Using his training in law to effect greater success in business endeavors, David Staker has found his niche, and in it he's the go-to-guy. Early last year, Staker became president of Plastic Packaging Technologies, a portfolio company for the Kansas City-based private equity fund Tech Investments. "I count my blessings for being surrounded at a relatively young age by a number of great people, both personal and professional mentors, who took an interest in me and my career," says Staker. A lifelong Kansas Citian, Staker graduated from Rockhurst High School and went on to receive a business degree from the University of Kansas, as well as a law degree in 1995. He began work as a corporate finance attorney for Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal law firm. Staker then moved to a position where he was able to spend more time working with clients in the public and private securities as an investment executive for Capital Management/George K. Baum.

Staker is involved in Junior Achievement and the Coro Foundation, which prepares individuals for effective and ethical leadership roles, as he realizes firsthand the importance of a good mentor. He and his wife Christina expect their second baby this June.

It was a win-win decision when Steve Stroade moved his start-up furniture sales and manufacturing business to Downtown Kansas City. Stroade founded Contract Furnishings, Inc. in 1989, after working for a similar business located in the suburbs. He wanted to place his storefront in the urban core, seeing great potential in the low-cost, richly-cultured spot. He chose the former Kansas City Public Library Building, and eventually the company grew into two larger facilities on Main Street and Harrison Street, breathing life into the forgotten structures. With Saint Vincent's food kitchen on its east side and SAVE Inc. H.I.V. support services to the west, Contract Furnishings' employees split their time and resources in serving both neighboring causes.

Named a Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year, many customers purchase from Contract Furnishings because of its committment to the city's revitalizion. "As any small business owner would say, I'm just glad we continued to add jobs throughout last year's rough economy," says Stroade. The fact that 30-plus empolyees infuse the Downtown marketplace makes his success all the more rewarding.

In 1996, Stremming began his ride in the casino industry. And though it's taken him to rousing cities like Las Vegas, this Midwesterner at heart was just as thrilled to return to Kansas as General Counsel for then Station Casino's Midwest Operations. He is now Vice President of Legal and Government Affairs for Ameristar, Inc. With Stremming's influence on its corporate structure, he focused efforts to utilize and grow women and minority business services from 7 to 18 percent of Ameristar's total purchases in only a few years. He finds it crucial for all six Ameristar locations in different markets to be good corporate citizens and exceed local expectations.

With a law degree from Washburn University, Stremming currently presides over the Missouri Riverboat Gaming Association. "This will be a pivotal year for the Association as we work to manage various legislative and regulatory proposals that could significantly affect Missouri's gaming industry," he explains. Stremming is also on the editorial advisory board for Responsible Gaming Quarterly. He and his wife Abigail along with their two children make a home in Lee's Summit.

He began as a Naval Aviator, fresh out of law school. After eleven years of active duty and an armful of military medals and ribbons, he remained in the sky as a United Airlines pilot. It wasn't until after the 9/11 tragedy that Adam Taff became grounded in the pursuit of a political career. "I realized how much I still deeply wanted to serve my country." He ran on the Republican ticket in the 2002 election for Kansas's Third Congressional District, and though outspent 5 to 1, Taff lost by a mere 3 percentage points to the incumbent. Taff's campaign was bolstered by his experience working as a liaison to foreign air forces in creating aviation programs, along with a strong background in economics as a National Program Development Director for National Mortgage Company.

"My mother raised me in the KC area with the values that make us all proud to call this our hometown--hard work, honesty, integrity, respect for others, and the virtue of giving back to our community," says Taff.

If his Congressional campaign is indication of Taff's energy and competitiveness, count him as a contender when he surfaces in the next election.