours of labor have gone into the project, according to the Current. The steel foundation is now complete, allowing for elements like building out the suite level, concessions set ups, and pitch installation.

“Stadium construction happens all the time, but this stadium is different. Every milestone is particularly special. Why? Because it hasn’t been done before. We can celebrate something that is truly a first,” co-owner Chris Long said.

Other projects on the riverfront are making waves — including the KC Streetcar Extension, the first hotel in 122 years, and a waterfront beer garden.

The stadium is still on budget ($117 million) and on track for a 2024 completion.

Shoutout

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Bella

From the editor

If y’all have never been to Strip’s Chicken — you need to go. Not only is the service top-tier and extra friendly, but the menu is packed. It’s a chicken-lovers dream (me, I am a chicken lover).

I will be the first in line for the new spot, especially with that newly incorporated dive bar.

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