2007 Impact Award By Donna Brewer - John A. Marshall Co.
(October Lunch Program)

Former Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Kay Barnes was the recipient of the KC CREW 2007 Impact Award, which was presented at the October luncheon. Kay Barnes is credited for her role in the revitalization of the urban core, and in the development of the Sprint Center and adjoining Entertainment District.

Kay Barnes still has the same charismatic energy she exhibited when she was elected as the first female Mayor of Kansas City in 1999. During her two consecutive terms she was instrumental in putting Kansas City on the map, winning acclaim locally, nationally and even internationally for the revitalization of downtown Kansas City.

While her primary focus, as Mayor, was economic development, she said she learned that “you can’t do it alone”. She worked with many groups to achieve the goals for the great city she envisioned and developed her own formula for success:
• Vision – Have a vision and articulate it to others to gain their support.
• Partnerships – Develop partnerships and remember that the citizens are the most important.
• Implementation – You can’t do it alone. She credits City Manager Wayne Cauthen for his
unwavering support in making her vision a reality.

As Kay Barnes moves on to other ventures – she is currently a Professor of Public Leadership at Park University and running for Congress in 2008 – she hopes that Kansas City leaders can “keep the momentum going”. She sees the success of Kansas City as only the beginning and its future bright. It was a great thrill meeting and listening to such a remarkable woman. She is a great inspiration to us all.

Kay Barnes, former Kansas City Mayor and recipient of the KC CREW 2007 Impact Award with KC CREW Board Members: (left to right) Marcia Charney, Cydney Gurgens, Jo Nunnink, Kellee Dunn-Walters, Kay Barnes, Rosana Privitera Biondo, Diana Ennis, Jill Biesma