EY has announced the 2017 finalists for the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards for the Central Midwest. The annual awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who excel in innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. This year’s Central Midwest finalists generated nearly $2 billion in revenue and employed more than 8,000 people in 2016. The finalists are: Scott Scully, Abstrakt Marketing Group, St. Louis, Mo. Allan Connolly, Aclara,…

Office Products Alliance, a Kansas City-based independent office supply company located at 2015 Washington St., has acquired Phoenix Office Products. The acquisition is the sixth for Office Products Alliance in 10 years. Phoenix Office Products has operated in the Kansas City area for 30 years. Mark Whitlow is the owner of Office Products Alliance. The company sells a full line of office products, including supplies, furniture, janitorial supplies and equipment….

Olathe startups just got an opportunity to house their operations at the Kansas State University Olathe campus. The new co-working space at 22201 W. Innovation Drive is a joint effort of Digital Sandbox KC and the City of Olathe.  “We’re constantly working to break down the barriers that are impacting startups. For Olathe-based startups, co-working space was an issue,” said Jeff Shackelford, Digital Sandbox KC executive director. “Teaming up with…

Jowler Creek Winery in northern Platte County is planning to unveil their new electric vehicle charging stations and a self-guided eco-tour to celebrate their first decade of sustainable wine production. As the first green winery in Missouri, Jowler has planned the activities for Earth Day on April 22.  Winery owners Jason and Colleen Gerke’s first efforts to incorporate green practices into Jowler came about when Colleen suggested using “mini-sheep” to…