As 2025 approaches, now is an ideal time for Kansas City business leaders to take stock of their financial strategies, from succession planning to tax-efficient giving. With recent shifts in the political climate and market conditions, evaluating options for charitable giving, legacy planning and wealth preservation can set the stage for a strong financial future. The Kansas City Business Journal recently gathered several top advisers to discuss tips, tools and techniques to help individuals achieve…

While philanthropy remains resilient, it’s in a state of flux, according to representatives from Kansas City-area nonprofits. The philanthropic pendulum has swung widely during the past couple of years. Giving soared during the pandemic, hitting a record inflation-adjusted high in 2021, but it dropped in 2022 as concerns about the economy and inflation took hold, Giving USA reports show. Giving grew again in 2023, reaching a current-dollar record of $557.16 billion, but inflation flipped that…

As health care costs continue to rise in the United States, business leaders and employers are increasingly challenged to balance quality employee care with financial sustainability. Despite excelling in areas like value-based care, the United States faces critical issues in health outcomes relative to its high health care spending. According to a recent Commonwealth Fund Report, the United States not only leads in health care costs — spending over 16% of its GDP on health care in 2022 compared…

Members of Women of Influence talk about what the group means to them.

Kansas City has emerged as a thriving hub for employee-owned companies, particularly in architecture, engineering and construction. Many people find it no coincidence that five of the area’s top six engineering firms operate as employee stock-ownership plans (ESOPs), a model that has gained traction for its unique ability to foster ownership culture, align interests and drive long-term success. Recently, the Kansas City Business Journal gathered several local ESOP leaders and their partners to…

Despite efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in construction, barriers persist for many women and people of color. While DEI policies have faced increasing backlash in the public sector, many construction stakeholders remain committed to these initiatives and say they are vital to the long-term success of the industry — and the entire region. The Kansas City Business Journal recently gathered local industry experts to address these challenges and their collective and individual…