Placemaking in a post-COVID world

As we wrap up the final weeks of 2020, I’m optimistic for the year ahead. Undoubtedly, COVID has disrupted the world, but the regions that continue to adapt and make the best of tough circumstances will see long-term success.

The Kansas City region is at a pivotal moment, and in 2021 it’s our opportunity to rise to the occasion. The impact of COVID hit big cities hard, serving as the push that many needed to say goodbye to sky-high costs and densely-packed living arrangements. When you can work from anywhere, why not somewhere that offers the same big-city amenities and more room to roam?

As companies evaluate office spaces, reprioritize benefits and continue to offer remote work options post-pandemic, traditional talent recruitment strategies will further morph into something new.

It’s no surprise that remote work has changed the placemaking game. In fact, due to the urban exodus, Kansas City has seen a 3.9% population inflow compared to last year during the same time period (April - August 2020).

What makes KC so attractive? You don’t have to think too hard to understand why we’re seeing an uptick of individuals from across the U.S. making their way to our region. KC Heartland offers high quality of life at a fraction of the hassle or cost. Not to mention, we’re consistently ranked as a top place to live and work. Check out a few of this year’s most relevant accolades:

No. 1 Best City for Remote Workers, Business Insider, March 2020

Great American City for Creatives, Thrillist, May 2020

Best Business Climate, Business Facilities, August 2020

These rankings, along with many others, help tell our region’s story. Moving forward, talent will care less about shallow work perks and more about what really matters, work/life integration. In a society where priorities have had to shift to accommodate the demands of employees’ personal and professional lives, regions that proactively elevate their diverse mix of lifestyle amenities, showcase the individuals who call their community home, and highlight the abundance of job opportunities will outpace their peers.

The growth and development of our region over the last several years has set the stage for KC to step up big in 2021. The KC Heartland campaign has been hard at work the past 12 months showcasing the best of our region to the world, and we’re looking forward to taking its efforts to the next level in 2021.

KC Heartland will continue to introduce or reintroduce the Kansas City region to individuals, and now also proactively share key content to help drive someone’s decision to relocate personally or for business.

At KCADC, we continue to add engaging content to our talent attraction toolkit. Our most recent sizzle video is all about making the choice to live and work in KC and our annual publication, KC Options magazine has readership in more than 80 countries.

Want to learn more or even help share the love? You can sign up to be a KC Heartland Ambassador to start spreading the KC message to your own networks. Selling our region is a team sport, after all.

Tim Cowden is the president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC). The organization 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 60,000 new jobs over its 40-year history. KCADC also leads the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort and TeamKC. | thinkKC.com

Casey's new prototype store to open in Belton

Casey’s (sans General Store) plans to open a new prototype store – the first of its kind in the Kansas City metro area – at the southwest corner of East 163rd St. and Cornerstone Dr. in Belton, Mo. on December 17, 2020.

The 6,000+ SF prototype is larger than many of the newest Casey’s and double-the-size of many existing locations. It includes a full-service kitchen with a customer view of fresh food preparation, an expanded menu, double-the-average seating capacity and new services - including a loyalty program and curbside pickup.

“As much as possible, Casey’s looks at what the community needs, the amount of space we are able to secure for a site as well as sales and operational considerations to inform store format,” said Megan Elfers, vice president of marketing and advertising for Casey’s.

The Belton location will showcase the first change in the brand in fifty years - dropping “General Store” and replacing the red and yellow barn logo with a solid red silhouette of the barn and classic rooster weathervane.

“Casey’s new location joins Cass County’s first Cracker Barrel in Belton’s Cornerstone Pointe development, which has excellent visibility from I-49. The additional traffic generated by the new Casey’s will be attractive to other businesses looking to start or expand in Belton. We appreciate Casey’s reinvestment in our community and look forward to the new offerings this brand new prototype will bring to our community," said Carolyn Yatsook, Belton economic development director.