With a steady uptick in job growth, Kansas City was recently named one of the best cities for industrial manufacturing by Forbes.com. Our KC region has had considerable success in attracting new manufacturing investment and jobs. Several years ago, Grundfos chose to move its North American headquarters to Kansas City from Fresno, Calif. Jes Munk Hansen, president of Grundfos North America, shares his perspective on why the leading pump manufacturing company found an ideal home in the Kansas City area.

Special to The Star

As a European living in the United States, one of the things that have often struck me about this country is its decentralized nature. No city has a monopoly on American commercial, cultural or political life. The United States is a mosaic of many great cities.

Kansas City is one of these great American cities. When I first moved here in 2007, I was impressed by the vibrant business community, cultural life and sheer energy of the city.

These features were some of the reasons why my company, Grundfos, chose to locate our North American headquarters in the area. The Kansas City workforce has exceeded our expectations. In fact, we added more than 60 employees in our facilities this year.

As the world’s leading manufacturer of pumps, we have to invest across the globe to stay competitive. But as a privately held company, we take the long view and stay committed to the communities where we invest. We would rather help local communities and companies stay competitive than close shop and move on to the next low-cost location.

As a case in point, take Peerless Pump, an Indianapolis-based company acquired by Grundfos in 2007. Before the acquisition, Peerless was exporting a minor part of its products. Today, the number has multiplied significantly due to the global reach and research capabilities of Grundfos.

Unfortunately, the Peerless story has not been the typical story of American manufacturing and the Midwest economy in the last few decades. The dominant narrative has been about manufacturing plants closing in a region many outsiders call “fly-over country.”

This narrative poses a major challenge for Midwestern cities such as Kansas City. Many Europeans or Asians would not be able to place our city on a map. When foreign observers think of growth and innovation in America, they think of Silicon Valley and New York City.

The numbers tell a different story, however. With population growth of 10.85 percent during the past decade, the Kansas City metro area grew more than the national average of 9.7 percent and much more than mega-cities such as New York (3.13 percent), Los Angeles (3.75 percent) and Chicago (3.99 percent).

Kansas City is a great place to live and invest. The cost of living is low, the education system is excellent and there are plenty of recreational opportunities.

Yet the Kansas City success story is not well known outside the United States, maybe not even outside the Midwest. To fully harness the power of globalization, we must change the pessimistic narrative and build a truly global brand. We must change the global perception of Kansas City from “fly-over country” to a fly-to destination.

Kansas City has the potential to become a global gateway to the Midwest on par with a city like Chicago. As a representative of a manufacturing company, I see great potential for a renaissance in the Midwestern manufacturing sector. For years, globalization has been seen as a threat to American manufacturing, but American products will become ever more competitive as living standards continue to rise in emerging economies, creating vast new markets for our products.

As a major transportation hub right in the middle of the United States, Kansas City could become the leading city in this emerging manufacturing comeback. What better way to claim our rightful place in the mosaic of great American cities?

Operating hours for the Belger Arts Center.

In early December, members of the KCADC marketing team had the opportunity to tour both the current and future home of the Belger Arts Center and Red Star Studios in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District. As we kick off our America’s Creative Crossroads national image campaign, we want to share with you some of our region’s must see arts and cultural attractions. Showcasing its rich history, exhibition space and gallery and ceramics studio, this unique outfit is a growing arts asset in KC.

An exhibit at the Red Star Gallery. FUMBLE, 2011. By Adam Beris. Neon, porcelain and enamel.

Consuelo Cruz, Community Outreach and Marketing Manager for the Belger Arts Center and Red Star Studios shares with us some of the reasons you should add a visit here to your must-do list in 2012.

• View free exhibits in the largest art gallery in the Kansas City Crossroads Arts District.
• Visit the home of the nationally renowned Belger Collection.
• Belger Arts Center – Red Star Studios is open to the public until 9 p.m. on First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District.
• With every free school-group tour of Belger Arts Center exhibitions, you can schedule a free hands-on activity at Red Star Studios.
• Ceramics classes are offered at Red Star Studios for children and adults.
• You can participate in Red Star Studios workshops given by prominent ceramic artists.
• Featuring work by regional, national and international ceramic artists you can purchase art at the Red Star Studios Gallery.

