The sold-out event united more than 2,000 civic and business leaders who support Kansas City’s regional growth and rising global influence
KANSAS CITY – Oct. 30, 2025 – Today, the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting, the KC region’s largest yearly business gathering, convening leaders from across the 18-county, two-state area.
The event’s theme, “We Are OneKC,” emphasized the message of regional unity, positioning the two states and 50+ communities in the greater Kansas City metro as a single, integrated economic region to drive collective success.
In 2025, KCADC and its partners attracted global companies to the region, driving $1.3 billion in capital investment, 3,197 net new jobs and nearly $275 million in wages. The KC region has attracted headliner companies in fintech, animal health and receives continued investment in major tech and data center projects.
A major 2025 investment highlight came from Fiserv, a global leader in payments and financial services technology. Fiserv continues to build deeper connections across the Kansas City region following their plans to establish a new strategic fintech hub in Overland Park, Kansas, bringing 2,000 new jobs and $175 million in capital investment.
“Fiserv is thrilled to join a collaborative and innovative community of professionals in the Kansas City region,” said Joanne Sebby, Chief Risk Officer for Fiserv. “As we evaluated locations across the country, the Kansas City region stood out for its strong spirit of partnership, depth of talent and rising growth. This is the perfect launchpad for our next chapter of fintech innovation.”
The event also spotlighted the region’s leadership in animal health, celebrating Merck Animal Health’s decision to invest $895 million in the Kansas City region earlier this year.
“Merck Animal Health’s decision is a powerful reflection of what we achieve when we work together as OneKC,” said Rob Bratcher, president of Commerce Bank and KCADC senior board co-chair. “It reinforces the Kansas City region’s position as the global leader in animal health innovation — and showcases the strength of a region that collaborates, competes and wins together.”
Best-selling author and co-producer on the Emmy-nominated show “The Bear,” Will Guidara, keynoted the event, inspiring KC’s business and civic leaders to think bigger — embracing radical generosity, intentionality and the unexpected. His message was a timely and critical one as KC prepares to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup 26™.
Reflecting on a year marked by significant achievements, Tim Cowden, president & CEO of KCADC, encouraged attendees to embrace our singularity as OneKC.
“Kansas City’s success has always been rooted in our ability to work as one region, all aligning around a shared vision for growth,” said Cowden. “This unified approach has built a market that’s robust and resilient, increasingly recognized on a global stage. Together, we’ve positioned KC as a place where innovation thrives, businesses grow and collaboration drives results. KC is rising; the world is taking notice.”
The Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) is the region’s leading economic development organization, representing 18 counties across Kansas and Missouri. Consistently ranked as a top regional economic development group, KCADC drives business investment and talent attraction to strengthen the KC region’s global competitiveness.
About the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC)
Serving the 18-county, two-state Kansas City area, the Kansas City Area Development Council is an economic development nonprofit that promotes the region’s business and lifestyle assets to companies and talent around the world. Working closely with its two states and 50-plus county and community partners, the region has attracted more than 64,000 new jobs over its 45-year history. KCADC also leads the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort, TeamKC, KC Global Design and KC Heartland. | thinkKC.com