News from MBDC...

Mission Business Development Committee Celebrates Fifth Anniversary. MBDC is celebrating their fifth anniversary this fall. Suzie Gibbs, Mission Council Ward IV Representative, has been the group’s chairperson since its formation. “I can think of no other city in Kansas that has a volunteer organization similar to MBDC which now has successfully developed and coordinated fifteen events and four private art showings.” (Read more about MBDC...)

Holiday Lights and Festive Sights - Santa Claus will be arriving in Mission, Kansas on Friday evening, December 5th as a part of the annual “Holiday Lights and Festive Sights”. (Read more about this event...)

"Battle of the Brisket" Winners - “Battle of the Brisket State Championship Bar-B-Que Contest winners were announced Saturday afternoon, September 20th. The Grand Champion prize went to the Dodge County Smokers. (See the full list of winners in each category...)

Welcome to our New Intern - Nicole White, a senior at Shawnee Mission North. Nicole is Student Body Vice-President, a member of Club 121, Harmony Club, Shawnee Mission Cotillion, Student Ambassadors, Project Skip, and Track and Field, Basketball, Advanced Repertory Theater and Drama.

Revisions to City Zoning Ordinances. The City Council approved various revisions to the City’s zoning ordinances. In most cases, zoning ordinance revisions only apply when new development/construction is being considered or proposed at a particular site. If you are planning future exterior work to your building, contact Danielle Murray at 913-676-8363 for more information.

Becky Wilson, President of WDS Marketing and Public Relations, was recognized by Kansas City Business magazine as one of the “50 Most Influential Women in Business” in Kansas City. She was also chosen by the US Small Business Administration as the Kansas City area “Women Business Champion” for 2008.

Congratulations to Jim Sloss, owner of SignPro, for being named the Volunteer of the Year by the Northeast Johnson County Chamber of Commerce.

Bill McCray was selected as the MBDC Member of the Year for 2007. He was honored at the annual City of Mission Mayor's party. Contratulation Bill!

Contratulations to Dave Conradt. The Northeast Johnson County Chamber of Commerce elected Dave Conradt of Mid-America Locksmiths to its board of directors. He serves as vice chair for the Mission Business Development Committee, and recently served on the board of the Barn Players Theatre in Mission.

We are happy to announce that Newell Bowman, a Shawnee Mission North High School senior, has joined the MBDC as an intern. She has generously taken over the children's activities for the Holiday Light & Festive Sights event.

Please welcome new MBDC members Arrica Crossley as a representative of Rushton Elementary School PTA and Nicole Trembley representing Mission Ward 3

MBDC Business Grant Update: From the beginning of the grant program through 2006, the City of Mission has paid out $142,371 in matching funds for exterior imporvements to businesses that quality. The businesses involved have invested $193,051 making a total of $335,422 improvements to businesses in Mission.

"Battle of the Brisket" is now KCBS Certified and moving to September. The Battle of the Brisket Barbeque Contest was certified by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, and the event is being moved to coincide with our September 14th - 15th Arts & Eats Festival.