The ballots are in and the numbers add up to Gold for KPMG. After its freshman appearance four years ago at the Bronze level, KPMG is back with a strong return. From assurance and advisory services to tax assistance KPMG works to provide professional services 'wherever and whenever they're needed.' CBIZ Accounting Tax & Advisory Services makes its first appearance on the list with a bang. Taking the Silver, CBIZ provide outsource accounting services, transaction analysis and property accounting, among other services. Kansas City's second largest CPA and advisory firm BKD, shares the Bronze with new-comer Pricewaterhouse Coopers.
Winning the Gold award is sure to put a smile on Bernstein Rein advertising reps' faces. Working out of its Plaza location, Bernstein Rein is on the verge of celebrating 40 years of advertising success. Throughout the years, Bernstein Rein has roped in a number of nationwide clients, including Wal-Mart and McDonald's. Going to catch a burger and a movie? Chances are thanks to VML, Inc. it will be Burger King and AMC Theatres. Making a strong comeback, VML earns the Silver. Bronze winning NKH&W is one of three winners in this category and also one of three in Advertising Age's 'Agencies of the Year.'
This year HNTB Corporation enters the ranks of Ingram's Best of Business Hall of Fame. In its third consecutive year with the Gold, the Kansas City-based company works on a variety of projects, including the Vancouver International Airport and Rockhurst University campus renovations. Meanwhile CDFM2 Architecture, Inc. moves back to the number two spot with its Silver award. Using 'smart architecture,' CDFM2 tries to create 'win-win-win partnerships.' Gould Evans Goodman makes its yearly presence--this time at the Bronze level.
Whether establishing corporate trust services or making a pit stop at the ATM before a night on the town, Ingram's readers voted UMB Bank as the best bank. Taking the Gold for the fifth straight year, UMB recently launched a new mortgage program, and continues to service large corporations and individuals. Commerce Bank finds nothing wrong with second place as it continues its reign of the Silver medal. Numerous ATMs and banking centers land Bank of America the Bronze, although they share the honors with first-time honoree Gold Bank.
CDFM2 builds buildings with platinum silver status and then wraps it up in Gold. Working with some of the top Kansas City corporations, including Best of Business winner American Century, CDFM2 focuses on how a facility needs to respond to its occupants, its surroundings and the environment. Shaw Hofstra + Associates makes its first appearance on the list. With a goal to listen and understand its clients, including the Raphael Hotel Group, Shaw Hofstra earns the Silver. Making its debut appearance for interior design firm is HNTB Corporation as it nets the Bronze, perhaps for adding a sense of style to the new Central Library in the former First National Bank building.
Bijin Salon & Day Spa makes a smooth comeback to the number one spot this year. The Gold winning day spa attributes its success to exceeding its clients' expectations, creating a fun and relaxing environment, and focusing attention on the individual. For trying to accommodate its clientele needs and expectations, including those of popular singer Pink, Mario Tricoci Salon & Day Spa wins the Silver. Persona Day Spa & Salon showcases its talent at the Bronze level. Making the Persona experience memorable for everyone, Persona personnel captured the eye of the Kansas City Chapter of the Association of Women Lawyers and is its official day spa.
Life keeps getting better and better at American Century, or at least that seems to be the consensus in this competition. After two years at bronze and then one at silver, American Century finally moves up to the Gold plate. And with its Dollars for Doers program, American Century supports its 2,500 community conscience employees by donating funds to an organization they volunteer for. While it no longer wears the golden crown of Best Employer, Hallmark continues to be an employee-friendly place. Maintain-ing its variety of benefits, including a physical fitness and intramural program, Hallmark stays on the list with the Silver. When DST Systems, Inc. formed in 1969, it helped generate a buzz about working Downtown. Now employees are creating a buzz about DST Systems, which landed it the Bronze.
Firm Burns & McDonnell stays in the top spot. With aviation, environmental, energy, industrial, and infrastructure services, Burns & McDonnell keep the Gold. The Silver winner, HNTB Corporation, helps stabilize things when it works with the City of Kansas City, Missouri Department of Transportation and the Kansas Department of Transportation. Kansas City isn't the only city to recognize Black & Veatch talent. This Bronze winner was recently awarded a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
Once again the leader of the pack, American Century takes the Gold. With offices nationwide, American Century manages more than $95 million in assets. The Silver winner this year is Waddell & Reed. Headquartered in Overland Park the financial services firm offers everything from risk manage- ment to general estate planning strategies. Making a first year introduction to the category is Kansas City- based Financial Counselors, Inc.-- its numbers tally up to the Bronze.
Kessinger/Hunter & Company makes a stunning debut appearance taking the Gold. After merging with J.P. Fogel & Company in December 2002, its investment group successfully concluded the marketing of a $60 million industrial portfolio. Block & Company remains a readers' favorite sweeping away the Silver. MC Lioness Realty Group, LLC completed the IRS consolidation at the Main Post Office and began the design and construction for Ash Grove Cement's corporate headquarters within the past year, and this year it shares the Bronze with Cohen Esrey Real Estate Services, Inc.
J.E. Dunn Construction strikes Gold again as it earns the top honor. This general construction firm believes the ability to perform in different building sectors makes it successful. McCownGordon Construction enters the ranks of Ingram's winners as it receives the Silver. Making its freshman appearance at the Bronze level, Taylor Kelly Construction's award winning craftsmanship was also honored as the APWA Public works Project of the Year for the North Kansas City library. Best Health Club Prairie Life Center finally reaches the top of chart. The Kansas based health club offer more than just aerobic classes and weight training; Pilates and personal fitness evaluations are also part of this Gold winning combo. Two locations, a non- intimidating atmosphere, and now two Best of Business awards seems to be the plan for success as Quivira Sports-clubs runs away with the Silver. Exercising around the clock is the idea behind Bronze winner 24 Hour Fitness.
Coming back in 2003 as the Best Home Builder in the region is Provence Homes, by John Lober Provence uses a variety of tools to create homes suitable for a family's lifestyle. Provence is the only area builder to win the HBA‘s Grand Award 6 years and to be showcased on HGTV's Dream Builder. John Lober is also coordinating the nation's first Building Awareness Designer Show Home on behalf of cancer awareness, and he intends to take it national-- a champion indeed. 'You dream it, we build it' seems to be a working motto for J.S. Robinson Fine Homes. The Silver winner works to be the exclusive builder of new area subdivisions, including Tiffany Lakes, North-ridge at Piper Estates, and Glynmor in Overland Park. Ben Cerra Construction is the other newcomer in the group. Thanks to spacious house designs, it was voted the Bronze winner.
Holding on to the top Gold honor is Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City. As one of only four healthcare organizations in the nation to be a recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige Award, St. Luke's credits its success to its talented team of physicians, nurses, and staff. Also in the spotlight again is Menorah Medical Center. For 'putting their patients first' and acquiring new state of the art radiology equipment and CT scanner, Menorah walks away with the Silver. Making its first shining appearance is Shawnee Mission Medical Center. This Bronze winning hospital is recognized as the most preferred hospital for obstetrical care.