Resources

Kansas City is a thriving cultural and economic center at the heart of the United States. The largest city in Missouri, Kansas City is the center of a bi-state Metropolitan Statistical Area composed of 15 counties:

Platte, Clinton, Caldwell, Clay, Ray, Jackson, Lafayette, Cass, and Bates counties in Missouri and Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson, Franklin, Miami, and Linn counties in Kansas.

First a trading post and river port settlement, the city developed after the Civil War as a link in the intercontinental railroad network, which led to prosperous grain, livestock, and meat-packing industries. During the twentieth century Kansas City garnered a national reputation for its distinctive architecture, boulevard system, and innovations in urban redevelopment. This redevelopment has continued into the twenty-first century, prompting Expansion Management magazine to name Kansas City the third “hottest city” in the United States for business expansion (2005).

Rick Usher
Assistant City Manager
City of Kansas City Missouri
Richard.Usher@kcmo.org
816-513-6559 

The Consular Corps – Kansas City, Missouri USA exists as a group to foster and advance an “esprit de corps” among its members and to promote and foster goodwill and cooperation between the member countries represented and the United States. The Corps presently consists of 24 career diplomats, honorary and emeritus consuls. Career diplomats are appointed by their country’s head of state or and are full-time servants of their government. Honorary Consuls are appointed to assist and report to career diplomats - Ambassadors and Consul Generals – in providing consular representation in a geographic area covered by the appointing career diplomat. All career diplomats and honorary consuls are accredited by the U.S. Department of State in accordance with the terms of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. The Corps also has emeritus members who previously served as a career diplomat or honorary consul and who have been invited to continue as members of the Corps.

Ross Marine
Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic to the Midwest USA
Consular Corps of Greater Kansas City
rossmarine@earthlink.net
816-943-0515

Gino Serra
Honorary Vice Consul of Italy
Consular Corps of Greater Kansas City
gino.serra@bryancave.com
816-374-3350

Sharon Valasek
Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic
Consular Corps of Greater Kansas City
svalasek@kc.rr.com

The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Kansas City, Missouri, is a 501c4 non-profit economic development agency created to manage the efforts of six statutory redevelopment agencies, and to serve as Kansas City, Missouri’s link to business and the economic development community. The agency provides job growth, job attraction, entrepreneurship, public financing, international business development, and real estate development support services. The EDC and its agencies work cooperatively to ensure a competitive, vibrant and self-sustaining economy. It collaborates with the City of KCMO and other organizations with its diverse workforce to achieve these goals. The EDC has several priorities such as retaining and growing existing Kansas City, Missouri, businesses, supporting the development of disadvantaged and opportunity areas in Kansas City, Missouri, promoting workforce development and job growth opportunities of residents and entrepreneurs, supporting new business formation, growth opportunities for existing Kansas City, Missouri, businesses, recruiting new business investment to Kansas City, Missouri, marketing the city of Kansas City, Missouri, regional, nationally and internationally, and maintaining committed leadership that facilitates and drives action to stimulate local economy. The EDC provides supports internationally to foreign direct investors, KCMO global companies looking to expand globally through exports and imports and welcomes global dignitaries to build stronger trade and cultural relationships between KCMO and the rest of the world.

Narbeli Galindo
Director of International Affairs and Trade
Economic Development Corporation Kansas City
ngalindo@edckc.com
816-691-2139

Global Ties KC is a non-profit, volunteer service organization whose purpose is to develop international relationships and inspire global understanding. We accomplish this through professional exchange programs that bring international visitors to meet with their American counterparts in our communities. First established in 1954 as the International Visitors Council of Greater Kansas City, Global Ties KC is responsible for creating professional programs for western Missouri and the entire state of Kansas for the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and other U.S. Department of State programs. Through the IVLP program, promising leaders in government, politics, the media, education, labor, science, and the arts are selected by American embassies overseas and travel to the US to meet with their local counterparts. The International Visitor Leadership Program is described by U.S. Ambassadors as the most effective foreign policy tool of American diplomacy.

