Joe Sweeney
Editor-In-Chief & Publisher

Two years ago I had lunch with former Indianapolis Mayor Steve Goldsmith. He completed a presentation to our association and distributed several hundred copies of his recently released biography. His book, as you might guess, was written in context of the strategies associated with Indy's successful campaign to brand the city as America's amateur sports capital.

At the time, the moving trucks were still in transit. They were relocating the contents of NCAA's headquarters in KC to their new home in Indy.

The mayor asked: "Do you think that Kansas Citians are still mad at us for nabbing the NCAA away from KC?" Those who know me realize I can be somewhat competitive, even a bit argumentative. This was one of those rare times I was left somewhat speechless. Even today, I don't know how I could have responded other than being cordial. Let's face it. Indianapolis established a goal to become the amateur sports capital of America and argued a logical reason why the NCAA should move there. While the economic impact was negligible, the perceptive value was significant. Regardless, the city well positioned itself to grow in the arena of its strategic plan.

This perhaps is a logical lead to our Medical Edition. Unlike my Indy saga, this has been a proud story for our staff and associates to tell as it describes a metro-wide Life Sciences initiative that has the potential to become a foundation for lasting economic success. The integration of industry, private and public companies, governmental agencies and educational institutions in a cohesive effort can position Kansas City to become a center for biomedical science research and health care services.

Some may ask, why would an effort in biomedical scientific research impact businesses in non-related fields? The answers are interestingly abundant. For every dollar invested in Life Sciences in the area, we can expect up to a $14 return to the local economy in the form of new jobs and tax revenues. And this is only the beginning. Life Sciences has the potential to gain momentum and to drive the area economy with significant benefits far in excess of what today we can even imagine.

Too often, in community-wide initiatives such as this, the major players tend to brush aside the emerging small businesses and entrepreneurs whose energies spur the growth industries in the region. I'm hopeful that in this case politics and self-interest are curbed for the common good and that those who care to participate are allowed to do so in equitable fashion. Kansas Citians must work together to create the chemistry necessary for success in an effort with the economic - and human - potential of the Life Sciences.

We appreciate the people and organizations that have been instrumental in guiding us through this complex Life Sciences Medical Edition. I am confident that with sincere collaboration among those whom many consider to be unlikely candidates for cooperation, we will see growth in our marketplace and a serious contribution from our community to all mankind.

If Indianapolis wants to dedicate its energies to organizing junior sports league, let it. Kansas City will focus on bringing light and life to the world. Frankly, we thinks ours a nobler mission.