The nomination deadline for the second annual MIT Inclusive Innovation Challenge is coming up on June 21 at 6 p.m. The Inclusive Innovation Challenge is a program of the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy. The challenge will award more than $1 million to what organizers call “heroes of the digital economy.” These companies are using technology to reinvent the future of work and create a more equitable economy. “Productivity is at record…

PoliticalBranding Associates, a political branding consulting firm founded by Bonnie Siegel, has opened in Overland Park, Kan. It specializes in creating and driving brand identity for local, state, gubernatorial, congressional and presidential candidates. The company offers political branding training sessions as well as one-on-one political brand consulting services.  Siegel’s firm takes care of integrate the brand throughout a campaign, offering services that range from messaging and content development to planning…

A new culinary academy made its debut this week in the Kansas City area. The Kearney Culinary Academy opened its doors and ovens this week on June 12. The academy, located at 105 S. Jefferson in downtown Kearney, Mo., is a state-of-the-art, 4,000 square-foot facility. In addition to its commercial bakery, class offerings, and chef and peer demos, the facility will host public tapas nights, offer private party space, a…

DuraComm Corporation has won two 2017 American Business Awards for outstanding achievements in business. The LED lighting products manufacturer and supplier is being honored with a Bronze Medallion Award for Company of the Year in the manufacturing category and a Bronze Medallion Award for most innovative company of the year for their LED lighting products and design capabilities. The American Business Awards are given annually to businesses that represent the…

Colony KC in Northtowne plans to shake, rattle and roll very soon. It is opening The RINO, a music venue and event space featuring rock and rock-related bands, in July. The company wants to attract local and touring bands and songwriters on a nightly basis. Besides rock, the venue also may include some jazz and hip-hop nights, said co-owner Zach Henderson. The RINO will feature state-of-the art sound. “We have…