Have you ever heard of the MCBCA (Martin City Business Community Association)? They are the local Martin City business association who coordinates, and hosts, the annual Irishpalooza St. Patrick’s parade in Martin City – work that takes months of planning and many volunteers. The parade draws thousands of spectators each year and has long been considered “Kansas City’s Biggest Little Fun Parade”. The Whiskey 5K Race is also coordinated and hosted through the efforts of MCBCA, who works with KC Running Company to promote the race. They have together grow the Whiskey Run 5K Race from 86 runners to 451 runners in three years.
Last year, the MCBCA added a new event, the Holiday Lighting Ceremony. The event will be held this year on Thursday evening, November 19, 2015.
So who exactly makes up the MCBCA?
The MCBCA board is made up of Martin City business owners and/or residents who work to ensure Martin City’s best interests are being served.
Denise Amor Dostal, the MCBCA’s treasurer, makes commercial signs for a few of the businesses in Martin City as well as the CID and MCBCA. Martin City has been her home for 20 years and she serves on the MCBCA board to help ensure the community’s future growth and success.
Bridget Elleman, Office Manager and HR Resources at Rob Sight Ford, is the MCBCA’s Secretary. Bridget has historically been the “go to person” at Rob Sight Ford to help the MCBCA secure the cars used in the annual St. Patrick’s parade for the Grand Marshall, local dignitaries, Prince & Princess winners, Best Dress Dog Winners, and several others.
Several months ago, the Board reached out to Bridget to ask her if she would be willing to serve as Secretary after they learned that their long-time Board Secretary, Marcy Simon, Assistant Principle of Martin City K-8 School, would be stepping down from her position so she could accept a new Principle job at a different school. Bridget eagerly agreed to serve and we are excited that she will be working closely with other members to ensure all MCBCA goals are being met.
The newest member to join the MCBCA board is Farrah Walker, President of LaserEquipment, the new toner/cartridge company that recently moved in next door to Hanger’s Cleaners. Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, just North of Martin City off of Holmes Rd., Walker attended elementary and junior high school in the Center School District, moved and attended Grandview West Middle School, until she finished high school at The Barstow School.
When asked what she found most exciting about being a part of MCBCA, she said “I am excited for the opportunity to join and work together with our new neighbors, and I enjoy being involved in caring for, and growing our community. She said she plans to learn what the community’s pain points and goals are so she can determine priorities.
“I hope to help organize ideas and suggest possible solutions that help support the overall vision and mission of both the MCBCA and the CID,” says Walker. “I want to be able to celebrate with our board and our local businesses, our commitment and sense of pride for our community’s accomplishments.
Karyn Brooke, MCBCA President and President of Sidelines Custom Floral Designs says that’s exactly why she has continued to serve for more than 10 years, and is excited to see more people interested in the MCBCA. With the clout of the MCCID as a political subdivision, MCBCA has been able to focus on bettering the area through a variety of marketing promotions, public events, and collaborations with government, neighborhood, civic and educational partners, and plans to continue seeking out strong candidates to help move their mission forward.
*If you are interested in filling an open position on the MCBCA board, please contact Karyn Brook at 816-941-8814 for more information.* The MCBCA meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:15 a.m. at Sidelines Custom Floral in Martin City. Learn more about the MCBCA here.
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