Startland News

1 week ago | startlandnews.com | Nikki Overfelt Chifalu

Brett Goodwin and Alan Tipton are feeling even more thankful right now for the large, dry basement at The Learning Tree — the independent toy store they own in Prairie Village — amid worries over tariffs on Chinese imports and how they’ll impact prices from toy manufacturers. The best they can do to prepare: stockpile merchandise earlier than usual for the holiday season and commit to larger orders, Goodwin and Tipton shared. On Wednesday, the toy store owners gave U.S. Rep.

1 week ago | startlandnews.com | Nikki Overfelt Chifalu

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. TOPEKA — Although international educators are not new to the state’s capital city, Topeka welcomed about 50 teachers from the Philippines this past school year to address shortages within the local district.

1 week ago | startlandnews.com | Joyce Smith

After a lengthy stint developing corporate dining concepts, Kansas City chef Marwan Chebaro has spent two years planning his return to public dining. Set to open in June, Chebaro’s new Nour’s restaurant will showcase his native Lebanese cuisine and culture while helping bring the community together, he said. The venture at 3855 Warwick Blvd., in the Park 39 complex, also serves as a memorial to his beloved late daughter, Nour. “It is chef-driven, but we also want it to be community-driven.

1 week ago | startlandnews.com | Tommy Felts

Automation in the hiring process is leaving critical details — and quality, diverse talent — out of the jobs market, said Chelsea Parker, a Kansas City human resources innovator whose new Interview app aims to reconnect recruiters and applicants on a human level. “Interview is the TikTok of LinkedIn,” said Parker, the HR trendsetter behind creating an MVP for the app in the Kansas City market.

2 weeks ago | startlandnews.com | Nikki Overfelt Chifalu

WESTON, Mo. — Almost a decade after launching KC Cattle Company — his veteran-owned and -operated waygu beef company — Patrick Montgomery is forging a new path to help fellow ranchers and farmers survive. He’s now digging his spurs into Valor Provisions, a direct-to-consumer online marketplace offering premium proteins from small, independent, veteran-owned ranches like his own.