35th Annual Business Excellence Awards

The Platte County Economic Development Council celebrated its 35th Annual Business Excellence Luncheon on Friday, December 12th at Argosy Casino & Hotel.  Since 1991, the Platte County EDC has given 206 Business Excellence Awards. Thank you to everyone who sponsored this year’s celebration!

• Parking Company of America, Title Sponsor
• Meta, Platinum Sponsor
• NKC Health, Awards Sponsor
• Bank of Weston, Program Sponsor

A special thank you to Arch Photo KC for capturing all of the photos for our event!

This year’s event theme, “Future Focused, Workforce Ready,” reflects the spirit of ambition and innovation driving our efforts in 2026. It also mirrors the buzz and growth happening right here in Platte County – one of Missouri’s fastest-growing counties!

Five Platte County communities honored local businesses with the Community Development Award, celebrating their achievements within the area. Additionally, three Platte County organizations received Business Excellence Awards for their contributions to job creation, significant expansions, and investment projects. Lastly, PCEDC recognized two outstanding individuals for their exceptional partnership with the organization and exemplary leadership in Platte County.

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2025 Community Development Awards

The Community Development Award recognizes civic and business leadership in five Platte County communities. Each of the businesses recognized is a successful and integral part of Platte County, capturing the spirit of community far beyond serving their customers’ needs.

 

Weston Award: Hollday Distillery

Located in Weston, Holladay Distillery stands as a remarkable piece of living history. Founded in 1856, it is Missouri's oldest distillery, and the oldest distillery west of the Mississippi still operating on its original site.

After a decades-long pause in bourbon production, Holladay reignited its legacy in 2015, reintroducing authentic Missouri-made bourbon to the region. Since then, the distillery has experienced tremendous growth, producing award-winning bourbons like Benn Holladay and Holladay Soft Red Wheat, and embracing innovation through special releases and updating aging facilities.

Just this year, Holladay expanded again with the addition of a 60,000-square-foot rickhouse, representing significant capital investment.

 

Platte City Award: Fetterman's

Fetterman's has quickly become a beloved community staple in Platte City. Since opening its doors in 2022, this family-owned deli has brought a high-quality approach to sandwiches, breakfast items, and other local treats. With made-to-order offerings using premium ingredients, Fetterman's has set a new standard for service and care.

Beyond its exceptional food, Fetterman's stands out for its warm, community-focused atmosphere, making it a true neighborhood gathering spot for Platte City residents. Due to its popularity, Fetterman's opened a second location just this year in Parkville.

May Hoeger says, "Fetterman's is an outstanding business and a true community partner. They're deeply involved in the Platte City area, supporting the Platte County R-3 School District, the Platte City Area Chamber, and several local non-profits. Among many other efforts, they host the hot dog eating contest during our Independence Day celebration and donate all the funds raised from this event to charity. They truly embody what community spirit looks like, and Platte City is grateful that they are a part of our community."

 

Riverside Award: ProBuilt Pool & Patio

Based in Riverside, Probuilt Pool & Patio has been transforming backyards into dream outdoor living spaces since 2006. Specializing in fiberglass pools, patios, hot tubs, saunas, and complete outdoor kitchens, Probuilt combines expertise, quality craftsmanship, and innovative design to help homeowners create the ultimate backyard oasis.

With nearly two decades of service in Riverside and the surrounding region, Probuilt has become a trusted name in outdoor living. From design to installation and ongoing customer support, they ensure every project meets the unique needs of their clients.

Mayor Rose says, "In Riverside, we've been fortunate to celebrate some high-profile projects in the past several years. But it's important to realize that small businesses continue to be the heart of our community. Just like many of our other local winners over the years, Probuilt Pool & Patio has found a home in Riverside that has allowed them to grow and serve clients throughout the Northland and greater metro area. We look forward to their continued success."

 

Parkville Award: Prima Facie

Located in the heart of downtown Parkville, Prima Facie has become a popular restaurant for the Northland community. In 2024, the Versfelds transformed a 6,622-square-foot former bank building into a stunning mixed-use property that now houses both Prima Facie Bistro and The Market at Prima Facie, alongside the Offices of Versfeld and Hugo LLC. This $3.5 million redevelopment project added nearly 3,200 square feet of new space and introduced Parkville's first downtown restaurant drive-thru.

Prima combines the elegance of a modern bistro with the charm of a casual cafe. Guests can enjoy chef-inspired dishes in the Bistro or stop by for a quick bite from the Market. Even the original bank vault has been transformed into a unique private dining space, adding a touch of character to every visit.

Mayor Katerndahl says, "Through their creativity and faith-driven vision, the Versfelds have created more than just restaurants; they have built community spaces where people can gather, celebrate, and connect. Their dedication to quality, hospitality, and local investment has enhanced Parkville's historic downtown, contributed to its economic vitality, and strengthened the city's small-town charm."

 

Kansas City District 1 Award: Fitti's Espresso

Fitti's Espresso has become more than just a coffee shop here in Platte County. It's a welcoming business for the community. This locally veteran-owned and operated cafe is known for crafting high-quality espresso drinks, alongside freshly made breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and grab-and-go favorites. The Soule's started Fitti's four years ago, inspired by the coffee shop Jeff Soule's mom once owned and operated. After COVID, they decided to use the skills and equipment from that family business to create their own cafe.

Fitti's has a commitment to hospitality, as guests are greeted with a friendly smile, personal service, and every drink is crafted with care. In just a few short years, Fitti's has earned significant recognition, being voted #2 in the Kansas City Favorites competition two years in a row.

