CONTENTS

Advantages of Chamber Membership 6

Board of Directors  8

Welcome To Liberty  10

Liberty Has It All! 12

Annual Community Events 16

Things To Do 18

Our Community 22

Real Estate 24

Healthcare 28

Education 30

Fingertip Telephone Numbers 34

Membership Directory 39

FEATURED ADVERTISERS - LIBERTY HOSPITAL 42

Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce

1170 West Kansas St., Ste. H

Liberty, MO 64068

p. 816-781-5200 | f. 816-781-4901

info@libertychamber.com

STAFF

Gayle Potter

President

Olena Majewski

Engagement Coordinator

Faith Weber

Membership Specialist

Colleen Pelletier

Community Relations Specialist

ADVANTAGES OF CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

Chamber membership opens the door to several benefits and services that assist businesses in maximizing their efforts and increasing their visibility. When you join the Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce, we provide a wealth of information, opportunities, benefits and services. If you could see your business gaining something from a benefit below, call our office at (816) 781-5200 for more information.

ChamberLink A brief email summary of the upcoming week’s events as well as information shared by members, for members.

Mailing Labels Available for purchase through the Chamber office for only $50. Reach all of our members quickly and easily anytime you need to!

Ribbon Cuttings The Chamber is happy to share grand openings, relocations or expansions with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

Sponsorships Members can gain excellent publicity by sponsoring events throughout the year. This direct exposure is unmatched in the business community. There are opportunities to fit any budget.

Website libertychamber.com, the Chamber’s online connection to a virtual world of business and community information.

Biz over Breakfast Hosted once a quarter in the morning; it is the perfect way to start your day! Join the Chamber for some early morning networking, coffee & light breakfast.

Connect at Four Hosted once a month to highlight individual businesses; this event offers an informal setting for the area’s business professionals to meet, mingle and make contacts. Held the second Tuesday of each month (except June, July & August).

Membership Luncheons Every other month, the Chamber offers topics relevant to the community. Sponsorships are available.

Chamber 101 Held periodically throughout the year. This event is beneficial for new members but is open to anyone who wants to learn more about all the benefits associated with Chamber membership.

Speed Networking Several times a year, you will have the opportunity to meet other business representatives during this fast-paced, fun-filled event.

Health Insurance The Chamber Benefit Plan is a self-funded medical offering built on the multiple employer welfare arrangement model. Plans start with a minimum of 2 full-time employees.

Office Depot Savings Chamber members have the exclusive opportunity to save as much as 90% at Office Depot on all the office supplies you already use.

Education Programs A partnership with the Liberty School District through the Character For All program. This program encourages students to be positive role models for others.

Membership Directory/Community Profile Chamber members are listed in the Directory, a members-only benefit with advertising opportunities available. The Community Profile is sent in all information packets and is available to anyone.

Community Maps Liberty and Clay County community maps are distributed at the Chamber office. It is a great tool for the public, and a great advertising opportunity to our members.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sheriff Will Akin
Clay County

Racheal Burnett
Guild Collective

Ina Cavin
Hy-Vee

Daniel Doering
FastKick Martial Arts Center

Paul Farnsworth
Liberty Cinema 12

Deb Fehl
Stephens | Heffner Financial Partners

Aime Francois
Pediatric Smiles Dentistry

Ethan Holloway
Holloway, Harman & Assoc.

Ed Hughes
Northland Rolladium Skate Center

Colleen Jones
Liberty Public Schools

Jeff Klein
SERVPRO of Liberty

Danielle Kohler
Danielle Kohler Agency

Jason Luse
Jason Luse Insurance Agency

Landon Magnusson
Withers, Brant, Igoe & Mullennix

Marc McCaslin
Mulberry Street Mortgage

Jolinda McClintock
Liberty Economic Development Corp.

Bridget Mendoza
BEM Business Services

Phill Sharples
Copper Ridge Apartments

Chad Wek
Unique Painting KC

GAYLE POTTER

President

Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce

Produced for and distributed by the

Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce

1170 W. Kansas Street, Ste. H, Liberty MO 64068

(816) 781-5200

info@libertychamber.com • www.libertychamber.com

Liberty is a vibrant city with a rich history and a strong business community in the northwestern part of Missouri.

Our history dates back to the early 19th century. Liberty was settled in 1822 and played a significant role in expanding the American frontier. The city’s historic downtown area features well-preserved buildings that reflect our heritage.

Our economy is diverse, with a mix of industries such as healthcare, education, retail, and professional services. Our strategic location near Kansas City makes Liberty desirable for businesses and residents.

