Kansas City had its beginnings as a livestock and transportation hub. Our International Airport is one of the best in the country for ease of use. While the Board of Trade is still a major factor in our economy, in recent years technology has become a major influence in the workings of the city and much of it is located in Johnson County, Kansas.

Sprint, H&R Block, Commerce Bancshares, United Missouri BancShares, Hallmark Cards and UtiliCorp United are only a few of the major corporations that are headquartered here. Thinking of a home-based business. Kansas City has been chosen as the fifth best city in the nation for successful home businesses by Home Office Computing.

Kansas City's professional sports teams include the Kansas City Chiefs (football), the Kansas City Royals (baseball). (Visit the George Brett Hall of Fame website. Arrowhead (football) and Kaufman (baseball) Stadiums are located side-by-side in the Truman Sports Complex, the site of enthusiastic tailgating before games. For soccer fans the Kansas City Wizards provide lots of excitement in an indoor setting. And tennis fans can enjoy the Kansas City Explorers.

Some of the world's best jazz artists flourished here in the 1920's and 30's and their heritage remains intact in the 18th & Vine district. Recently, the Kansas City Symphony was rated among the top 10 in the nation. Luciano Pavarotti made his US debut with the William Jewel College Concert Series. A more recent addition is the 1500 seat Johnson County Community College Cultural Education Center which is easily accessible from the surrounding Johnson County communities.

Autumn in Kansas City brings a trip back to medieval times at the tremendously popular Renaissance Festival. Dating from its beginnings in 1899 the American Royal Livestock & Horse Show continues a true Kansas City tradition every November.

Theater lovers will enjoy the professional groups at the American Heartland and Missouri Repertory Theaters. The Folly Theater and Music Hall host artistic events and Broadway touring companies. Sandstone Amphitheater offers contemporary music concerts in the open air.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has the well-earned reputation of being one of the most distinguished art museums between the Great Lakes and the Pacific, and its oriental collection is nationally recognized. The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art & Design is the newest addition to Kansas City's art scene.

The Kansas City Museum of Science and History is located in the far northeast section of town in a mansion formerly owned by a prominent KC family who made its fortune in the lumber business. Also in the northern part of the metro is the 175 acre Worlds of Fun amusement park.