Courtney Brooks
Executive Director
Global Ties KC
cbrooks@globaltieskc.org
816-421-4242

The Greater Kansas City Foreign Trade Zone, Inc. (GKCFTZ) is a regional grantee of the national FTZ program. GKCFTZ has been the grantee since 1974 and was the first non-profit organization to be designated a grantee. GKCFTZ sponsors both Foreign-Trade Zone No. 15 in Kansas City, Missouri, and Zone No. 17 in Kansas City, Kansas. Zone 15 serves FTZ needs in 22 contiguous counties in the western half Missouri. Zone 17 presently serves 9 counties in metropolitan Kansas City, Kansas.

GKCFTZ is one of the largest zone operators in the country with more than 17.6 million square feet of approved foreign trade zone space that includes General Purpose and Subzone space in both Kansas and Missouri. The Kansas City trade zones handle more volume than those of Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis and St. Louis and have more available space than any other area in the country.

Alfred J. Figuly
President & CEO
Greater Kansas City Foreign Trade Zone Inc
alfiguly@gkcftz.com
816-474-2227

ISM - KC is an affiliate of The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) which exists to educate, develop and advance the purchasing and supply management profession. ISM is a progressive, not-for-profit association with a mission to provide national and international leadership in purchasing and materials management, particularly in the areas of education, research and standards of excellence.

Through various resources and a network of more than 180 affiliated organizations like ISM - KC, ISM provides opportunities for expansion of professional skills and knowledge.

Members of ISM-KC, Inc. are recognized as world class supply chain professionals. ISM-KC serves as a center of excellence in establishing and maintaining best-in-class professional standards of competency and ethical conduct.

Esmeralda Phillips, CPM, CPSM
President
Waddell & Reed
ephillips@waddell.com
913-236-1710

The International Relations Council (IRC), the Kansas City affiliate of the World Affairs Councils of America, leads conversations around foreign affairs, global issues, international relations, and their connection to the local community. We work with area businesses, organizations, universities, and K-12 schools to put on programs that bring a global perspective to Kansas City. Our programs include lectures and panel discussions with dignitaries and foreign-policy experts, opportunities for area business leaders to strengthen relationships abroad, and academic offerings to foster the global competence of K-12 students. We believe that promoting global awareness and understanding helps us support and strengthen our community.

Matthew Hughes
Executive Director
International Relations Council
mhughes@irckc.org
816-423-2632 

The International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City (ITCGKC) is a regional nonprofit professional association committed to building a successful international business community and a strong international network in the Kansas City region. To achieve this, ITCGKC connects professionals and global partners in the international business and academic communities, delivers timely international trade education, and bridges access to relevant resources.

Mary Odom
Executive Director
International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City
Office@itcgckc.org
816-830-2364

The Kansas Small Business Development Center at Johnson County Community College is the business owner's starting point for exporting products (and many services). America's SBDC Kansas Certified Global Business Professionals (CGBP) work with clients on: 

• Preparing the client's business for international growth
• Developing a strategic export plan
• International market research - choosing a country or market
• Assistance with obtaining export working capital loans, international trade expansion loans and foreign receivables guarantees
• Introductions to international trade resources in KC
• International trade training, both in-person and on-line

America's SBDC Kansas at JCCC helps Kansas small business owners and entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses through confidential, one-on-one business management advising, educational programs and low-cost training.

John Addessi, CBGP
Advisor, America’s SBDC Kansas
Johnson County Community College
jaddessi@jccc.edu
913-469-3922

Stephanie Landis, CBGP
Advisor, America’s SBDC Kansas
Johnson County Community College
slandis1@jccc.edu
913-469-4485

Elisa Waldman
Regional Director: America’s SBDC Kansas
Johnson County Community College
ewaldman@jccc.edu
913-469-4435

KCSourceLink connects 240+ business-building organizations across the 18-county bi-state metro. Through KCSourceLink, thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners are able to gain access to the right resource at the right time to start, grow and accelerate their businesses. We work directly with businesses to learn where you are in the business process and where you want to go. We then create a detailed personal action plan to help you get there, connecting you with the people and resources needed to complete each step of the plan. KCSourceLink has also been leading the effort to make Kansas City America’s most entrepreneurial city. That means we help coordinate great events for entrepreneurs, like Global Entrepreneurship. We also help fill gaps in resources and bring national resources to the community.

