Guest feature by Jeanine Jerkovic | In the face of NIMBYism (Not in My Backyard), economic developers must master authentic community engagement, partnerships and public relations like never before. It’s time to rethink our approach and reenergize communities around the opportunities that come with local growth.

Everyone has a role to play in building culture. And the power of a connected, strategic TA team? That’s the real superpower.

As a leader, watching someone on your team grow into their next opportunity can feel like a double-edged sword: pride in their progress paired with the sting of loss. You want to be the kind of leader who champions careers. However, when that growth means leaving the team, it can get complicated. This month’s blog dives into ways to help both sides find success today and down the road.

New board members from Boehringer Ingelheim, Dechra and Elanco bring deep expertise, bold vision to region’s animal health cluster

For an industry to thrive and win big business, it takes collaboration across various conditions and stakeholders: state and local leadership, a pro-business environment, supportive communities, utility partners, a dynamic innovation ecosystem, and a highly skilled workforce. This month’s blog discusses the secret sauce for lasting growth in an industry.

Here’s how to level up your talent strategy this year.

One of the most significant economic development projects in Kansas history and the largest to date for Merck Animal Health, the 200,000-square-foot expansion includes an $860 million investment in the site’s existing manufacturing facility and a $35 million investment in its research and development laboratories.

Congratulations to our partners in De Soto, Kansas, on the selection of Merck Animal Health’s announcement to invest $895 million in the expansion of its manufacturing and R&D operations, creating 200 jobs and 200,000-square-feet of new space.

Automotive. Energy. Fintech. KC’s making moves – don’t miss these major wins.

KC SmartPort’s 2025 Annual Industry Briefing gathered 650 industry leaders to share insights into transformations underway in the automotive sector — from electrification and advanced manufacturing to rapidly evolving supply chains, shifting trade policies and rising foreign investment.