Liberty offers a range of cultural and recreational activities with parks, trails, and recreational facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. We also host festivals, concerts, and art shows throughout the year.

We have a strong sense of community with active civic organizations, volunteer opportunities, and community events. Our residents are known for their friendliness and neighborly spirit.

Overall, Liberty combines small-town charm with modern amenities, making our community a great place to live, work and visit.

For more information about Liberty or the surrounding area, please drop by the Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce office at 1170 W. Kansas Street, Ste H. We are located close to the intersection of 291 & 152 Highways. Call us at (816) 781-5200, contact us at info@libertychamber.com, or visit www.libertychamber.com.

Sincerely,

Gayle Potter, President

Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce

Photo courtesy of VIRAL VIDEO MARKETINGSM

LIBERTY HAS IT ALL!

Liberty is alive with the sound of the future under construction. What began as a frontier trading post on the Missouri River in 1822 has blossomed into a thriving center of commerce and cultural activity. Take a drive along Liberty’s major thoroughfares, and you’ll see progress – new businesses and houses at every turn. The city is equally proud of its rich heritage that dates back to the legendary Jesse James’ gang riding through the historic downtown square. The combination of a burgeoning business community with quiet neighborhoods makes Liberty an excellent place to raise a family and locate a business.

Major interstates, both north to south and east to west, connect Liberty to the state, as well as the rest of the country. Nearby Kansas City International Airport offers transport to major national cities. Liberty’s easy access places the entire nation within easy reach.

Liberty’s proximity to Kansas City offers residents quick access to such diverse attractions as –

• Zona Rosa shopping center

• Legends shopping center

• The Country Club Plaza shopping district

• The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

• Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun theme parks

• Science City and Union Station

• Kansas City Zoo

•  Kansas City sports teams – Chiefs, Royals, Current, Monarchs, Sporting KC and Mavericks

• Kansas Speedway

Within its borders, Liberty attracts residents of all ages. Liberty’s highly recognized school district contains eleven elementary schools, four middle schools, two high schools, one liberty academy, and one early childhood center.

As for cultural life, Liberty has it all. Residents enjoy many attractions – a symphony orchestra, civic theater, annual festivals, three historical museums, the Clay County Archives, William Jewell College’s Fine Arts Program, an extensive public library, 100 civic, fraternal, social, professional, veterans, and youth organizations, and a 50,000-square-foot multi-purpose community center offering year-round swimming, physical activity areas, community meeting rooms, and a performing arts theater.

Four distinct seasons, although none too severe, refresh the community. The warmest month is July with an average temperature of 83 degrees. January records the coldest temperatures with an average of 28 degrees. Liberty averages 38 inches of rain annually.

Religious life in Liberty reflects the diverse population. More than 30 different congregations representing numerous religious denominations offer services and activities for children, adults, and seniors. For a complete listing of Liberty area churches, contact the Liberty Area Chamber at (816) 781-5200.

The historic Liberty Square serves as the heart of the city. A significant renovation effort has preserved this active center of shops, restaurants, and businesses. Five local historic districts surround the square, as do many buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

As you see, Liberty provides small-town charm with quick access to big-city events. As the county seat for Clay County, Liberty keeps a pulse on the county and state government. Liberty continues to celebrate its past while looking eagerly toward the future.

ANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENTS

With movies in the park, farmers markets, summer band concerts, and festivals, Liberty offers fun activities and events for residents and visitors alike!

Liberty Fest features live music, children’s activities, food, and a fantastic fireworks display that thrills the crowds. The event is held at Capitol Federal Sports Complex of Liberty and is hosted by the City of Liberty and the Chamber.

Every year, on the fourth full weekend in September, Liberty comes alive with the sights and sounds of the area’s largest fall festival. Entertainment, a parade, carnival rides, music, dancing, and boundless fun – all this and more make up the annual Liberty Fall Festival.

Hosted mainly on Liberty Square amid historic buildings dating to the 1800s, the festival is unique in Kansas City. Nowhere else can you step back to a family-oriented, small-town celebration of fall.

The event can be traced back to 1934 and has been set up in area shopping centers. It has ties to Clay County 4-H and William Jewell College’s Homecoming. Many class reunions and get-togethers are centered around the festival.

Enjoy free activities for the entire family, including crafts, family photos, and refreshments during Hometown Holidays. Santa Claus is the special guest at this celebration, so don’t forget your camera!

The event is in downtown Liberty and features the Mayor’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.

THINGS TO DO

The Liberty Performing Arts Theatre is a hub for live performances. It hosts various events, including plays, musicals, concerts, dance recitals, and community theater productions. The theater provides a platform for local talent as well as touring performances.

