Vice President of Human Resources Kristen Walters says Panasonic is ramping up hiring for the De Soto plant, and it's finding the local talent it needs. Walters details where it's at in the hiring process and its future plans.

The fast-growing Kansas City-based company is embarking on a multimillion-dollar headquarters renovation and expansion that also will nearly double its headcount.

A growing lineup of local brands have opened stores at Zona Rosa this year. The latest is an accessories and jewelry brand with offerings that include a custom hat bar.

Neovera says the two local tech companies bring "impressive capabilities" to the banking industry. The combined company employs more than 100 and expects to continue growing.

Two-time James Beard nominee Howard Hanna had a dream for a restaurant and diner in the City Club Apartments in the Crossroads that would be employee owned. But the concepts never opened, and now the chef and his co-op, Manaia Collective, face lawsuits from the apartment developer and the contractor for the dining spaces seeking back rent, possession and payment.

Growth is percolating for a local coffee company that wants to plant a bigger stake in Kansas City. Made in KC also details why it shed two café locations.