Mark your calendars and plan to attend Southtown’s Annual Beautification Dinner, Everything’s coming up Tulips,” on Tuesday, May 22, 6-9pm at Benjamin Ranch.

Tower After Hours at Liberty Memorial offers the chance to experience Kansas City’s skyline at night. This unique event began April 6, and continues on the “First Friday” of every month through September. From 7 to 10 p.m. guests can ride the elevator to the apex of the 217-foot Memorial Tower and take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of the Kansas City skyline.

The Tulips on Troost Project, initiated in 2006 by UMKC graduate and Troost business owner Durwin Rice, is a success! Over 50,000 tulips have been planted up and down Troost Avenue. Many organizations and individuals throughout the metropolitan area have and are participating in this project. Southtown selected one special group for the month of March that really sparkled this past fall- the UMKC Arts and Sciences Alumni Association Board. Established in 1991, the board consists of 17 active members headed by President Leo Hirner. Members Jennifer Wilding and Vicki Walker chaired this particular event. Karen Vorst, Dean of the College and Karen Beal, Director of Alumni Relations coordinated the project.

Although the Annual After Hours Business Exchange was rescheduled, over 300 people participated!

The Kansas City Small Business Monthly annually recognizes 25 outstanding Kansas City area businesses with under 25 employees. At this year’s 6^th Annual 25 Under 25 Awards, some Southtown businesses were award recipients: Brookside Barkery and Bath, 118 W.

Each year, the Kansas City Zoo reaches out to area businesses and organizations to be a part of the Zoo’s Corporate Partner Program. This program costs nothing to join, and allows your employees to receive a special benefit they would not receive anywhere else if they purchase a 2007 Friends of the Zoo Season Pass.