Summer is on the way—and Merriam is ready to make the most of the season! From exciting new businesses to can't-miss community events, there's a lot to look forward to in the coming months.


Kick off your summer at our upcoming Business Appreciation Happy Hour next week on Thursday, June 12—a casual, fun opportunity to connect with fellow business owners, community partners, and city staff. RSVP at the event link below and be sure to bring plenty of business cards for networking! We hope to see you there!


Merriam is also growing with new business additions! Come celebrate with us and meet our latest entrepreneurs at our upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremonies!


And don’t forget—summer in Merriam means a full slate of special events! From Family Fun Fridays to Farmers' Market Saturdays, there’s something happening for everyone, and we invite you to be part of it. In fact, we're already planning for fall and invite Merriam businesses to participate in our first Trunk or Treat event during Halloween Happenings on October 18. Read more about that below!


As always, thank you for helping make Merriam such a dynamic place to live, work, and do business. Here’s to a fun and productive summer season!


--Karen Crane

Tourism & Economic Development Manager

News Across Merriam

Cheers to new beginnings and great beers on tap! Merriam leaders help cut the ribbon at 30hop, one of the city's newest restaurants located in Merriam Grand Station.

Behind the scenes at SDM Die Cutting! As part of Small Business Appreciation Week, city staff toured this innovative local manufacturer in downtown Merriam during a recent business retention visit.

Welcome to the neighborhood! Merriam’s newest dealership, Mercedes-Benz of Merriam, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on 67th Street just west of I-35.

Business Spotlight: Reynolds Automotive

Reynolds Automotive | 5232 Merriam Drive | 913.766.0348


Our story:

At Reynolds Automotive, we specialize in quality used vehicles, typically in the 5- to 10-year-old range, with a focus on dependable makes like Honda and Toyota—though we carry a mix of other brands, too. My husband, Todd, started the dealership in 2014, and after several years of teaching elementary school, I joined him full-time in the business. What started as his solo venture has grown into a true family operation. We’re both passionate about providing excellent customer service, and that commitment shows in the number of repeat customers and referrals we’re proud to serve.


What makes Merriam a good choice for your business?

Merriam has proven to be an ideal location for our business, thanks in part to the network of skilled mechanics and contractors in the area that we rely on. The city’s reputation as a car-buying destination—home to several dealerships within a compact area—also brings a steady flow of potential customers right to our doorstep.


What is the best piece of business advice you have been given, or could offer to a new business owner?

Be patient. Building a business takes time, and there will be many ups and downs.



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Looking for ways to promote your business? Merriam's Economic Development Team wants to hear from you! Your business can be featured in an upcoming edition of the Business Development Digest, and on our social media platforms. This is your opportunity to share more about your business story, achievements, new products and services, or discounts for new and returning customers. To be featured in an upcoming issue, complete the online form. 

 

News, Events, & Resources

 

Join us for an evening of celebration at the Merriam Business Appreciation Happy Hour! Network with local professionals while playing networking BINGO, capture fun photo opportunities, and indulge in delicious appetizers and beverages.


Thursday, June 12 from 4-6 pm

Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater St.


This event is exclusively for Merriam businesses with an occupational license. RSVP here!

 

75TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

Thursday, Oct. 23 from 4-6 p.m.


Come celebrate with us as our city turns 75 years old in October! We have a fun event planned for this bash and the entire community is invited! Here's a sampling of activities and fun:

  • Cake and ice-cream
  • Music
  • Games
  • Food trucks and adult beverages
  • Prizes
  • Photo ops


Learn more about Merriam's 75th at www.merriam.org/75.

IT'S RIBBON CUTTING SEASON - Join us as the Mayor cuts the ribbon at two locations in Merriam!


  • Friday, June 13 at 11:30 a.m. | Newest home for Friends of JCDS, 4704 Hayes (hosted by the NEJC Chamber)


  • Thursday, July 24 at 4:00 p.m. | Integrity Heating & Air, 9420 Johnson Drive

Trunk or Treat, Anyone?

It may only be summer, but we're already planning for fall. We invite Merriam businesses join us for our first Trunk or Treat as part of the annual Halloween Happenings event on October 18th. It's easy: 1) sign up, 2) decorate your vehicle, and 3) hand out treats to the costumed kiddos while promoting your business to the parents!

Shop Merriam -- add your offer today

Shop Merriam is a great opportunity to promote your business and attract local shoppers. By participating, you’ll connect with the community and help make Merriam a vibrant shopping destination. Don’t miss out—learn more and sign up at Shop Merriam.

Meet in Merriam

Looking for the perfect venue for your next employee event, corporate meeting, board retreat, or special function? With versatile meeting spaces that cater to everything from grand banquet setups to intimate team-building sessions, Merriam is the ideal choice for your next gathering. Learn more.

Available Sites & Properties in Merriam

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. Check out these listings of land, buildings, and spaces across town that are updated weekly.

NEW Merriam Merch Store

Check out Merriam's online store where you can find everything Merriam! If you're looking for shirts, socks, totes, or tumblers, you can now order your favorites and have them shipped right to your door. Explore the collection here!

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 to Merriam!

Merriam welcomed 7 new businesses during the first quarter of 2025. These companies added 178 jobs to the Merriam economy. We appreciate your partnership in joining our active and growing business community!


ARISTOCRAT MOTORS dba Mercedes Benz of Kansas City

KANSAS CITY UROLOGY CARE, PA

HOMEGROWN

MERRIAM BODY SHOP

30hop

EQUIHUA AUTO BODY, LLC

AMERICAN MECHANICAL KC


 

Helpful Links

City of Merriam

Downtown Merriam Partnership

NEJC Chamber of Commerce

Johnson County Economic Research Institute

SCORE Kansas City Chapter

Kansas City Area Development Council

Karen Crane

 Tourism & Economic Development Manager

913.322.5534

kcrane@merriam.org

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