The news just keeps on getting better for Martin City! We are excited to announce the Martin City CID has been named as one of 10 winners of the Cornerstone Award from the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri.
The Cornerstone Awards celebrates and recognizes businesses in Kansas City, Missouri who have contributed to economic growth of Kansas City’s economy. In fact, this is the first time in the 27 year history of the awards an entire group of businesses has been named a winner.
What happens now? We need your help!
A public vote is now open to select one “People’s Choice” award from the 10 winners. The People’s Choice winner will be announced at the EDC’s Cornerstone Awards Ceremony on May 11, 2016, at Union Station from 4:00-6:30.
Please help us spread the word about all the great work we are doing in Martin City so we can drum up votes and win the People’s Choice award!
CLICK HERE TO VOTE
Who is the “Martin City CID?”
The Martin City CID started in January 2005 when over 70 local businesses joined together and levied a special sales and property tax to improve economic development. For 11 years, all the business owners have remained committed and focused on the CID’s goals, no matter how many obstacles come up.
Curtis Stroud, co-owner of Rosehill Gardens, has been involved in the CID since its inception and currently serves as vice president. Stroud says the CID has been successful because of the many people and businesses committed to improving Martin City, starting with our original district manager, Barb Engel.
“Everyone has put so much time and energy into getting much-needed work done,” says Stroud. “We still have a ways to go but it’s rewarding to look back and see what all our time and energy has already been able to produce. And to be publicly recognized for that work is a wonderful bonus!”
In 2015, businesses in the Martin City CID collectively contributed an estimated $50M in sales tax revenue to KCMO.
This award further solidifies the positive working relationship Martin City has with Kansas City, Missouri. In the past, Martin City has often been overlooked not only because we are so far south but also because we have held on to our neighborhood name of “Martin City.” That tends to give the perception that Martin City is its own city entity instead of a recognized portion of Kansas City, Missouri’s 6th District and we hope this award will bring some recognition to that fact. The MCCID has had many Cornerstone nominees and several winners in the past.
More people than ever are taking notice of the huge economic impact Martin City brings to the table with its CID sales tax requirement and ongoing job opportunities. Missy Wilson, the Executive Director of the Martin City CID, says the CID’s economic contribution to KCMO is significant.
“In 2015, KCMO collected an estimated $50 million in sales tax from businesses within the Martin City CID boundaries,” says Wilson. “The job, development, and sales tax opportunities in Martin City are often overlooked, but we are having a strong impact on the entire city.”
While other small towns on both sides of the state line have been swallowed up by surrounding cities, Martin City has been able to keep its own identity. We have maintained a local, small town feel with locally-owned businesses.
“When I talk to people, there is a buzz around Martin City,” says Stroud. “We have our own uniqueness as a part of Kansas City, and it is great other people in the city are recognizing the work accomplished here.”
Martin City’s restaurants and business developments have brought Martin City regional and national attention. Jess and Jim’s Steakhouse was named one of the 10 best steakhouses in the nation by Yahoo!
Entrepreneur Gary Fish announced plans for his new business venture, FishTech, which recently broke ground on a $10.2 million state-of-the-art facility scheduled to open in November 2016. Volleyball Beach added a giant air dome for winter beach volleyball, making it the largest dome for beach volleyball in the nation! The facility is attracting sports enthusiasts from all over the region and is receiving national attention for its size and scope.
We are thrilled to win this award and will continue to make improvements that make our community better. Future plans include finishing the 135th Street construction project, attracting businesses who are a good fit for Martin City and continuing our work to help businesses grow and thrive in Martin City. It truly is a great place to be!
View the complete list of Cornerstone finalists here and make sure to mark your calendars so you can celebrate with us at the Cornerstone Awards reception on Wednesday, May 11th from 4-6 PM at Union Station.