Councilmen Willett and O'Neill say, "In only a few years, Fitti's has quickly become a popular local staple, known for its inviting atmosphere, great coffee, and genuine connections they create with every customer. Fitti's is truly a business rooted in heart and purpose. Their passion, service, and commitment to the Platte County community make them truly deserving of this award."

 

Kansas City District 2 Award: Wexford Place

Wexford Place is a premier senior-living community dedicated to providing comfort, care, and an exceptional quality of life. Offering independent living, assisted living, and memory-support services, Wexford Place ensures that residents have access to the right level of care at every stage of life.

Residents enjoy modern, spacious apartments, restaurant-style dining, fitness and wellness programs, and a variety of social and recreational activities. The community also offers 24/7 on-site care, therapy services, transportation, and housekeeping to create a safe, convenient, and welcoming environment.

Councilpersons Rogers and French say, "Wexford Place is known for bringing a welcoming warmth, connection, and purpose to all those who visit and stay. But it's not only a great place for seniors to live. It also serves as a true community hub, hosting neighborhood and city meetings that bring residents together to engage and connect. Wexford Place was also recently featured in KC Spotlight, highlighting their flourishing community and the exceptional environment they provide for seniors and their families."

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2025 Business Excellence Awards

The Business Excellence Awards are an honor roll of businesses that have made significant investments in the creation and retention of jobs and quality of life in Platte County.

 

Community Impact Award: Central Power Systems & Services

At the end of 2024, Central Power Systems & Services, a leader in power generation solutions since 1954, announced a major expansion into Platte City with a new facility in Platte International Commerce Center. Known as Project Big Red, this expansion includes a 750,000-square-foot manufacturing hub dedicated to producing PowerForce generators, helping to support the tremendous growth happening across the power generation sector.

Investing more than $28 million, Central Power's new facility also features a hands-on training center equipped with state-of-the-art technology, new machinery to increase production capabilities, and additional space to support future growth.

This expansion not only strengthens their operations, bringing over 245 new jobs to Platte County, but also demonstrates their commitment to innovation and workforce development. The company is empowering local high school students by partnering with our school districts to create internship opportunities, helping to build the next generation of skilled talent.

 

Golden Shovel Award: Meta

In 2022, Meta announced that Kansas City would be home to its next hyperscale data center due to its excellent infrastructure, robust electrical grid, and strong talent pool. Construction of the site began soon after, with an average of 1,500 skilled trade workers on site at peak.

On August 20, 2025, Meta's Kansas City Data Center officially began serving traffic, becoming part of the company's global infrastructure and connecting billions of people worldwide. This state-of-the-art facility represents more than $1 billion in investment, is LEED Gold certified, and matches its electricity use with 100% clean and renewable energy.

From the beginning, Meta has committed to being an active part of the Kansas City community, providing $1 million in direct funding to Platte County, Clay County, the City of Kansas City, Missouri schools, and nonprofits. They also support small local businesses by providing Community Accelerator events focused on AI training. Platte County EDC is proud to have been part of the team to recruit Meta to Kansas City and is excited to partner with them to support technology in our region.

 

Rainmaker Award: City of Riverside

Over the last few years, Riverside has secured some truly transformative projects, fueling the growth of its community. In 2022, they welcomed the KC Current with a state-of-the-art $18 million training complex, the first purpose-built facility for professional women athletes. In just three years, the complex has continued to expand and is now under construction with its next phase of development, bringing the total investment to $52 million.

Additionally, at the end of 2024, construction began on the region's newest music venue, The Morton Amphitheater. A project seven years in the making in partnership between the City of Riverside and Live Nation, this $120 million facility will bring over 300 jobs and seat nearly 16,000 guests once it opens in the spring of 2026, just in time for the World Cup!

Riverside has shown what visionary planning, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to community can achieve. The city's dedication and leadership under Mayor Kathy Rose has created an environment where businesses thrive, residents are engaged, and economic growth prospers.

 

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Individual Awards

The Individual Awards recognize individuals within the community whose remarkable leadership and partnership have left a lasting mark on Platte County.

 

Legacy Award

This award honors individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on our organization and county. Recipients of this award are those who have dedicated years of service, generously sharing their time, expertise, and connections to benefit and foster growth within the community.

This year’s recipient is a long-time friend and supporter of the EDC. He has been at the table for many project discussions, providing his extensive insight on transportation infrastructure and design. As Aaron Schmidt puts it, "Frank had meticulous attention to detail and an effortless talent for getting everyone on board. He was an extroverted engineer, the kind who'd talk to other people's feet instead of staring at his own." Over the years, Frank has provided countless hours of his time championing Platte County projects, including light rail from the airport to downtown with Mayor Kathy Rose right by his side.

It is our privilege to present this year's Legacy Award to Frank Weatherford!

 

Chairman Award

This year’s Chairman Award is awarded to none other than Platte County EDC’s Chairman, Brian Johanning. Brian's commitment to the EDC has been invaluable, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to helping Platte County thrive.

We greatly appreciate the time, energy, and expertise Brian has devoted to supporting and advancing the goals of the EDC, which goes far beyond attending monthly meetings! His time as Chairman has played a vital role in the continued efforts of growth and development throughout Platte County.

Executive Director, Tina Chace, says, "I especially appreciate Brian for his unwavering loyalty to this organization and the Northland. Many times, Brian went out of his way to prioritize his role as Chairman over his own full-time responsibilities, and it is reflected in this year's accomplishments. Thank you!"

On behalf of the EDC staff and Board, thank you, Brian, for your service, dedication, and support of Platte County EDC, not only during your time as chairman, but for your entire tenure on the board and executive committee.