The new location for the Red Star Gallery - opening soon!

For more information about Belger Arts Center and Red Star Studios, please visit: www.belgerartscenter.org .

KCADC launched its KC2.0 talent recruitment program just about 3 years ago and it has helped more than 100 KCADC investor partners do a better job of promoting Kansas City in their candidate searches. This week, our partner at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Julie McCollom, shares her experience with the KC2.0 program and how it’s been used in their residency recruitment program.

Recruiting for a residency program seems like it would be easy. Have a good program, be in a great hospital and automatically good residents will come begging to be trained at your institution. However, it isn’t quite that simple. There is that intangible “thing” that has to be there.

I couldn’t define what that “thing” was at first. It was sometimes even the main and only reason applicants weren’t selecting our residency. I had to find out what it was. After sending out a survey to applicants who didn’t pick our program, I discovered that “thing” was Kansas City.

The applicants hated the city. “The city was too small.” “Is there even a downtown?” “There isn’t anything to do.” “I don’t think my spouse can find a job.” “There is no nightlife.” “There are no outdoor activities.” Were these really the candidates’ first impressions of the KC area? When I went back and analyzed what exposure our program gave applicants to the city, I realized it was quite pathetic.

This was the drill for exposing candidates to Kansas City: The evening before their formal interview, applicants were taken out to dinner on the Country Club Plaza, and the next morning the Chief Resident and I would try to field any questions the applicants had about the city in-between interviews. That was it. They saw the city through their car window, or from my personal experiences. The quality of information we were giving was less than ideal.

While we can’t change where our residency program is located, we can certainly change how we portray the Kansas City lifestyle. This year I discovered that the medical center was a member of the Kansas City Area Development Council. Through KU Med’s investment in KCADC, we are entitled to certain perks, one of which is having a PR specialist from KCADC come and give a professional presentation on Kansas City completely customized for my audience.

Jessica Nelson, KC2.0 program coordinator, discusses lifestyle and career assets in the KC area.

Resident candidates at the University of Kansas Medical Center listen to a KC2.0 lifestyle presentation.

There are now 45 minutes in our formal interviewing schedule set aside to promote Kansas City. KCADC provides each of our applicants with a gift bag filled with Kansas City branded items along with the Kansas City lifestyle presentation.The reactions from our applicants have been positive. Applicants have reported that we’ve been the only residency program in the country to incorporate the city into the interview process, and they have found the presentation to be extremely helpful, positive and fun.

Listening to the applicants talk amongst themselves about how cool the presentation was, and how they can’t wait to get back to look at their bags, makes me smile. But when I’m walking them out to the lobby and they’re talking about meeting up later at the Power & Light District before their plane leaves, that’s when I know we’ve made the connection.

This week, we are honored to have Jeff Boily, president and CEO of the new Center for Animal Health Innovation, share his thoughts on the significance of this new asset for the KC region and the animal health industry nationwide.

I have been in the business of Life Sciences for quite awhile. Over those years I evaluated a host of scientific and medical ideas. However, one thing has stayed constant. I’m always asked “can you speak with your contacts to help us with funding?” and “can you introduce me to XYZ pharma?”  The Kansas Bioscience Authority, the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute and Kansas City area animal health industry executives have shown real insight into driving innovation with the creation of The Center for Animal Health Innovation (CAHI).

CAHI is the first center of its kind allowing academics, universities and entrepreneurs alike to present their “next big thing” to top level industry R&D experts. CAHI not only supports funding of innovative technologies through its proof of concept funding, we also open the doors to follow-on funding in the form of investment, licensing or industry sponsored support.

On September 19, CAHI launched its first major initiative, our Proof of Concept seed funding program. With limited time to build awareness, the Center received 28 funding requests from three countries; 68% of applications came from academia and the remaining from entrepreneurs and small companies. Finalists were chosen by our industry led Board of Directors and staff. The decision process was difficult due to the uniformly high quality submissions in this round. The next step in the process requires finalists to conduct in-depth research presentations to the CAHI Board.  Finalists chosen for funding will be announced in early January 2012.

