Local

Gray Matter

An aging nation is about to witness huge growth to meet the residential needs of never-before-seen numbers of seniors. The implications of immigration and the browning of America command the attention of polit-ical candidates and policymakers, but the biggest change… more

The Benefits Challenge

Health-care costs and compliance are putting the squeeze on employers’ flexibility with benefits programs. For those pursuing innovation as they toil in the fields of employer benefits programming, the ground remains as fertile as ever. Studies by various interest groups… more

To Serve and Protect … or is it To Harass and Neglect?

Problems at KCPD Start at the Top Budget constraints or not, I have serious concerns regarding the leadership at the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department, and sadly, it begins at the top, with Chief Daryl Forte. By way of history,… more

You Built a Business, But Are You Really Organized?

It may seen counter-intuitive, but some entrepreneurs are the folks most in need of better asset-management. Fortunately, new tools and processes can help with that. Do you remember when you were a kid? Life was simple… all your worldly possessions… more

‘Where Have You Gone, Walt Bodine?’

More and more, conversations taking place in public forums are marked by a decidedly one-sided appeal. Walt would not approve. Where have you gone, dear old Walt Bodine Our region turns its lonely eyes to you ...What’s that you say… more

How Is Your Ability to Make the Sale?

There is no magic bullet in sales; rather, you need to excel in a lot of little things to find, present and close the deal. “Jeffrey, what’s the BEST way to make a sale?” When I’m asked this question—and I’m… more

Don’t Lose Your Focus on Retirement Plan Issues

While health-care compliance is getting a lot of attention, other benefit-plan risks lurk. The Affordable Care Act is well on its way to full implementation: The U.S. Supreme Court has spoken, and key aspects of the ACA survived a significant… more

Alternate Funding Can Ease Health Insurance Squeeze

Not every business can take advantage of these strategies, but for those that can, the savings may help rein in coverage costs. For many companies, cost-control measures of the past—such as increasing cost sharing or employee contributions—have been short-term fixes… more

It’s Time to Go to Code Red for Business IT Security

The threat has never been more real. After 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security issued a color scheme to illustrate the potential of a terrorist attack on U.S. soil. It seemed like a good idea, but we never quite managed… more

Greater Kansas City Economic Development Report

Assembly Takes Honest Look at Development Needs Had the sun not been at its zenith, the Kauffman Performing Arts Center might have cast its shadow on the 2012 Greater Kansas City Economic Development Assembly, which drew several dozen city, county… more