William Jewell College’s fine arts programs often showcase student talent in music, theater, and dance. The college hosts concerts, theatrical productions, and dance performances open to the public.

Liberty benefits from collaborations between local artists, schools, businesses, and arts institutions. These help foster creativity, artistic expression, and audience engagement.

Whether you’re interested in attending live theater performances, concerts, dance shows, or other forms of entertainment, Liberty’s performing arts scene offers something for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.

Sports enthusiasts find a plethora of activities surrounding Liberty. Northwest of Liberty, Smithville Lake is a 7,200-acre lake with more than 175 miles of shoreline that offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors. These include boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. There are several boat ramps and marinas around the lake for easy access to the water. Smithville Lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch various fish species, including bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, and bluegill. The Crow’s Creek Trail and Little Platte Trail are popular options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the region’s natural beauty. RV and tent camping options include picnic areas, restrooms, and playgrounds. Seated picnic areas and recreational spots are scattered around the lake, making it a great destination for family outings, gatherings, and outdoor leisure activities.

The Liberty area is home to three golf courses. The Staley Farms 18-hole golf course is the newest private golf course in the Northland and offers bent grass fairways. Hodge Park Golf Course and Shoal Creek Golf Course, located along Missouri 152 Highway west of Liberty, feature a scenic wooded setting with three lakes and a creek. In nearby Smithville, Paradise Pointe offers two 18-hole championship courses that run along the lake.

Liberty residents can enjoy more than 500 acres of parks, 10 miles of multi-use asphalt trails, and 6 miles of primitive trails across the City. The Parks & Natural Resources Division maintains the grounds, landscaping, shelters, restrooms, and amenities, including soccer fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, spraygrounds, and two dog parks.

The Liberty Community Center houses a fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a game room, and the performing arts theater. Programs are available for youth, adults, and seniors.

The Capitol Federal Sports Complex of Liberty opened in 2002. This multi-million-dollar facility features various sporting events on its 146-acre site, including softball, baseball, soccer, and football. The complex offers amenities not seen in most facilities. The site has eight ponds that are used to irrigate the fields and provide aesthetic beauty to the park in the form of lighted fountains. The complex also has more than two miles of walking and jogging trails.

Shoppers and diners find a wealth of temptations in Liberty. The Historic Downtown Liberty Square offers a unique mix of retail shops, including antique and gift stores and various independent restaurants.

Liberty is home to more than 1,000,000 square feet of retail space. From single-owner shops surrounding the historic square to larger shopping centers along major thoroughfares, Liberty offers convenient one-stop shopping.

Photo courtesy of the City of Liberty

OUR COMMUNITY

Liberty, the county seat of Clay County, is a quick drive to Kansas City, yet it has a small-town flavor. Young families find this dynamic and growing community an ideal place to call home. Family Circle Magazine ranked Liberty as one of the 10 Best Towns for Families and one of the 10 Best Places to Retire in the U.S. by Money Magazine. The median age of the community is 36. The median household income of the 11.2k households grew to $81,352 in 2021.

The Liberty area offers various housing choices, from beautiful historic homes to new construction. The recently completed $28 million multi-family development, Copper Ridge Apartments, includes 292 luxury one and 2-bedroom units in 6 buildings. A new residential development, Homestead, is under construction along Withers Road and will connect to the city’s trail system and Community Center.

Additional housing developments are also under construction north of town off Nashua Road and east on H Highway. With a large variety to choose from, you are sure to find your dream home in Liberty.

Three major grocery stores, numerous banks, and a credit union serve the Liberty community. Two newspapers inform residents: the KC Star is available daily, while the CourierTribune is delivered weekly – serving residents for over 160 years.

In addition to a thriving retail community, the city boasts several industrial and business parks. RockTenn anchors the Liberty Industrial Park with space for smaller facilities and businesses. Heartland Meadows is a 260-acre light industrial park near the 1,750,000-square-foot Hallmark Distribution Center. Liberty Logistics Park is directly adjacent to the Ford Assembly Plant and offers immediate access to I-35 and Hwy 69. The Liberty Commerce Center will comprise 3.6 million square feet of industrial space south of Liberty Parkway between Hughes and Campbell roads. There are 12 buildings at Oak Wood Business Park; several are used for industrial purposes, while others are customer-facing office buildings. The park can be seen from I-35, with quick access using the frontage road.

Connection to transportation outlets makes Liberty an excellent choice for businesses. Kansas City International Airport is 15 miles west of the city and the nearest rail facility is ten miles away. A major north-south interstate (I-35) runs beside the city, and a major east-west interstate (I-70) is 12 miles away.

