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Member Spotlight: The Little Gym

Apr 09, 2021

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Member News · Case Study

The idea of opening a new business during a global pandemic might leave a lot of people saying “no thank you.” But not for Robbyn Mitchell, who opened The Little Gym in the Northland in July 2020. The Little Gym is a children’s gym that offers gymnastics classes, dance classes, and more. It’s one of 440 nationwide, and the Northland location was the first one to open after the global pandemic began last March. Read Article

Member Spotlight: TREKK Design Group LLC

Oct 30, 2020

Category:

Member News · Case Study

For TREKK Design Group, LLC, the 2019 Small Business of the Year, 2020 has had more ups than downs. “Business has been good,” said Kimberly Robinett, Managing Partner. TREKK is an 18-year-old civil engineering firm based in South Kansas City that works with several public agencies. “As far as our year for 2020 and the end of 2019, we have had such great momentum,” said Robinett. “We had really seen a growth curve that continued even amidst the pandemic. Read Article

Member Spotlight: Lead Bank - Where are they now?

Oct 19, 2020

Category:

Member News · Small Business Celebration · Business Awards · Case Study

When Lead Bank President & CEO Josh Rowland talks about the role his bank is playing to help people during this global pandemic, it’s clear he understands why banks are so important right now. “Banking is really an essential service and we have a job to do. We have a job to make sure people are getting access to their money. And the ways they have to manage their business.” Read Article

Member Spotlight: Traders Insurance

Oct 13, 2020

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Member News · Small Business Celebration · Business Awards · Case Study

To hear an insurance agency say “we love claims!” might make you a little skeptical. But when you hear the team at Traders Insurance say why they love claims, you can understand why the 46-year-old agency is a 2020 Top Ten Small Business. “We love claims,” said CEO Mark Concannon. “We don’t like the real trauma accidents cause, but we welcome the opportunity to deliver on our promise. It’s our opportunity to shine. We service thousands of claims every month and we constantly look for ways to achieve better, faster resolution of claims.” Read Article

Member Spotlight: Prairie Elder Care

Oct 08, 2020

Category:

Member News · Small Business Celebration · Business Awards · Case Study

When an elementary school teacher and an RN set out to combine their skills and talents in 2012, they wanted to do something that would help others. Sisters-in-law Mandy Shoemaker and Michala Gibson purchased Elder Care and Transitions Consulting LLC in 2013, a geriatric care management company. As they helped people navigate care for elderly, Mandy and Michala realized there was a need for dementia care that provided something different. They knew they could be different. In 2014, they founded Prairie Elder Care. Read Article

Member Spotlight: Pro Athlete

Oct 08, 2020

Category:

Member News · Small Business Celebration · Business Awards · Case Study

For a company that prides itself on its office culture, physical workspace, and unique employee perks such as an in-house trainer, chef, and even a hair stylist, 2020 Top 10 Small Business Pro Athlete spent a lot of time reflecting on their core values when COVID hit. Founded in a shopping center in 1987, Pro Athlete has evolved into an eCommerce giant that now operates from its own facility in Parkville. Pro Athlete has become a go-to retailer in the area for baseball bats and gloves. Read Article

Member Spotlight: Signal Theory

Oct 06, 2020

Category:

Member News · Small Business Celebration · Business Awards · Case Study

For advertising and marketing firm Signal Theory, the name isn’t just a name. It’s how this Top 10 Small Business approaches their work – through signals. Read Article

Messenger Coffee Co & Ibis Bakery

Member Spotlight: Messenger Coffee

Oct 05, 2020

Category:

Member News · Small Business Celebration · Business Awards · Case Study

For Messenger Coffee Co., it’s all about the two Rs: respect and relationships. Both have guided this small business since it was founded in 2013 by three small coffee shop owners who wanted to change the future of coffee and pastry in Kansas City and beyond. Read Article

McLain's Bakery

Member Spotlight: McLain's Bakery

Sep 30, 2020

Category:

Member News · Small Business Celebration · Business Awards · Case Study

Greater Kansas City has no shortage of delicious bakeries and coffee houses, but one name has been around longer than most: McLain’s. This expanding bakery was founded 75 years ago and is one of the KC Chamber’s 2020 Top 10 Small Businesses. A big reason for McLain’s longevity and success? A healthy respect for the tradition of the past while embracing the future. Read Article

J. Rieger & Co.

Member Spotlight: J. Rieger Co.

Sep 28, 2020

Category:

Member News · Small Business Celebration · Case Study

When your family name is on your product, the pressure is definitely on for your small business to do well. J. Rieger Co. has certainly succeeded and made a name for itself – for the second time -- in Greater KC. The first time was a distillery that Jacob Rieger founded in 1887. It became the largest mail order whiskey house in the United States – until the onset of Prohibition meant the distillery had to close its doors. Fast forward nearly a century, and J. Read Article