Join SMPS on January 18th as we hear a moderated panel discussion with Tim Cowden, President and CEO of KCADC, Steve Vockrodt, Journalist for The Kansas City Star, and Sheila Tracy, President of Northland Chamber of Commerce. The discussion will be led by Laura Wagner of Wagner PR. These experts will share their insights and lessons learned regarding the comprehensive “A Better KCI” marketing campaign.
Meet the Experts
Tim Cowden, Presient and CEO of KCADC
Tim Cowden leads the strategic direction and vision for the Kansas City Area Development Council from day-to-day operations to KCADC investor and client relationships. The KCADC team drives new corporate attraction in partnership with economic development leadership across the 18-county, two state Kansas City region. Tim has more than 25 years of experience in economic development, including senior positions in Texas, Utah, and Kansas City. He has been with KCADC since 1998.
Sheila Tracy - President of Northland Chamber of Commerce
Sheila Tracy has served as President of the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce for 24 years. Prior to her commitment to the Northland, Sheila has also worked for the Richmond and Independence Chambers of Commerce leading Chambers of Commerce for the past 34 years.
Steve Vockrodt - Journalist for The Kansas City Star
Steve Vockrodt is a journalist for the Kansas City Star. He covers local politics, business and investigations for The Star. Prior to working for The Star, Vockrodt covered local issues and statewide for The Pitch, the Kansas City Business Journal and the Lawrence Journal-World. He lived in Colorado for 18 years and graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Kansas.
Laura Wagner - Principal of Wagner PR
Laura began Wagner Marketing LLC in 2010. She has over 17 years of experience in marketing, public relations and corporate communications. Laura has worked on high-profile projects such as the KDOT's $288 million Johnson County Gateway design-build project; Kansas Speedway, Stowers Institute, Sprint Center and MoDOT's kcICON Project; a $245 million design-build urban expansion of Interstates 29 and 35 in Kansas City, Missouri and North Kansas City, Missouri, as well as the construction of the new Christopher S. Bond Bridge across the Missouri River.