Graphic showing the CAHI Proof of Concept workflow model. Please click to view larger.

CAHI is committed to driving innovation to accelerate the development of new breakthrough products, services, and companies in the Animal Health Corridor.

Last week, Kansas City, Missouri was awarded the no. 7 spot on America’s Best Downtowns by Forbes. The publishing and media superstar noted that the downtown Kansas City area stands out due to its cultural art scene. With mentions of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the artful Plaza neighborhood and the plethora of barbecue options, Forbes portrayed Kansas City as vibrant, eclectic and flourishing—which, of course, it is.

But is it really the fountains, the towering buildings and the outstanding barbecue that makes Kansas City stand out? We don’t think so. We think it’s the people throwing pennies in the fountains, working hard in the towering buildings and devouring the outstanding barbecue that make the city what it is today. And not just in Kansas City, Missouri, but across our entire 18-county, 2-state metro of 2 million people.

A few weeks ago, we posted a blog about Kansas City’s best asset: its passionate people. Andrea Sellers, Partner at Stinson Morrison Hecker, discussed the passion that she saw at both the 6^th Annual KC Animal Health Corridor Homecoming Dinner and the 3^rd Annual Investment Forum. But the truth of the matter is passionate people are found in virtually every industry in every corner of Kansas City.

We come across these passionate people every day—from the walls of Union Station to the streets criss-crossing the region, from our Networking Happy Hours to the local (and warm!) coffee shops. Kansas City residents in general are passionate people.

We guarantee that you will see some of Kansas City’s most driven and most influential people—from those behind the Kauffman Foundation to the Honorable Sly James and the Honorable Joe Reardon, from the movers-and-shakers at Hallmark to the tech-savvy crew at Sprint. All of Kansas City’s biggest names will be in one room.

We are working on the final details of KCADC’s Annual Meeting at The Kansas City Convention Center Grand Ballroom for a day to celebrate the passion we all have for our OneKC region. If you’ll be with us, we’re encouraging our guests to tweet live from the event using the hashtag #FastKC. We hope to see you there!

Bill Taylor, co-founder of Fast Company magazine and author of Practically Radical, is a firm believer in embracing the fast pace of the world. In his article, The 10 Questions Every Game Changer Must Answer, Taylor notes that the above question may be the most important to ask yourself. Are you keeping up?

“I first heard this question from strategy guru Gary Hamel, the world-renowned innovation expert, and it is the ultimate challenge for any executive determined to unleash big change in difficult circumstances. In a world that never stops changing, great leaders can never stop learning. How do you push yourself to keep growing and evolving—so your company can do the same? And remember: Among leaders and organizations, the most eager learners tend to be the most accomplished teachers as well. So look for ways to share what you’ve learned.”
— Bill Taylor, The 10 Questions Every Game Changer Must Answer

Kansas City, that’s the boat we’re in. We’re changing. We’re evolving. We’re learning. And with the addition of Google Fiber, we have the opportunity to do it faster than any other city in the nation.

Because of the Google Fiber initiative, our city will be forever changed. Many Kansas City organizations are joining forces with tech innovators to create new apps and businesses utilizing the lightning-speed network, and in turn, a number of big media names have put the spotlight on Kansas City; from the Wall Street Journal (Where the Action Is – Kansas City) to Entrepreneurs Unpluggd (4 Entrepreneurial Cities to Keep Your Eye On), from Forbes (America’s Best Downtowns – Kansas City #7) to Wired Magazine (Google Chooses Kansas City, Kansas as Broadband Mecca).

Is Kansas City learning as fast as the world is changing? Sometimes, it’s difficult to keep up with the speed (not only of the city…but of the Internet too!). So what can we do to slow down, embrace the change and fully understand what’s going on in our city?

