GrowthKC SeriesGrowthKC

Our Kansas City region has historically been a place that welcomes new ideas and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. That spirit is the foundation of our metropolitan area's economic sustainability.

Over the course of the next year, The Central Exchange will highlight speakers and topics that embody our region's innovative thinkers responsible for the ongoing growth and prosperity of Kansas City. Whether it's animal health or advanced energy, you'll find a reason to believe the future is bright for our OneKC region.

All programs in this series begin at 11:45 a.m. at The CX Downtown. There is no charge for CX members; $30/non–members.

Regional Rail Plan

Mike Sanders,
Jackson County Executive

Mike Sanders

January 26, 2010
The Jackson County Executive is a firm supporter of regional rapid rail for Kansas City. He has proposed a $1 billion plan, which would include a 144-mile system connecting distant suburbs to downtown and the Kansas City International Airport. Mike Sanders envisions that the federal government is looking to promote this type of commuter system, and that much of the funds could come from federal stimulus money.

Mike Sanders is also reaching across the state line, proposing that Wyandotte County in Kansas coordinate with Clay and Platte Counties in Missouri to explore ways to pay for operation costs—costs that could amount to $22 million per year.

Elected as county executive in 2006, Sanders has pledged not to ask voters to approve new taxes. He has trimmed three straight budgets without compromising county services. Despite the fiscal belt-tightening, Sanders reestablished Jackson County Economic Development to encourage new business, and found funds to renovate and save the historic Jackson County Truman Courthouse on the Independence Square.

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National Cancer Institute Designation – Roadmap to Excellence

Roy Jensen,
M.D., Director, The University of Kansas Cancer Center

Roy Jensen

February 16, 2010
In its quest to save lives, The University of Kansas Cancer Center is serving as an economic engine for the region as it pursues applying for National Cancer Institute designation.

Led by Roy Jensen, M.D., the Cancer Center is differentiating itself and setting a national model for translational research in drug discovery, delivery and development and pushing these discoveries out through the Midwest Cancer Alliance. Dr. Jensen discusses the strategy to achieving this designation and provides an update on key milestones achieved over the past year as the Medical Center works to bring a world-class cancer center to this region.

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Kansas State University’s Olathe Innovation Campus

Kirk Schulz,
Ph.D., President, Kansas State University

Kirk Schulz

March 10, 2010
As one leg of the Johnson County Education and Research Triangle, Kansas State’s Olathe Innovation Campus is expected to have a significant impact from dollars invested, jobs created, and bioscience technologies commercialized. The campus will focus on applied research and technology discovery in animal health, plant science, food safety and security, bioenergy, and other relevant areas.

K- State University President Dr. Kirk Schulz will offer his thoughts on the regional economic impact that the Innovation Campus is expected to bring as well as update us on the status of the campus, which is located in the Kansas Bioscience Park.

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