Business & Development Digest

Hello and a warm welcome to the fall edition of the Business & Development Digest. This quarterly publication is designed to offer a network of support and collaboration while fostering connections within the Merriam business community.

In this issue, we are excited to bring you the latest updates on development projects throughout Merriam, a spotlight on a local business, an opportunity to promote your business in the 2024 Community & Visitor Guide, and recent events showcasing businesses within our community.

Don't miss out on staying informed. You can receive all City of Merriam updates by subscribing to our weekly

e-Merriam newsletter, delivered directly to your inbox each Thursday.

Enjoy the autumn season here in Merriam, where everything is "Just Right!"

Merriam Business Makes Fortune 500

The sole Kansas City representative on this year's Fortune 500 is Merriam-based Seaboard Corp (SEB) located at 9000 W. 67th St.

Ascending 18 positions in the rankings compared to last year, Seaboard’s climb to #364 is more than just a number. It results from years of hard work, calculated decisions, and a dedication to excellence. Read more.

Merriam Grand Station Goes Vertical

If you haven't driven down Shawnee Mission Parkway east of I-35 recently, you'll notice a significant transformation at the former K-mart site compared to a year ago.

Drake Development is steadily advancing with its mixed-use project, Merriam Grand Station. Once finished, this development will offer 361 rental units, a variety of dining establishments, retail shops, and a community gathering area at the intersection of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Eby Ave. Learn more about Merriam Grand Station.

Business Spotlight: Slater St. Antiques

Located on Slater St. just south of Johnson Drive, Slater St. Antiques has a variety of antiques, furniture, home goods, records, vintage clothing, and more at exceptionally low prices. By repurposing items, Slater St. is helping reduce waste and save the planet. Antique items are quality-made and the rotating variety allows customers to shop for items you can’t find in regular retail stores.

Owner, Sara Garcera, cites a prime location--one that is close enough to attract Kansas City, Missouri customers, as well as those who live in the surrounding Overland Park area. Sara also expects business to grow with new development plans across the city, including the new Merriam Plaza Library project.

When asked, "What is the best piece of business advice you have been given, or could offer to a new business owner?" Sara replied, "Take the time to get to know your customers and build a relationship with your repeat customers like remembering their name. Many people like to support small businesses, and if they see your effort in providing good customer service, they will tell their friends about your business--and word-of-mouth is priceless."

Interested in being our next featured business in an upcoming e-newsletter? Complete the Local Business Spotlight Interest Form.

News, Events & Resources

In June, the city welcomed nearly 30 attendees to a business appreciation luncheon featuring panelists from Drake Development and the Johnson County Library to speak on the progress of these exciting development projects in Merriam. Mayor Pape also presented a certificate of appreciation to Nancy Thompson with Walnut Grove RV Park, a business that has served the Merriam community for 67 years!

Todd and Meredith Reynolds, owners of Reynolds Automotive, celebrated their move to a bigger location in July! Members of the Northeast Johnson County Chamber, city officials, staff, and guests were in attendance at the ribbon cutting of the new location at 5232 Merriam Drive.

The city welcomed SAM, the nation’s largest geospatial and inspection services firm to Merriam this year! Mayor Pape and representatives from SAM cut a ribbon to the new location at 67th St. and Antioch Road. “This is a major city in the Midwestern United States with strong economic growth, transportation infrastructure, and a skilled workforce. As a former Kansas DOT employee and a past resident of Johnson County, I am excited about this new office location. I’m looking forward to maintaining our partnerships in this area and extending our innovative solutions to our Kansas City neighbors,” said SAM North Central Region Director, Brandon Espinosa.

Promote your business in the 2024 Community & Visitor Guide

The 2024 Merriam Community & Visitor Guide is already in production! If you'd like to promote your business in this award-winning guide that is distributed to all Merriam residents, businesses, and visitors, visit the link below for advertising rates, specs, and deadlines!

2024 Merriam Community & Visitor Guide Advertising Information

Public Art Survey Coming Soon

Work begins soon on creating Merriam's first Public Art Master Plan – and we want to hear from you! This plan will guide how we continue to invest in public art projects that enliven the city, reflect the community’s identity, stimulate economic growth, and engage residents, businesses, and visitors. We’ll be kicking off this project with a community survey soon--watch your email for the survey link to share your opinions!

Go Green Environmental Fair

This FREE family-friendly environmental fair on Saturday, Sept. 23rd will show you how taking small steps to reduce your carbon footprint at home, school, and work will help the environment and save money. Local businesses and nonprofits will provide information and items to help you live a more sustainable life. Learn more here.

Business Breakfast Series

Learn about the onboarding process to help welcome new employees to your company. Register today for JCCC Workforce Development's upcoming Business Breakfast Series on Tuesday, Sept. 26th. ($20 registration fee) Register here.

MCC Corporate Membership

Did you know the Merriam Community Center offers a corporate membership for Merriam businesses, allowing your employees to join at the Merriam resident rate? To be eligible, your company must be a licensed Merriam business and complete an application. Learn more.

Available Sites & Properties

If you're in the market for a new office space, room to grow, or just curious about commercial real-estate offerings across Merriam, we've got you covered. The City of Merriam now offers listings of land, buildings, and spaces across town that are updated weekly. Visit available properties.

Subscribe to E-Merriam

Stay current with city events, news, and information each week! Every Thursday, the City publishes e-Merriam, an email newsletter detailing the happenings of the past week and highlighting important announcements for the upcoming week. Stay in the know and subscribe today!

Welcome New Businesses!

We'd like to welcome the following new businesses to Merriam (2nd quarter, 2023). We appreciate your partnership in joining our active and growing business community!