Alight Analytics, a marketing analytics firm based in Kansas City, launched a new product to serve professional sports teams, leagues and other organizations. Sports Marketing Analytics Solution, currently deployed by the NBA and the Memphis Grizzlies basketball franchise, is built on Alight’s exclusive ChannelMix data aggregation platform. The platform gathers data from a brand’s varying social media channels into one view. The streamlined collection allows the brand to more efficiently…

Allen Press, a Lawrence-based commercial printer, announced its acquisition of a Brausse 1050SFi Automatic Diecutter and Foil Stamping Machine—the first of its kind in North America. The machine is one of the most advanced on the market. “We’re thrilled to be the first printer in North America to acquire one for our pressroom,” said Taylor Fulton, senior manager of marketing services at Allen Press. “It’s significant because the machine greatly…

A Brookside art gallery played a small role in the current box-office hit “Black Panther.” Leopold Gallery’s president, Paul Dorrell, confirmed that two sculptures by artist Arlie Regier are used in the movie. Both sculptures were on display in a scene filmed at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. The film contacted Dorrell with the request to incorporate the sculptures. Dorrell then contacted the clients, who agreed before negotiating…

The National Women’s Business Council recently released the first of four reports to better understand literature conducted on women’s entrepreneurship and capital. The report, titled “Understanding the Landscape: Access to Capital for Women Entrepreneurs,” illustrates the areas of future focus and gaps in literature for researchers. The report was released this March honoring Women’s History Month. The report finds that while women-owned businesses are making significant contributions to the economy,…

Three Kansas City metro associations have joined forces to launch a pilot program for ex-offenders who will be entering the workforce. The Associated Builders and Contractors Heart of America Chapter, the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (HBA) and Workforce Partnership have developed a six-week training program to assist in placing workers into the homebuilding industry. The program is backed by a $200,000 grant from the Kansas Department of…