It may all start at the Kansas City Area Development Council’s Annual Meeting on November 4^th.  Aptly named FastKC, KCADC’s Annual Meeting will feature keynote speaker Bill Taylor. At the event, Taylor and other Kansas City business and civic leaders will share how light-speed advancements in global commerce will affect business. The event will look at radical ideas and offer practical advice that will help anyone get a jump on the competition.

Join KCADC, Bill Taylor, Mayor Sly James, MayorJoe Reardon and hundreds of Kansas City thought- and industry-leaders at FastKC: KCADC’s 2011 Annual Meeting. Tickets are on sale now and sponsorship opportunities are available until Wednesday, October 26^th.  Register today. And when people start asking if you’re learning as fast as the city is changing, you can confidently reply, “Yes.”

Andrea Sellers, Partner, Stinson Morrison Hecker, IP/Animal Health

Having lived my entire life in the Midwest, I am accustomed to skeptics from other areas of the country underestimating the value of virtually anything coming out of the “fly-over” states.  I’ll have to admit that as a lawyer regularly dealing with counsel on both Coasts, there are advantages to being underestimated.  But it is refreshing to deal with others in the animal health industry, where the value of the KC Animal Health Corridor has become well-known.

Last week I attended the 6th Annual KC Animal Health Corridor Homecoming Dinner and 3rd Annual Investment Forum, which drew attendees from around the world.  These events highlight what those of us in the Animal Health Corridor see in our daily work – the Corridor is a unique region with unmatched resources for animal health companies, particularly early stage companies like those presenting at the Investment Forum.

Although plentiful lab space is important, and tax incentives and access to capital are essential, what is truly unique, and what no other region has been able to replicate, is the concentration of people working in, being trained for and displaying a true passion for the animal health industry.  This passion is the driving force that has created an environment in which animal health companies can grow and thrive.  The region has a rich animal health history, but it took the KC Animal Health Corridor Initiative to identify, catalog and promote those resources.  The result is a region that not only has an incredible array of resources, but has people like Kim Young at the KCADC to guide early stage animal health companies to the resources they need.

The passion of the people in the Corridor was a recurring theme at both the Homecoming Dinner and the Investment Forum.  This is no surprise.  The Corridor has the largest concentration of animal health workforce in the world, with seasoned veterans in all areas of the industry.  The talent pool is constantly refreshed by the influx of new graduates from the Corridor’s two top-tier veterinary schools at Kansas State University and the University of Missouri, as well as other schools with strong basic science programs like the University of Kansas.  The many trade associations in the region further leverage the value of this workforce by arranging numerous networking events that can be invaluable to those new to and growing in the industry.

The Corridor offers additional resources essential to early stage companies.  The area boasts 10 incubators, as well as lab space for companies when they outgrow their incubator.  Both Kansas and Missouri offer tax incentives for companies bringing jobs and economic development to the region.  The Kansas Bioscience Authority is continuing to make investments in animal health companies, Missouri’s IDEA Funds provide another source of capital, and venture capital funds have shown increasing interest in animal health companies in the region.   The region has a wealth of high quality service providers, from legal and staffing professionals to accounting firms and CROs. In fact, according to a study released in June of this year, the CROs and contract service providers in the greater Kansas City area generate more than $1billion in annual revenue.  Importantly, area providers often charge significantly less for services in comparison to providers based in other parts of the U.S.

With so many resources available, it’s not surprising that the region continues to attract animal health companies and world-class, government research facilities, like the National Bio and Agro-Defense facility to be located at Kansas State University.  There is no question that any early stage animal health company looking for a home from which to grow would be wise to take advantage of the many resources available in the KC Animal Health Corridor.

As we prepare for next week’s 6th annual Animal Health Corridor Homecoming and 3rd annual Animal Health Investment Forum, it’s appropriate that we take some time to focus on the incredible global leadership opportunities available in the KC region. Paul Casady, vice president and general manager for US Animal Health at Merck Animal Health in Kansas City, offers his insight based on his 30 year career in animal health.

