All Things Independence Named Emerging Business of the Year
Congratulations to All Things Independence for being chosen by the Independence Economic Development Council as the Emerging Business of the Year. From before the doors opened to its launch, the student operated store has generated new and renewed interest in this vital part of the Independence community and our economy.
All Things Independence has promoted Independence and the historic square to tens of thousands of people through media coverage and social media since its doors opened in September of 2016. The innovative business approach of All Things Independence has captured the attention of all of the local television news stations.
The level of community engagement has been phenomenal. Students visited other Independence businesses and collaborated with business leaders to better understand the business world. The ribbon cutting for the store coincided with the school district’s 150th anniversary parade which brought more than 4,000 people to the Independence Square. This was the first all-district parade in district history and deepened the level of engagement between our students and the business community.
Students manage and run All Things Independence during school hours as part of their capstone coursework through the Independence School District (ISD). In the back of the store, students run their own screen printing shop, the middle is a classroom space and the front of the store is what the public sees. Local professional sports apparel, school spirit wear for ISD high schools and even ISD student produced products are available at the store.
Determining target market, developing a marketing plan, designing business cards, product research and ordering, designing the store layout and product placement are all the result of Independence School District students’ hard work. Students experience the tangible results of their work in the classroom. All Things Independence provides ISD students with an opportunity to become leaders and engage with the Independence community. All Things Independence is proud to be making an economic impact through innovative practices, community engagement and leadership within our Independence community.
The Independence Business Awards recognize contributions made to the local business community. The winner of the Emerging Business category is chosen based on areas of economic impact, innovative practices, community engagement and leadership and operating for less than three years. Award winners from each of the seven categories will be recognized at an awards luncheon on April 13.
To view the local news coverage of All Things Independence, please visit the links below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWYp2cxyzYU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1bg3o-haS4
http://www.kmbc.com/article/store-run-by-high-school-students-opens-in-independence-square/3859762
https://www.facebook.com/kmbc9/videos/vb.30767206220/10154289182401221/?type=2&theater
http://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/independence-school-district-celebrates-150-years