Banking & Financial Services

In a Nutshell

Two important things impacted the US economic outlook recently.  First, better than expected economic releases boosted the GDP outlook.  For example, the Atlanta Fed’s GDP Now surpassed Wall Street’s 5% fourth quarter GDP forecast.  Then, very positive vaccine news was… more

Kansas rural revitalization program opens applications

Applications have opened for Kansas communities looking for growth opportunities provided through the Kansas Main Street Program. The Main Street program is designed to develop and strengthen downtown corridors, especially in rural communities. The program will be accepting applications for… more

Clay County CARES Act grant deadline closes in

The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC) is distributing small business grants in Clay County through the end of November. Applications are open to businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19. This is the third phase of CARES Act funding, two… more

Kansas small businesses receive CARES Act boost

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced $38.5 million in CARES Act funding for small businesses and to slow the spread of COVID-19 on Friday. The funding was approved by the State Finance Council. Of the total, $20 million will be available… more

Rural Mainstreet Index displays first drop since April

This month, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) witnessed a drop – the first in months since April 2020. A Thursday report released by Creighton University’s Heider College of Business broke down the report for each of the 10 states… more

Missouri department recommends rate increase for workers’ compensation

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance is recommending a 1.0 percent increase in workers’ compensation insurance loss costs for 2021. This marks the first time in six years that average workers’ compensation rates will increase. This slight increase is… more

In a Nutshell

I blame the very controversial election and overall disrespect of the president for the constant stream of market critics who talk down the generally ongoing stock market rally as well as the nation’s vigorous six-month economic recovery. Why do many… more

Coping with COVID: Kansas officials seek additional federal aid amid recent rise in COVID-19 cases

Without pinpointing a specific reason why, Kansas officials on Monday implied funding has run dry for small businesses that have applied for grants, and that many will continue without aid unless the state receives more federal funding. A continued rise… more

St. Louis-based Enterprise Financial closes merger

Headquartered in St. Louis with operations in the Kansas City metro and beyond, Enterprise Bank & Trust’s holding company, Enterprise Financial Services Corp, has officially completed its merger with Enterprise made the announcement Thursday. The merger adds approximately $1.3 billion… more

Kansas surpasses $2 billion in capital investment

State of Kansas has officially surpassed $2 billion in new capital investment in 2020, according to an announcement from Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly This investment is brought by new economic development projects driven by Governor Kelly’s administration and the Kansas… more