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The Platte County EDC works continuously to improve and enhance
its community. Successful efforts range from projects such as attracting
the Harley-Davidson manufacturing plant to business retention such
as the Lend-A-Hand Plan to business and program incubation.
Some of Platte County EDC’s successes
include:
- When asked, "What is the PCEDC’s greatest success?"
Executive Director Pete Fullerton responds "Easy answer —
the Lend-A-Hand Plan".
During the flood of 1993 some Platte County businesses were in
deep trouble — literally with floodwaters lapping at their
doors. When the water receded, the damage was unbelievable. Platte
Countians came together to offer stopgap assistance. With funding
from the County, the PCEDC, businesses and individuals, the Platte
County EDC offered zero percent interest loans to affected businesses.
31 businesses received the help they needed to keep their doors
open thus protecting jobs, revenues and a healthy recovery.
- The KCI Tax Increment Financing
Plan incubation,
implementation and continuation. This plan captures sales tax
from the retail area to assist with much needed infrastructure.
The Plan opened up hundreds of acres for development. Barry North
Center opened in 2001 with a Wal-Mart Super Center and Lowe’s
Home Improvement. The 2nd phase of the development, The Shops
at Boardwalk, is completed with a 510,000 total square foot center.
Retailers include J Jill, Chico's & Coldwater Creek, just
to name a few. Also underway in the TIF Plan is Zona Rosa, which
plans over a million square feet of retail space and began in
2002. The first phase of shops opened in May, 2004. Increased
retail options equal increased Platte County sales tax revenue.
- The Community Improvement District
(CID) along Tiffany Springs Parkway is coordinated
by the Platte County EDC. The CID brings property owners together
to make decisions about needed improvements to the area. Once
approved, the CID plan will facilitate district infrastructure
improvements, median enhancements and much needed lighting. Owners
in the CID agree to pay an assessment to fund the projects.
- The Riverside-Quindaro Bend Levee
project broke ground in the spring of 2002. Completed
in 2005, this $90 million project opened up nearly 1,000 acres
for development, previously unavailable due to flooding.
Platte County EDC has been involved in the successful completion
of over 127 projects that have created over 11,300 jobs in Platte
County. In 1999, the Platte County EDC was awarded the first ever
Missouri Governor’s Achievement Award for Economic Development.
Projects include:
 Citi
Cards — Built in 1994, Citi Cards is one of Kansas
City’s largest and most recognized corporate campuses, spanning
33 acres. Citi Cards employs 2,200 workers within the two-building
campus, which stretches nearly 300,000 square feet. In addition,
Citi Cards built one of the area’s only on-site childcare
center as part of its corporate campus. Citi Cards Family Center,
a 24,000 square foot facility, has capacity to serve 245 children
and offers convenience and peace of mind to employees which serves
as a valuable recruiting/retaining tool. - Mastercard International
— located in Platte County in 2003. The 87,000 square foot
facility serves as a co-processing center, providing service 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. This translates to unsurpassed customer
service. Mastercard's $50 million investment in its Platte County
location houses 35 employees.
- Harley-Davidson Final Assembly
Plant — Built in 1997, this is one of only two
final assembly plants in the U.S. Harley-Davidson began with 300
employees but in 2001, expanded and added another 600 employees.
The 900+ employees produce the Sportster, Dyna Glide and V-Rod
at this Kansas City, Platte County plant. A favorite of locals
and visitors alike, is the tour of the plant provided by H-D workers.
- Argosy Casino —
the Argosy Riverboat Casino was the first casino in the Kansas
City area and in 2004 celebrated a decade of entertainment. The
Argosy IV riverboat was custom built for Argosy Gaming Company
with over 30,000 square feet of gaming space with an occupancy
load of 2,000 passengers. Construction is complete on Argosy Casino’s
expansion — 58,000 square foot floating casino. This $90
million project held its grand opening in December, 2003. In 2004,
another $75 million expansion which includes a parking garage
and a hotel is underway. The Argosy employs over 900 employees.
 Saint
Luke’s Northland Hospital has more than doubled
its square footage. Saint Luke’s growth percentages in services
provided have more than doubled as well in almost every sector
from maternity to surgery to emergency room treatments. The $39
million expansion was completed in June of 2004. Construction
continues on other phases.- Faurecia Riverside LLC's $9
million investment along with its contracts with General Motors
to produce car seats makes them a welcome addition to the Platte
County business community. The 140 employees have had the opportunity
to participate in customized training as they strive to constantly
improve and enhance productivity.
- Farmland Foods is a
division that survived the bankruptcy of Farmland Industries They
renewed their commitment to Platte County as a major employer
in 2004 with the local payroll for 450 employees, half of which
are located here. Farmland Foods was purchased by Smithfield Foods,
a 60 year old company in Smithfield Virginia, & is the largest
pork company in the world. The company is investing in a complete
renovation of their space including the addition of a state of
the art test kitchen.
Program incubation is
another Platte County EDC forte’. Some of the programs started
by the PCEDC and then handed off to appropriate organizations include
the Kaufmann Foundation’s entrepreneurial training program
— FastTrac; tourism efforts now handled by the Platte County
Visitors Bureau and the Northland School to Career Partnership’s
education/ business connections now being made by BE2. The PCEDC
provided proof of impact of each of these activities thus leading
to their continuation through other entities.
Recognition of efforts
The PCEDC has received over 40 awards from state, regional,
national and international organizations for its marketing materials
promoting Platte County such as its Visitor Video, Real Estate Guide,
ads, special events and special ‘giveaway’ items.
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