Banking on KC

On this episode of Banking on KC, Elaina Paige Thomas of The Next Paige Agency, Kansas City’s first black-owned talent management and production agency for performing artists, joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss the future of Kansas City within the national entertainment industry. Tune in to discover: What Elaina learned during a dance career that included working with Beyonce, Debbie Allen and ot...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Tammy Buckner, founder and CEO of WeCode KC, joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss how the nonprofit’s programs build technology skills among youth, propelling them to a better future. Tune in to discover: Why Tammy believes coding is a path to economic prosperity for underserved youth—and at the same time, creates a pipeline of STEM professionals for the industry....

On this episode of Banking on KC, Natasha Kirsch, founder of The Grooming Project, joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss how the organization, the only nonprofit dog grooming school in the country, helps to break the cycle of poverty through job training that inspires love and hope. Tune in to learn about: How a conversation with her mother and her own background working with homeless families inspi...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of KU Cancer Center, joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss how the Cancer Center continues to transform the care experience for patients while providing access to breakthrough ideas and new treatments. Tune in to learn about: The KU Cancer Center’s prominent national reputation in cancer research. Some of the innovative r...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Joy Beth Scammahorn-Orr of Plaza Academy, joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss the mission and community impact of Plaza Academy. Tune in to discover the: Surprising way in which Plaza Academy got its start 50 years ago. Diversity among the students Plaza Academy serves. Plaza Academy’s unique academic approach. Plaza Academy’s single-greatest community impact over...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Barnett Helzberg, former chairman of Helzberg Diamonds and founder of the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program (HEMP), joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss entrepreneurship in Kansas City. Tune in to discover: How Barnett’s inspiration for starting HEMP stemmed from his relationship with Ewing Kauffman. Why he and so many entrepreneurs are excited about HEMP....

On this episode of Banking on KC, Dr. Michelle Robin, founder of Small Changes Big Shifts, joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss her annual 31-Day Kindness Campaign and how small, individual acts of kindness can change the world. Tune in to discover: Dr. Robin’s journey, including how acts of kindness shown to her have changed her life. What the 31-Day Kindness Campaign involves—and how you can part...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Chris Rosson, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Kansas City, joins host Kelly Scanlon to talk about this year’s United Way campaign and the how the organization is a conduit for Kansas Citians to help Kansas Citians. Tune in to discover: How the United Way was established in Kansas City more than 100 years ago. The organizations three main focus areas. Th...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Gary and Trish Walker, co-founders of Monkey Brain Art, join host Kelly Scanlon to discuss how their new nonprofit uses art, meditation and mindfulness to help veterans and first responders combat PTSD. Tune in to discover how the: Organization was an outgrowth of Gary’s use of art to battle his own PTSD. Monkey Brain Art acquired its name. Program that drives Mon...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Glenn North, co-founder of the African American Artists Collective and poet laureate of the 18th and Vine Historic District, joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss the mission of the AAAC. In addition to being an award-winning poet, Glenn is an activist, educator and arts executive. Tune in to discover: The role of art in preserving history. How museums can be used t...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Max Kaniger, founder of Kanbe’s Markets, joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss how Kanbe’s Markets is providing access to fresh and affordable food in neighborhoods experiencing food insecurity. Tune in to discover how Kanbe’s has created a food delivery system, or ecosystem—of residents, small businesses, wholesalers, other nonprofits and farmers—that provides heal...

On this episode of Banking on KC, business, civic and philanthropic leader Jan Kreamer joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss how embracing personal involvement from all Kansas Citians has led to a stronger community. Tune in to discover the: Origins of Exchange City and what watching students become totally immersed in that model city taught her. Contributions Jan has made in shaping many of Kansas...

On this episode of Banking on KC, we celebrate our 100th episode of the podcast. Mary O’Connor and Joe Close of Country Club Bank join host Kelly Scanlon to share their visions for Kansas City, how the podcast is connecting Kansas Citians, and what each of us can do to make Kansas City a better place in which to live and work. Country Club Bank – Member FDIC The views and opinions shared in this p...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Julie Edlund, CEO of Life Unlimited, joins host Kelly Scanlon to create awareness about the programs the organization offers to help individuals with disabilities experience life with possibilities. Tune in to learn about: How three established organizations merged to create one stronger organization—Life Unlimited—to serve individuals with disabilities. The vario...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Mindy Corporon, founder of Faith Always Wins Foundation, joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss how she and her family, in the aftermath of tragedy, created an organization—and a movement—to promote a better world through kindness. Tune in to discover: The circumstances that led to the founding of the Faith Always Wins Foundation. The mission of the foundation—and ho...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Kemet Coleman, award-winning musician, urbanist and co-founder of Vine Street Brewing, joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss efforts to build community and the launch of the first black-owned brewery in Kansas City. Tune in to discover: What a “creative placemaker” means—and why Kemet has adopted the title himself. The role Kemet has played in defining Kansas City’s...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Kilee Nickels, founder of Nickel & Suede, joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss her company’s growth and efforts to support other entrepreneurs. Tune in to discover: The inspiration behind her jewelry designs. How Nickels has managed her company from startup to international brand. The secret behind building loyal customers. The role of social media in developing a...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Paul Schofer, president and CEO of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss why enriching the lives of everyone in Kansas City has always been central to the Center’s vision. Tune in to discover the Center’s: Longstanding mission to be open, engaging and welcoming for all. Approach to diversity in programming. Economic impac...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Teresa Hamilton, founder of Giving the Basics, joins host Kelly Scanlon to share details about the nonprofit’s mission to “give the basics” to those lacking personal hygiene products in the U.S. Tune in to discover: Why Teresa was inspired to found Giving the Basics. How the organization works through community organizations to broaden their reach and impact. Item...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Debbie Wilkerson, president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss how individuals and companies can grow their charitable giving using the resources the Foundation offers. Tune in to discover: The advantages of a donor-advised fund. How the Foundation’s professional advisory services assist donors. The benefit...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Chris Lewellen, president of popular Waldo and Brookside restaurants The Well Bar Grill & Rooftop, Lew’s Grill and Bar, and Charlie Hooper’s Bar and Grille, joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss his entrepreneurial journey, his father’s legacy, the opportunities that lie ahead for Kansas City and why he’s so committed to building community. Country Club Bank – Membe...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Andrew Dowis, CEO of Pro Athlete, joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss how to create a game-winning culture and the key to creating a purpose-driven brand. Tune in to discover why it’s important to be intentional about your company culture, how Pro Athlete has made stewardship actionable and impactful, the keys to ensuring the integrity and sustainability of a purp...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Dr. Williams, executive director of the Black Archives of Mid-America, joins host Kelly Scanlon to announce the launch of the new Genealogy Lab and why it’s important to the Black Archive’s mission and to our local history. Plus, get a sneak preview of the new exhibit the Black Archives will be opening soon—the Women’s Pro Basketball Hall of Fame. Country Club Ban...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Justin Hoover, executive director of The Battle Within, joins host Kelly Scanlon to discuss how the organization provides veterans and first responders with a path to healing. Founded by a group of veterans, first responders, community leaders and other supporters, The Battle Within helps “warriors” heal from the traumas they have experienced during their service...

On this episode of Banking on KC, Jon Stephens, president and CEO of Port KC, joins host Kelly Scanlon to provide an update on some of the new initiatives Port KC is working on and their impact on Kansas City and the surrounding region. Find out about the progress of the new river terminal, more plans for Berkeley Riverfront, the KC Streetcar expansion, additional plans for 49 Crossing, and the op...