Major Employers

Amazon 2,500

Liberty Hospital  2,230

Liberty School District  2,145

Hallmark Cards  1,600

LMV Automotive System 650

Clay County Government  560

City of Liberty  550

Hy-Vee 452

Ford Stamping Plant 363

Kodi Collective 358

Unemployment

Liberty 2.5%

Clay County  2.4%

State of Missouri  3.3%

United States  3.7%

Source:  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dec 2023

Population

Clay County’s population  256,930

Clay County’s largest city  Liberty

City of Liberty’s population  30,775

Source:  US Census Bureau, July 2022

Housing Units

Total units  10,928

Owner 8,026

Rental 2,902

Median value of homes  $250,200

Median rent  $1,004

Liberty Property Tax *Per $100 of assessed valuation

City of Liberty 0.8751

County Road & Bridge 0.0657

County 0.0250

Liberty School District 5.9277

Senior Services 0.0403

Liberty Hospital District 0.1300

Mid-Continent Public Library 0.2911

Health 0.0808

Mental Health 0.0808

Development Disabilities 0.0969

KCJC 0.1780

State Levy 0.0300

Total 7.8214

REAL ESTATE

Liberty is experiencing new residential growth.  The renewed interest in residential development started with a targeted look at the City›s permitting fees and financing alternatives.  Currently, several residential projects are in process.

Clay Meadows, 11th Plat – Under Construction

• The project includes 54 platted lots

• Located east of 291 Highway along Claywoods Dr.

• Lots are now available

Ella’s Crossing – Under Construction

• 53 single-family homes

• Located on Highway H, across from William Jewell College

• Lots are now available

Homestead Hills & Homestead of Liberty – Under Construction

• They are located along Withers Road, just south of the Liberty Community Center

• The projects connect to the City’s trail system, which will connect to the Community Center

• The project will be developed in phases, with the first phase just south of the Liberty Community Center and Blackberry development. 

• Homes are now available in phase one and two

Lillian Acres – Under Construction

• Located off Birmingham Rd

• The project includes 33 platted lots

• No lots are currently available

Withers Farm – Under Construction

• 190 market-rate apartments for individuals 55 and older

• Located on S. Withers Rd and S. Liberty Parkway

HEALTHCARE

Being the Northland’s premier provider of health and well-being means something special to Liberty Hospital. It’s not about size – it’s about you, and giving you the very best in everything we do. Extraordinary things happen here, from life-changing moments to uniquely personalized care. From before you arrive to long after your visit, you will feel how much even the littlest details matter to us. We believe good health is a comfort everyone can enjoy, and that’s our commitment to you – delivered with excellence every day. We are Liberty Hospital, and this is where health happens. Hospital highlights:

• The only hospital in the Northland to receive an “A” safety grade three consecutive times from The Leapfrog Group.

• 2022 Best of the Northland Hospital, family medicine clinic, sports medicine clinic, urgent care, cardiologist and walking trail

• Named Top Ten Best Ambulatory Surgery Center for 2022 by Newsweek and Statista

• Only Northland hospital to receive Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation and one of only four hospitals in the state to attain this accreditation in addition to Level II Time Critical Diagnosis in trauma, stroke, and heart attack

• 15 primary care and specialty clinics

• Affiliations with MU Health Care for orthopedics, Children’s Mercy Hospital for neonatal care, and Saint Luke’s Cancer Institue

• 1,900 employees, 330 physicians, 204 licensed beds

• For more information, visit www.libertyhospital.org.

The Excelsior Springs Hospital is the cornerstone of healthcare in Excelsior Springs. The facility has modern surgical services, a critical care unit, 24-hour emergency care, comprehensive laboratory, home health & hospice care, cardiopulmonary, radiology, rehabilitation, outpatient specialty clinics, and Senior Life Solutions. The medical staff includes over 100 physicians, and the hospital employs more than 300 people. ESH also has three physician clinics and a Health Express Clinic (located inside Price Chopper.) ESH provides Excelsior Springs and the surrounding communities with quality healthcare close to home.

The Clay County Public Health Center offers a variety of health education, disease prevention, and treatment services to promote good health. Many services are available to everyone, while others are based on income guidelines and are available to those who are uninsured, underinsured, or on Medicaid.

The Liberty area also offers numerous nursing care facilities for elderly and disabled patients.

EDUCATION

The Liberty Public School District serves the residents of approximately 85 square miles in Clay County.  Located just northeast of Kansas City, the school district serves more than 12,000 preschool through 12th-grade students. 

