Overland Park, Kan., February 6, 2025 – The Overland Park Chamber Economic Development Council (OPEDC) recognized 12 businesses and a longtime community leader for their contributions to economic growth in Overland Park at its annual EDC Honors Lunch. The lunch program was held at Johnson County Community College.

NOVA awards, which recognize fast-growing and innovative companies, were presented to these Overland Park companies:

WellSky Corporation – With headquarters in Overland Park’s CityPlace mixed-use development, WellSky is one of the nation’s largest and most innovative health care technology companies, leading the movement for intelligent, coordinated care. It serves more than 20,000 client sites including the largest hospital systems, blood banks, cell therapy labs, home health and hospice franchises, post-acute providers, government agencies, and human services organizations. The company has experienced tremendous growth and change in the past seven years, increasing its workforce from just 400 teammates to now more than 3,000 globally.

1840 & Company – Known for its innovative approach and rigorous candidate vetting process, 1840 & Company provides access to top talent in 150+ countries, helping businesses scale their workforces with confidence. It recently launched 1840 Staffing, expanding its workforce solutions to include local staffing services for businesses in Overland Park and across the country.

Prelude – Prelude is an integrated creative agency dedicated to transforming organizations through strategic creativity and innovative storytelling. Formerly known as Ruckus Group, the agency recently unveiled its new identity – Prelude, marking a pivotal milestone in its decade-long mission to craft meaningful brand experiences. The agency’s commitment to excellence has earned industry recognition, including three Emmy awards.

AgencyOf – Specializing in creative development, advertising and software engineering, AgencyOf serves as a full-funnel marketing partner, crafting engaging marketing and technology experiences that inspire. Its founder and CEO attributes its significant revenue growth to the fact it combines in-house software engineering and web development with creative, performance and strategic services, allowing the agency to scale its growth more quickly.

 

The Commercial Development Award recognizes significant investment and reinvestment in the Overland Park economy. This year, the OPEDC honored:

AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk – A state-of-the-art, 420,000-square-foot indoor multi-sport and entertainment complex, AdventHealth Sports Park serves as the anchor of the Bluhawk district. Designed to attract athletes, families and visitors from across the region, the facility is a hub for youth and amateur sports, tournaments, and family-friendly entertainment. Beyond sports, the facility is built to accommodate corporate events, concerts, and conventions, offering flexible event spaces tailored for a wide range of occasions.

DLR Group – DLR Group is a 100% employee-owned integrated design firm with more than 100 design professionals in Overland Park and more than 1,700 internationally. It provides architecture, engineering, interiors and planning services for both public and private sector clients. It has completed more than 1,400 projects in Kansas and Missouri. The company recently reinvested in the community through a major remodel of its Overland Park offices.

OakStar Bank – OakStar Bank invested in Overland Park with the construction of its office building in Prairiefire. With about 25,000 square feet of office space, the building is impressive inside and out and signals the bank’s commitment to doing business in Overland Park. It features customer-facing areas, private offices, and an impressive conference room with a kitchenette and a rooftop patio overlooking the Museum at Prairiefire.

OWN, Inc. – OWN is a 100% employee-owned engineering firm specializing in civil engineering, land surveying and field services. After outgrowing its offices in Martin City, the firm moved to a 15,605-square-foot office space along College Boulevard, drawn by its central location, strong business community and wealth of nearby amenities. As the company continues to grow, this office serves as a foundation for expanding its team and deepening its presence in Overland Park.

Security Bank of Kansas City – A long-trusted institution dedicated to serving customers with integrity and excellence, Security Bank of Kansas City demonstrated its commitment to growth, innovation, and community investment by building a new bank facility at 103^rd and Mastin streets. This new facility represents Security Bank’s dedication to providing top-tier financial services, creating jobs and strengthening the economic foundation of Overland Park. Adjacent to the new building, the bank’s previous facility has given another neighborhood business the opportunity to expand.

Shamrock Trading Corporation – A transportation services, finance and technology company with 10 offices across the U.S. – Shamrock Trading Corporation proudly calls Overland Park home. It has been investing in our city for a number of years through the redevelopment and construction of buildings on its corporate campus at 95th & Metcalf. It recently constructed its fourth office tower to accommodate the company’s tremendous growth and provide modern workspaces for Shamrock’s ever-growing team. Spotlighting the company's positive and inclusive work environment, Newsweek named the company a "Most Loved Workplace" and it also has been regularly named a "Best Place to Work" by the Kansas City Business Journal and Crain's Chicago Business.

 

Business Hall of Honor inductees for 2025 are:

Price Brothers – For three generations, Price Brothers has been a cornerstone in the Overland Park and Kansas City metro area, specializing in commercial, residential and development real estate projects. A few recent development highlights include The Isaac, a 55+ later luxury living community at 127th and Metcalf; and a first-of-its-kind mixed-use project, Bluhawk at 159th and 69 Highway. With strong roots in the area, having developed their office location at Deer Creek Plaza, Price Brothers continues to invest in the community. Recent enhancement projects include Park Renaissance, Lighton Plaza and the rebrand of Meadowbrook at 95th and Nall, as well as residential renovations at The Claremont.

Occidental Management – With headquarters in Wichita, Occidental Management is a leader in commercial real estate development and leasing throughout the Midwest. It has been highly involved in the redevelopment of Overland Park, namely through large investments in the Overland Park Xchange (OPx) and Aspiria properties. Since Occidental purchased the OPx property, it has invested $55 million dollars in total renovation of the building. Occidental took on the former Sprint Campus, now called Aspiria. With more than $300 million already invested in the purchase and renovation of the campus, Occidental has ensured that spaces on the campus are tenant-ready and coupled with in-demand amenities, like cafes, outdoor areas and a fitness center. Occidental also established a coworking space, Aspiria NOW.

 

Receiving this year’s Ben Craig Vision Award is Brenda Sharpe, president and CEO at the REACH Healthcare Foundation. Sharpe has more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and uses her skills to strengthen the leadership and governance capacity of organizations, institutions and systems to support resilient people and communities. She joined the REACH Healthcare Foundation in 2004 as its first president and CEO, serving as chief advocate for its mission to advance health equity through coverage and care for underserved people in the Kansas City region. She is a compassionate leader with unwavering dedication and someone who inspires others to be their best and make a difference in the world. The Ben Craig Vision Award honors the memory of one of the Chamber’s co-founders and one of Overland Park’s biggest cheerleaders and visionary community leaders credited with laying much of the groundwork for the success we enjoy in our city today.