Paul Casady, VP & GM, US Animal Health, Merck Animal Health

I think there are three kinds of folks that come from Kansas: The kind that can’t wait to live somewhere else, the kind that can’t imagine ever living somewhere else, and the kind that live somewhere else and can’t wait to come home. The same is probably true for those who hail from Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa, too.

So that means that about two thirds of the people know what a gem we’re sitting on here. And well, the other third will just figure it out, or they won’t. But for our two thirds, we know that America’s Heartland offers many opportunities – especially in the world of Animal Health. These opportunities – while rooted here in the middle of the nation – can stretch across the world to far away and remote places. The Animal Health sector offers some of the most rewarding, exciting and challenging careers — careers that have impact and importance on the world, and that can lead you all over the world.

I just celebrated 30 years in the animal health business — 20 years with Intervet and Schering-Plough – which is now Merck Animal Health. So bear with me if I seem a little introspective. In that time, I’ve lived in four different countries – the US, Holland, England and Australia, and traveled to so many places, I have lost count. I’ve tried enough “exotic” foods to impress even that guy on the Food Network. And I’ve made friends and done business deals on nearly every continent.

Whether I was selling products for “edibles” or “pet-ibles”, each had a level of importance that escapes the every day thought process of many of our fellow Americans. But when I would explain what an impact animal health has on their worlds, it would garner raised eyebrows, tilted heads and interested comments like “Oh, really, I never even thought about that.”

We tend not to think about it – until we turn on the news and see the stories of famine and food shortages. For us it’s so simple – take a ride to the grocery store and choose from a broad selection. And the Animal Health Industry in the US contributes significantly to that selection, that choice, those healthy options.  We, along with our food chain partners, will be responsible for ensuring that food supply for years to come. But that’s only part of our story.

A few months ago I was traveling on business and stories of tornadoes touching down just a few blocks from my home worried me. I called home and thankfully all was well. My wife was safely in our basement, hanging out with Oscar, our dog.  I couldn’t be there, but Oscar was filling in, as he had many times. Again, thanks to advances in our industry and the care we’re able to provide to him.  Oscar’s been a part of our family since we lived in Australia. He’s getting up there in the years, but he’s micro-chipped, vaccinated and well cared for – he’s family.

My two daughters – grown up now – got to see the world beyond the Midwest much sooner than most. Educated abroad, my daughters were gifted with a global experience in life that has helped them become smart and independent women. They’ve got good friends and tons of memories from three continents. They had a rich upbringing thanks to the opportunities given to us by the Animal Health industry. They’re both back in the Midwest – right where it all began for me.

So if you’re looking for a career that will allow you to make a difference, will give you global experience, and the opportunity to get to know great people – take a look at a career in the Corridor. You’ll be able to keep true to your roots, but branch out and grow.

[Gina Emel served as the KC SmartPort intern this summer. As she wraps up her time in the KCADC offices, she offers some wise words for future interns.]

Before I pack up my desk and head back to school, I want to leave future KC SmartPort interns with some words of advice. I bet you are thinking you already know how this blog is going to turn out because the word “intern” is in the title. If you are assuming I am going to say, “Start off every day by picking up your boss’ dry cleaning, and retrieve the coffee last, this way it stays warm,” keep reading. That is not at all how my internship experience went. My summer as a KC SmartPort intern kept me busy to say the least. I gained knowledge that I feel that I should pass on to those who will walk where I have been. So here are my top ten imperative guidelines for future interns at KC SmartPort:

1.)    Accept constructive criticism

Your co-workers know what they are talking about; they have been there and done that- probably numerous times, too! Coming out of college, it is easy to assume you know what’s best, but accepting that you don’t know it all can change your experience for the better. Respect from your co-workers is critical, and you can gain that respect by listening to the constructive criticism they offer you.

2.)    Ask questions when you are given projects

You may think you know what you are doing, but every office has a different approach and routine to accomplish tasks. Believe me, it is better to ask if you have any doubts about anything. No question is a bad one, and if you don’t ask, be prepared to do your work twice.

