As you may have heard, the group that brought The Wall to Blue Springs is working on a permanent memorial to identify the location where "The Wall That Heals" was exhibited in 2010 at Pink Hill Park.  This site will be dedicated to the sacrifice, the courage and the valor of all veterans who served in the United States armed forces.  

Being that next weekend is Memorial Day, featuring the Veterans Way Memorial 'Render Honors' program seems appropriate.  This 'adopt-a-tree' style program allows you to purchase one of the 24 flowering trees along the memorial trail to honor a loved one.

Trees are on a first-come basis and include a personalized black granite plaque with personal information about the honoree.  Living veterans are also invited to participate in this program and updates to life events can be made at a future date.  

The 'Render Honors' program is tax deductible and donations for program participation are set at $400 a tree.  

To participate or for more information, call (816) 655-0490 or send an email by clicking here.

On May 16, I joined Ecto President John Rose and Vice President Ed Lawrence as they broke ground on an expansion of its headquarters here in Blue Springs. The expansion project will add 2,500 square-foot addition to accommodate future growth.  Ecto is an 18-year-old company providing chemical and pesticide formulation, registration and research services for pharmaceutical and animal health companies.

Ecto has a special meaning to me as it all started when I met someone in their organization while getting my tires serviced on Big Red.  We are excited that Ecto no only calls Blue Springs home, but is expanding its business here as well.  This event was co-hosted by the Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation.  

Development continues to progress at Adams Dairy Landing.  TJ-Maxx and Home Goods are open and Ross Dress For Less will be opening soon (top photo.)  I am also proud to announce that Charming Charlie's is now open (bottom photo.)

Construction on Woods Chapel Road is in full swing.  Utility Companies have been working this week to relocate lines to make room for the widening phase of the project.

Please note that speed limit has been lowered to 25 miles per hour and that fines will be doubled in the construction zone.  We want to ensure that this project is safe for both commuters and workers.

To learn more about the Woods Chapel Road project, click here.