About Kansas City
From its early trading post beginnings, Kansas City has grown to be a metropolitan area of 2.2 million people, and includes cities in Missouri and Kansas. Located near the geographic and population centers of the US, it truly is the "Heart of America." This asset has helped Kansas City maintain its reputation as a crossroads of transportation and as an international trade hub.
Fortune magazine ranks Kansas City as one of the 20 best cities in the USA for international business.
Kansas City has a vibrant and diversified economy, with a wealth of small and medium size businesses. There are also 10 Fortune 1000 companies headquartered in the KC region, and more than 25 Fortune 500 companies have a significant presence here. Some of the most recognized household brands make their home in KC – Hallmark Cards, H&R Block, Lee Jeans and Sprint-Nextel.
Kansas City’s economy is a nearly exact reflection of the U.S. economy. This means that our economy doesn’t hinge on one or two industries. Our employers and workforce are protected from dramatic peaks and valleys experienced by other markets.
Entrepreneur Magazine rates KC as the No.1 city in the Midwest in which to start and grow a business and No. 11 nationally. Its metro area has been named fifth for business opportunities by Expansion Management. KC is also a "Top Major Market for business development" according to Southern Business & Development.
More details about visiting Kansas City are available at the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Center (click here to visit their website).
Kansas City’s French History
Kansas City actually traces its roots back to early French traders. In 1821 a Frenchman, Francois Chouteau, came up the Missouri River and established a trading post on the waterway in what is now Kansas City. Chouteau and several other French families constituted the first non-Indian settlement in Kansas City.
From its early trade post beginnings Kansas City, Missouri, has grown to be the largest city in a metropolitan area of 2.2 million people. The metro area includes cities in Missouri and Kansas. It enjoys the resources and strengths from both states, and includes more than 136 cities and 18 counties.
Climate
KC enjoys each of the four seasons. Spring, when Futurallia will be held, is a beautiful time of the year with mild temperatures prevailing. Average temperatures in May range from a high of 76 to a low of 57 Fahrenheit. Kansas City, with its fountains, parks and boulevard is a true showplace in the spring.
Jazz and Barbecue: Two KC Traditions
Futurallia participants will experience first-hand KC's famous jazz and barbecue. Kansas City is famous for its own distinctive sound of jazz pioneered in the 1920s. Today you can still hear KC's special brand of jazz at clubs throughout the city, and at the famous American Jazz Museum's "Blue Room" at 18th and Vine Street.
Along with great jazz, KC's signature cuisine, barbeque, will be featured. It is actually available at more than 100 barbecue establishments in the city, each boasting its own specialty and flavors.
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1100 Main Street, Suite 2200, Kansas City, MO 64105, USA - tel / fax: +1 (816) 691-3831 -