3.)    Get acquainted with other interns

This is very important. Let down your guard and stop thinking that the other interns are your rivals. Instead, look at them as your friends and support; chances are they share the same worries as you.  Making friends, and being comfortable talking to my co-workers was extremely important to me. I couldn’t be myself when I was uncomfortable in my surroundings.

4.)    Do not procrastinate your intern projects

Seriously, don’t. Projects that are to be completed by the end of the summer sneak up on you and are due before you know it. It may have been okay in college to wait until the last minute to write a paper, but there will be no extensions in the “real world.”

5.)    Do not be afraid to grasp any opportunities that bring change

Attend every event you are invited to. It is surprising who you will meet, and what you may learn in one hour. After the countless college networking events and seminars “preparing you for the workforce” I attended, I still hadn’t found the assurance I was searching for. It was a whole new experience to go to events with my boss. I had the confidence I needed to interact with employers, and they were more willing to keep in contact.

6.)    Dress to Impress

It is possible to be hired on full-time where you are interning, but not if you don’t care. And how you present yourself says a lot. Come to work dressed as if every day is an interview.

7.)    Offer to lend a helping hand

After all you are the intern. Keep in mind that everyone you are working for has been in your shoes.  Teamwork is a part of the KCADC culture. By the end of my time here, I have come to know KCADC as an interdependent staff. So if you want to fit in, be a team player.

8.)    Double check any formal emails or letters you send out

It is imperative to have many of your peers edit your work. There isn’t much room for errors when all the resources you need are available. After countless times of editing and re-reading your own writing, it is easy to make a mistake. Have a pair of fresh eyes inspect your work.

9.)    Bring a notepad and pen to every meeting

It is easy to appear unprepared or uninterested when you show up to a meeting empty handed. Believe me there is no way to remember everything that is said during a meeting. This simple step makes a huge difference in your performance.

10.) Do enjoy every minute, time flies

Before you know it your time as an intern will be over, it will be back to school and job searching. Don’t forget what you learn from your experience, and keep in touch with the friends you make. Let me just say, I will recommend my experience with KC SmartPort to any college student without any doubt or hesitation.

The front of Union Station in Kansas City today.

Union Station is one of the most iconic transportation establishments in Kansas City. Union Station’s historic roots as a regional destination make it an obvious choice for a new home for KCADC, but its long history involving freight makes it a no-brainer as the home of KC SmartPort. Every morning, whether I’m walking through the grand hall for some breakfast or to drop off the mail, I always see the line of people waiting for the 8 o’clock train, and it almost seems like we’ve gone back in time. We’re not though, this is 2011 and passenger and freight transportation is still alive in the Kansas City area.

Union Station rail yard ca. 1914. Photo courtesy Union Station archives.

Union Station, originally built in 1914, was the nation’s second largest station behind New York’s Grand Central. The Station cost $5.7 million and was part of a massive $50 million railroad development project that also funded railroad tracks, rights of way, underpasses and viaducts, bridges and other improvements related to Union Station and the expanding railroad industry. The building encompasses 850,000 square feet and once had annual passenger traffic of nearly 680,000. Due to the central location and the massive size, Union Station was home to both passenger and freight traffic.

Union Pacific/BNSF line next to existing Amtrak line at Union Station.

Freight traffic has always been strong in Kansas City and this is still true today. Union Station is strictly used for passenger rail nowadays, but our country’s most heavily trafficked rail line, the Union Pacific/BNSF line, sits just feet away. Thousands of cars travel on this line each day on their way to the Argentine Yards in Kansas City, Kansas.

Kansas City is the largest rail center in the United States by tonnage. Its central location and direct rail lines to all the major ports makes it one of the busiest rail hubs in the country. Kansas City has a strong history of moving freight and will continue to grow into the future as a major freight hub.

Union Station's Grand Hall today.

Walking through the Grand Hall gives me a sense of nostalgia and transports me back in time to how things were. It also gives me the drive to continue to make transportation better and to grow Kansas City’s freight infrastructure well into the future. Relocating to Union Station has re-energized our mission here at KC SmartPort, to promote and enhance the Kansas City region’s status as the North America’s leading logistics hub.