Corporate Stories

South KC hub heats up with $100M+ cold storage investment; logistics site expected to bring 190 jobs

A strategic collaboration between Americold and CPKC underscores Kansas City’s growing role in advancing cross-border commerce and temperature-controlled logistics, officials said Tuesday, celebrating the grand opening of a 335,000-square-foot Import-Export Hub in South Kansas City. Americold’s new $100 million-plus facility is expected to create nearly 190 new jobs and serve as a hub for Canadian…

Innovation Fest pitch winner touts unexpected treat: growing his animal health startup in Kansas

Emmanuel Bijaoui’s first time in Kansas — for Tuesday’s Innovation Festival and onboarding for the incoming Plug and Play Topeka cohort — has left the Treat Therapeutics founder with a lasting impression of the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, he shared. “We always talk about the Animal Health Corridor,” he said after winning the festival’s BioKansas Startup…

NXTUS expands enterprise-focused program beyond Kansas; four KC-area startups selected

WICHITA, Kan. — An ongoing initiative to demystify the relationship-building process between emerging entrepreneurs and potential enterprise partners just expanded deeper into the Midwest, welcoming 20 growth-minded innovators from Wichita to St. Louis. “For entrepreneurs whose success depends on forging relationships with ‘the big guys,’ this unique program is so valuable,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president…

Caterpillar subsidiary expands into KC, turning dirt to create 85 jobs in revitalized industrial corridor near riverfront

A multi-million dollar expansion project is expected to put an aging manufacturing site back on track in Kansas City, officials at Progress Rail announced Monday, noting the converted operation will focus on re-manufacturing railcar wheelsets and bearings. Progress Rail — a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. — expects to bring 85 new full-time jobs…

Jeff Jones, H&R Block

H&R Block CEO files retirement plans; company sets ‘smooth transition’ to new chief executive

Announcing his plan to retire at the end of 2025, the CEO for one of Kansas City’s most iconic businesses called his work at H&R Block the past eight years “the honor of a lifetime.” “We have elevated Block’s relevance, built an extraordinary culture, made bold bets to drive growth, rebuilt about every piece of…