Jenny Miller
Network Builder
KCSourceLink
millerj@kcsourcelink.com
816-235-6500

KC SmartPort is a non-profit economic development organization that works to attract freight-based companies, such as manufacturing, distribution and warehouses, to the 18 county, bi-state Kansas City region.

Chris Gutierrez
President
Kansas City SmartPort
Gutierrez@kcsmartport.com
816-374-5680

Elli Bowen
Vice President, Business Development
Bowen@kcsmartport.com
816-374-5640

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Under the leadership of Acting Secretary Antonio Soave, the Department comprises a variety of programs and services that create jobs, attract new investment, provide workforce training, encourage community development and promote the state as a wonderful place to live and work. This is accomplished through the department’s two divisions: Business and Community Development and Workforce Services.

Chang Lu
International Trade Representative
Kansas Department of Commerce
Chang.Lu@ks.gov
913-307-7378

The Mid-America District Export Council (MADEC) is a not-for-profit corporation whose members have been appointed by the Secretary of Commerce of the United States because of their recognized expertise in international trade matters and leadership role in the export community. Although members of the DEC are appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and the DEC works closely with the U.S. Department of Commerce and other federal and state agencies, it is an independent non-governmental organization. It is not authorized to act on behalf of the United States Government, and all opinions expressed by the members are strictly their own.

Robert J. Rebori
Chair
Mid America DEC
rrebori@biomicrobics.com
913-422-0707

The Missouri Department of Economic Development’s International Trade & Investment Office (MITI) is the lead agency for export assistance in the State of Missouri, with 11 foreign offices around the world. These offices also play a major role in foreign direct investment lead generation within their respective markets. The offices are located in Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. MITI is your extended staff and partner when doing business in the global markets. Our experienced and multilingual international business managers and global office network personnel can provide the critical assistance necessary to ensure your competitive success.

John Hensley
International Trade Manager
Missouri Department of Economic Development
John.Hensley@ded.mo.gov
573-751-4982 

Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) at UMKC is Kansas City’s leading resource for growing and developing businesses. The Center was founded to provide small businesses and technology venture firms in the Kansas City region with the analysis, training, and guidance they need to confidently grow and develop.

An affiliate of UMKC’s Office of the Provost and a member of  the Missouri Small Business & Technology Development Center, the Missouri SBDC and SBTDC at UMKC program is part of a nationwide network. These connections give us unique access to the information and resources you need to take your business to the next level.

Our experienced and dedicated staff include current and former business owners, executives and coaches. Most important, they are partners in shaping the future of your business. They provide knowledge and expertise in the areas of consulting, management, finance, marketing, technology ventures, international trade, retail, accounting, strategic planning and more.

They are passionate about the work they do and have a proven track record in giving sound advice for developing small businesses.

Delia Marin
Business Development Consultant
Procurement Specialist
Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Co-located with
Missouri Small Business Development Center at UMKC
8126-235-6769
marind@umkc.edu

Pan-American Association of Greater Kansas City is a United States tax-exempt [501(c)(3)] not-for-profit, non-political, non-denominational, non-governmental (NGO) organization of like-minded citizens, from all walks of life and of different heritages, who are interested in expanding their knowledge and understanding of the countries of the “Americas,” enhancing relations between the U. S./ Kansas City and other countries of the “Americas,” and contributing to peace and prosperity in the hemisphere. The mission and purpose of the Pan American Association of Kansas City is to help educate the community, particularly youth, about the geography, history, culture, art, music, economies, and customs of the countries of the Western Hemisphere (the “Americas”); primarily the member countries of the Organization of American States (OAS), of which the U. S. is a member, and about the OAS. The Pan American Association is also the sponsoring organization for the Grand Boulevard of the Americas. We are funded through membership dues, donations, sponsorships and grants.

Fred Baehner
Director
Pan-American Association of Greater Kansas City
fbaehner@intermark3.com
816-384-2150

People to People International (PTPI), with World Headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri USA, was established by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower on September 11, 1956, to enhance international understanding and friendship through educational, cultural, and humanitarian activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences directly among peoples of different countries and diverse cultures. PTPI, as a NGO with a U.S. not-for-profit [501 (c)(3)] tax rating, has reached more than 160 countries with people of all ages participating in our programs. Please visit www.ptpi.org for more information.