The district has seen rapid growth over the past 12 years, so much so that it has become one of the fastest-growing school districts in the state. LPS has multiple Real World Learning opportunities for eligible high school students, such as Collegiate Nursing Academy, Early College, Educational Internship Program, and Network53. The district also partners with the Area Career Center, Northland Career Center, and Northland CAPS to provide opportunities for industry-recognized credentials.

Liberty School District has 11 elementary schools, four middle schools, two high schools, an alternative secondary school, and an early childhood center.  LPS was recognized as a high-performing school district for all 12 years, and the State of Missouri presented the Distinction in Performance Award, making it one of only 6% of Missouri districts to be placed in this category. 

Liberty is home to St. James Catholic School, which has provided students aged two years – 8th grade throughout the Kansas City/Liberty areas with an education based upon the Catholic faith since 1955.

The Northland Catholic Schools include six grade schools and one high school. They focus on each child’s personal, intellectual, spiritual, moral, physical, and social development.

This area is fortunate to have several opportunities for higher education.

William Jewell College, The Critical Thinking College, is a nationally recognized undergraduate college founded in 1849, blocks from the historic Liberty Square. The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Washington Monthly, Money, U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance consistently rank Jewell for value and academics. As a part of William Jewell College, the new Mathes Innovation Center opened in the fall of 2023. This unique, full-service Center supports students and local founders from the moment of their business proposal through the investment process. Center staff will curate interested investors on behalf of the Mathes Innovation Centers’ members to create a true one-stop shop.

Just minutes away is Maple Woods Community College, offering day and evening classes and many continuing education classes. Northwest Missouri State University provides Graduate Studies on the Maple Woods campus.

FINGERTIP TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Emergency / Ambulance / Fire / Police 911

FBI – Kansas City tel:8165128200

Highway Patrol tel:8166220800

Poison Control Center tel:8002221222

City of Kansas City General Information tel:8165133600

City of Kansas City General Information tel:8165133600

City of Liberty tel:8164394400

Access Bus tel:8164394397

Animal Control / Shelter tel:8164394791

Business License tel:8164394457

City Taxes tel:8164073200

Code Enforcement tel:8164394539

Community Center tel:8164394360

Fire Department tel:8164394310

Housing Authority tel:8167921113

 Liquor License tel:8164394416

 Meals on Wheels tel:8164394396

Parks and Recreation tel:8164394360

Planning and Zoning tel:8164394536

Police Department tel:8164394710

Public Works tel:8164394503

Trash/Recycling tel:8162541470

Water and Sewer tel:8164394460

Clay County tel:8164073600

Administrator tel:8164073600

Assessor tel:8164073500

Collector tel:8164073200

Courthouse Admin. Building tel:8164073600

Family Court tel:8167368400

Health Department tel:8165954200

Parks Department tel:8164073400

Sheriff tel:8164073750

Tourism tel:8164073620

Clay County Archives and Historical Library tel:8167813611

CourierTribune tel:8167814941

DMV – Liberty License Office tel:8167106700

Employment Security / Job Service tel:8168893101

Kansas City Star tel:8779627827

Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce tel:8167815200

Liberty Hospital tel:8167817200

Liberty Public Schools tel:8167365300

Alexander Doniphan Elementary tel:8167365400

Discovery Middle ttel:8167367300

Early Childhood Center tel:8167365324

EPiC Elementary tel:8167365730

Franklin Elementary tel:8167365440

Kellybrook Elementary tel:8167365700

Lewis and Clark Elementary tel:8167365430

Heritage Middle tel:8167365380

Liberty Academy tel:8167365470

Liberty High tel:8167365340

Liberty Middle tel:8167365410

Liberty North High tel:8167365500

Liberty Oaks Elementary tel:8167365600

Lillian Schumacher Elementary tel:8167365490

Manor Hill Elementary tel:8167365460

Ridgeview Elementary tel:8167365450

Shoal Creek Elementary tel:8167367150

South Valley Middle tel:8167367180

Warren Hills Elementary tel:8167365630

MidContinent Library Withers Branch tel:8167819240

MidContinent Library Woodneath Center tel:8168834900

St. James Catholic School tel:8167814428

Small Business Administration tel:8164264900

Social Security Administration tel:8007721213

Unemployment Office tel:8168893101

University Extension Office tel:8164073490

Utilities

AT&T Fiber tel:8556763070

Evergy 

Google Fiber tel:8339420105

Spire  tel:8005821234

Spectrum tel:8775014902

Trash – Republic Services tel:8162541470

Water & Sewer – City of Liberty tel:8164394460

Voter Registration tel:8164158683

William Jewell College tel:8167817700