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Despite the struggling economy, there was still plenty to celebrate at the Liberty Partnership for Community Growth and Development’s annual Breakfast for Champions at the Tuscan Ballroom.

According to Alicia Stephens, the partnership’s executive director, awards given represented $65 million in investment in the area, 164 new jobs created and 104 retained jobs.

“It seems all we hear nowadays is bad news,” Stephens said. “This is some good news.”

Stephens said two institutions, three developers and nine businesses were recognized Nov. 18 for their investments in the community, including by expansion, equipment purchases or by opening a new business here.

“It shows a commitment to stay,” Stephens said.

Stephens said one thing that was noticeable this year over past years was that people were appreciative of retained jobs, not just new jobs.

She said companies were “cautiously optimistic” that the economy would rebound soon, and next year would be better.

Recognized by the partnership were:

• Liberty Public Schools for adding a tenth elementary school with the completion of the 76,000-square-foot Kellybrook Elementary. The school retained 45 jobs and added 15 new jobs.

• William Jewell College for building the 45,000-square-foot Shumaker Hall, a sorority complex that houses 128 women.

• Joe Duffey for developing Blackberry, a 55,000-square-foot mixed use development adjacent to the Liberty Community Center.

• Maxus Properties for renovating 63,000 square feet in Triangle Crossing at the corner of Missouri Highway 291 and Kansas Street, including façade updates, landscaping, roofing, lighting, and building signs and new pavement.

• Star Development for continuing to make significant contributions to the Northland, including Highland Plaza and Blue Jay Crossing. The 50-acre Highland Plaza at the intersection of Highway 291 and North Church Road in Kansas City includes offices, Walgreens, Price Chopper, QuikTrip, McDonald’s and shops in a strip center. The 12-acre Blue Jay Crossing along Kansas Street includes Culvers, CVS, US Bank and soon a Jimmy John’s sandwich shop.

• Ceva Logistics for filling 150,000 square feet in the former Guy’s plant and providing 117 jobs. Among Ceva’s customers is the Ford Claycomo plant.

• Chalmers Automotive for leasing 8,000 square feet of space in Oakwood Business Park to perform custom van conversions. Chalmers has 14 employees.

• Continental Disc Corp. for investing in upgrades and new equipment for its operation, reducing lead-time and improving workflow.

• Hampton Inn for major renovation to its entire building, including guest rooms and public areas along with purchasing new equipment for its fitness center. Hampton Inn retained 25 jobs.

• Heritage Hall for renovating its 8,000-square-foot building and adding a new 2,000-square-foot loft where brides and their families can rest and relax. The hall serves as a venue for weddings, receptions and community events.

Liberty Hotel Group for purchasing the 15,000-square-foot Blue Jay II office building and occupying 1,900 square feet for its headquarters. The group has plans for a new Holiday Inn with banquet space. The business retained five jobs and added two.

Pride Manufacturing for adding equipment and 2,000 square feet of additional space. Pride does precision machining of components and makes customized fuel pumps for race cars. The company provided new training for machine manufacturing and retained 22 jobs.

The Terrace Avenue Inn owners for doing all their own renovations. The bed and breakfast employs three people in its operation.

The Tuscan Ballroom at the Liberty Hills Country Club for renovating and updating 12,000 square feet of space, creating a venue for weddings, receptions, and corporate and private events. This new focus on catered events employs nine people.

Liberty Editor Angie Anaya Borgedalen can be reached at 781-4941 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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