EDCKC
Image: EDCKC.com
An experienced educational administrator, Mark James served as chancellor of Metropolitan Community College from 2010 to 2017 until he retired. Outside of his work at Metropolitan Community College, Mark James is involved in the local community through the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC).
EDCKC reported last December that a new convention center hotel is set to break ground this spring, bringing a much sought after development to the downtown Kansas City, Missouri area. The new $322 million facility is owned by Loews Hotel and is set to be completed by 2020, at which point it will help host attendees of the International Shriners Convention as its inaugural event.
Conventions are a major economic driver, contributing nearly $250 million to the city in 2016 alone. According to estimates from local stakeholders, Kansas City, Missouri is in need of additional lodging for major events hosted in the city. The Loews facility will bring an additional 800 rooms to the 2,000 that already service the downtown area near the convention center.
Mark James 