KCBT Awarded The Cornerstone Award

The Kansas City Board of Trade has been awarded the EDC Cornerstone Award on October 8 for its building renovation and dedication of "Heartland Harvest" in April 1999. The KCBT invested $2.5 million in a complete interior and exterior facelift of its public spaces. This renovation included the addition of "Heartland Harvest", a 50-foot tall copper sculpture on the north side of its building. The renovation was completed in response to the evolving Main Street area and creates a new front door to the historic Plaza. The project created or retained 350 jobs. The Cornerstone Award program was initiated by the Economic Development Corporation 21 years ago to recognize investments made by companies in Kansas City, Missouri. The program initially recognized primarily new business construction and renovation projects. However, in time the awards were expanded to include neighborhood projects, technological investments, promotion of international trade and film production projects, and housing, community and educational projects. A selection committee made up of EDC Board members selects winning projects based on investments and new jobs, and on the project's effect on issues such as education, quality of life, and the project's impact on community and surrounding neighborhoods. In essence, the Cornerstone Award program reflects the complexity of issues surrounding economic growth and development. The Cornerstone Awards are presented annually at a luncheon held in early autumn. The mayor of Kansas City presents an address to honor the award winners, and a slide show highlighting each award-winning project is presented. The awards luncheon is attended each year by approximately 1,000 guests, and more than 50 of Kansas City's corporate leaders sponsor the event.