Lee's Summit Economic Development Council

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EastErN JaCksON COuNtY wagE aND BENfit survEY In 2007, LSEDC again was the staff project manager for the third round of the Eastern Jackson County Wage and Benefit Survey. This survey included 41 companies from Lee’s Summit, Independence, Grain Valley, Grandview, Oak Grove, Blue Springs and Sugar Creek. The firms employed over 9,500 people and together had a net increase of 192 jobs in the last 12 month period. Twenty one firms project an employment increase of 200 in the next 12 month for a net increase among all firms of 185 new employees. The survey contains 70 job titles with low, average and high entry and average wage data. The study is on the LSEDC website: www.leessummit.org. This data is particularly useful because it is Eastern Jackson County-specific and supplies site seekers with an important recruitment tool. “As we continue to experience dramatic growth in Eastern Jackson County, it is critical that local corporate leaders utilize every tool available to attract and retain talented employees,” said Daren Fristoe, President, The Fristoe Group. “One of those tools is certainly the 2007 Eastern Jackson County Wage and Benefit Survey. The data taken from this survey allows hiring managers and human resource professionals to target their staffing practices, focus on ‘hiring smart,’ and remain competitive in the employment marketplace.” Daren fristoe Business Retention The LSEDC, along with the Eastern Jackson County Development Alliance, hosted several meetings and initiated quarterly meetings of the Eastern Jackson County Realtors Roundtable at Chapel Ridge Banquet Center. At one meeting, the group heard a presentation about LEGOLAND and visited with newly-elected Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders.
Business Retention sMall BusiNEss aND ENtrEprENEur assistaNCE The LSEDC stepped gingerly into introducing local entrepreneurs to potential investors this year. In our first Entrepreneur Showcase, we brought three local business people to the attention of local bankers and investors who may be seeking investment opportunities. Firms participating in the first showcase were: • Kokam America, discussed elsewhere in this annual report. CEO Don Nissanka is seeking $10 million in equity and working capital to finance his lithium ion battery company’s business plan, including production for the Department of Defense and commercial applications. • Bard’s Beer. Founder Craig Belser of Lee’s Summit has developed a gluten-free beer that appeals to those with certain allergies. Already distributed in 19 states, Craig was seeking $1.5 million to help the company move its product into national distribution. • RevTek is a startup software company that has developed a product to speed the processing of insurance applications. It was seeking $3 million to develop and finance its proprietary software. LSEDC is mindful of its primary role as a facilitator and convenor. We strive to not be perceived as an advocate for any particular company’s business plan or financing requirements. While helping companies raise money is a sensitive area, LSEDC believes it is our responsibility to expose relatively seasoned entrepreneurs to our regional network of advisors, LSEDC investors and high net worth “angel investors.” Brewing Healthy Success Craig Belser with a glass of gluten free Bard’s Tale Beer. Lee’s Summit Entrepreneurs lsedc_postcards_2007.indd 13 2/16/07 10:49:18 AM Lee’s Summit’s Craig Belser wasn’t about to let an allergy keep him from enjoying a good brew. When his celiac disease reappeared a few years ago, Belser’s allergic reaction to gluten put 80% of grocery store shelves off limits—including the beer cooler. Like Craig, one-percent of the American public can’t consume wheat, barley, rye or oats. Starting in his garage, Belser began testing different recipes eventually settling on sorghum as a substitute for the grains. Today, Bards Beer is manufactured in California and distributed in 19 states. It consistently wins head-to-head taste tests and is a featured product in major health food stores. Belser’s goal is to be in all 50 states and Canada within a few years, and to build a food company based on the same technology. Learn more at www. bardsbeer.com.
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Lee's Summit Economic Development Council

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