Anna Bazan-Munguia
Director of Travel & Business Development
People to People International
annabazan@ptpi.org
816-531-4701 

Port KC serves as a public redevelopment organization for the purpose of generating new capital investment for both private venture and public infrastructure in order to produce new job opportunities, and increased tax base and for the overall economic vitality of Kansas City. Port KC’s mission is to foster the economic vitality of Kansas City, MO, through transportation, trade, commerce, and development.

Zoraya Rowlands
Vice President, Operations
Port KC
zrowlands@portkc.com
816-559-3722

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. We recognize that small business is critical to our economic recovery and strength, to building America’s future, and to helping the United States compete in today’s global marketplace. Although SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam.

Small Business Administration - Kansas City District
1000 Walnut St., Ste. 500
Kansas City, MO 64106
816-426-4900
Kansascity_do@sba.gov

Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAA), a federal program, provides financial assistance to manufacturers affected by import competition. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce, this cost sharing federal assistance program pays for half the cost of consultants or industry-specific experts for projects that improve a manufacturer’s competitiveness.

Rebecca Nace
Assistant Director; Project Manager
Trade Adjustment Assistance Center
nacer@taacenter.org

The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.  Utilizing our network of trade promotion and policy professionals located in over 70 countries and 100 U.S. locations, U.S. Commercial Service promotes U.S. exports, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises; effectively assists U.S. businesses and partners in entering and expanding in international markets, addressing barriers to accessing foreign markets, winning foreign government procurements and attracting inward investment.

U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Commercial Service – Kansas City
1000 Walnut St., Suite 505
Kansas City, MO 64106
816-421-1876

Sally Pacheco
Sr. International Trade Specialist
U.S. Commercial Service – Kansas City
Sally.Pacheco@trade.gov
816-421-0541

The Greater Kansas City Chapter of the United Nations Association represents members of the United Nations Association in western Missouri and eastern Kansas. Our chapter has established tremendous programs in support of the U.N. including the Mayor’s United Nations Day Dinner (a Kansas City tradition since 1972), the U.N. Peacekeepers Roundtable (in cooperation with the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum and the U.N. Peace Plaza), and the U.N.A. Roundtable on Food and Agriculture. Our energetic Young Professionals Group has promoted U.N. programs relating to children, refugees and peacekeeping.

Michael Wizniak
Board of Directors
United Nations Association of Kansas City
michaelwizniak@gmail.com
(202) 746-7022

The MU International Trade Center is a partnership of the University of Missouri Extension Business Development Program, Missouri Small Business Development Centers and the University of Missouri Trulaske College of Business. The goal of the International Trade Center is to promote economic development and aid in the international decision-making of Missouri businesses, while providing MU students, tomorrow’s business leaders, opportunities for experiential learning. The International Trade Center utilizes the time and talent of student interns, MU faculty, International Trade Specialists located across the state, along with cutting-edge trade databases, to conduct customized research to meet your business needs. The information can be used to effectively evaluate global market opportunities in a timely, meaningful and affordable way. Working with the International Trade Center better positions your business to strategically enter or expand in the global marketplace.

Jackie Rasmussen
International Trade Specialist
University of Missouri Extension Center
RasmussenJ@missouri.edu
573-346-2644

WTC-KC serves domestic and international companies interested in doing business in Kansas City. As a central convener of the region’s international business community, it supports the region through a variety of programs and services including educational workshops, export documentation processing, market research services, and networking events. World Trade Center Kansas City also helps companies identify and take advantage of existing assets in our region to increase exports and to procure goods and services from international markets.

WTC-KC works to support and enhance a prosperous export economy, thereby accelerating Kansas City’s economic development through coordinated delivery of export services, championing large exporters, and identifying and targeting priority markets. Partnership with WTC-KC empowers investors in their role as key developers of a thriving global marketplace.

Melissa Miller
Senior Manager
World Trade Center - Kansas City
mmiller@kcchamber.com
816-374-5469

Kaitlin Bast
Manager
World Trade Center - Kansas City
bast@kcchamber.com
816-374-5465