Merriam Business & Development Digest

Welcome to the second quarter edition of the Business & Development Digest, your quarterly update from Merriam Tourism & Economic Development! In this issue, we're excited to showcase the upcoming Downtown Merriam Partnership BBQ, celebrate impressive business stats, and highlight exciting events taking place.

Learn more about the new Shop Merriam program designed to promote local businesses and enhance community engagement. Additionally, we've include the latest short-term rental updates and shine a spotlight on the success story of Polestar Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, a cornerstone of our local business landscape.

As always, we're here to support your business endeavors every step of the way. Reach out to us if there's anything we can do to further assist you!

2024 Business Survey

The City of Merriam needs your help! As a city, one of our biggest goals is to make sure our businesses feel like their city government is both open and accessible. Included in that commitment is making sure that we remain focused on the services and priorities that are most important to you.

Every three years, we survey Merriam businesses to assess your satisfaction with city services, staff, and programs. Your input is vital to future planning within our business community.

We hope you will complete the 2024 survey to help us guide and grow the business efforts in our community.

Take the survey here!

New: Shop Merriam Program

We’re thrilled to introduce you to Shop Merriam--an exciting initiative designed to bolster our local economy and strengthen the bond between Merriam community members and businesses!

The Shop Merriam program encourages residents and visitors to support local businesses like yours while enjoying enticing discounts and offers.

Participating in Shop Merriam is simple and completely free. All you need to do is meet the following criteria:

1) Be a current licensed business within the City of Merriam.

2) Offer a small discount (minimum 10%), a BOGO offer, or a similar incentive.

If you're ready to join Shop Merriam, please complete the online form. Once your offer is approved, it will be added to the offer listings.

Business Spotlight: Polestar Plumbing, Heating and Air-Conditioning

Polestar is celebrating 40 years as a locally owned and operated plumbing, heating, and cooling company in Kansas City!

Owner and founder Mark Snell began his career at age 13 working for his father’s plumbing company. In 1984, at age 22, Mark took a bold leap and started his own company, Polar Plumbing. Mark’s son, Payton, later joined the business, which is now known as Polestar Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning. Mark and his team have really loved being in Merriam the last few years! Read on to learn more about this beloved service business and Mark's take on business ownership, community, and Merriam!

What makes Merriam a good choice for your business?

"Merriam has become a very supportive community for Polestar. It's very close-knit and once we gained the trust of residents and other businesses, they are very comfortable recommending our services to their neighbors, friends, and relatives. Our location on I-35 is key to our branding, and the amount of traffic driving by on a daily basis is incredible. Our relationship with the Merriam code officials is also excellent. Polestar has been in business for 40 years operating out of several cities in Johnson County - we all agree that Merriam is the best fit and will be our home for the long term!"

Given the 40-year journey of business ownership, what is the best piece of business advice you have been given, or could offer to a new business owner?

"Your character is your destiny - it has everything to do with your fate in your personal and your business life. You only get one chance to show your character - there is no second chance."

Summer is coming and Polestar is offering a $79 A/C tune-up! *Must be a new customer with a Merriam service address. Contact Polestar at 913-359-9342 to schedule.

Learn more >>> Polestar Plumbing, Heating and Air-Conditioning

Are you interested in being featured in an upcoming e-newsletter? >> Local Business Spotlight Interest Form.

News, Events, & Resources

The Downtown Merriam Partnership is hosting a Business BBQ and all Merriam businesses are invited! Please join the DMP on Saturday, June 8th to visit downtown Merriam, break bread, and network with fellow businesses.

The DMP and the City of Merriam will provide brief remarks on the importance of historic Merriam and the vision for its future. RSVP to Rick Williams at rick@rcwilliamsco.com.

Saturday, June 8th

2:00 p.m.

9214 W. 58th Terrace

RSVP here!

We’re thrilled to introduce you to Shop Merriam, an exciting initiative aimed at bolstering the local economy and strengthening the bond between community members and businesses!

Shop Merriam encourages residents and visitors to support local businesses like yours while enjoying enticing discounts and offers.

Participating is simple and free. All you need to do is meet the following criteria:

1) Be a licensed business within the City of Merriam.

2) Offer a small discount (minimum 10%), a BOGO offer, or a similar incentive to your patrons.

If you're ready to join us in this fantastic endeavor, please complete the online form. Once your offer is approved, it will be proudly displayed alongside others on our online platform.

Business Appreciation Happy Hour!

The 2024 Business Appreciation event is set! Mark your calendar and join us on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. for a happy hour filled with networking, city news and updates, a presentation on the new business survey results, and a few praises for long-time Merriam businesses!

Snacks and adult beverages are provided with your RSVP. You must be a licensed Merriam business to attend (2 people per Merriam business).

RSVP here!

State of Kansas Business Incentives

The Kansas Department of Commerce provides a wide array of services and resources to help businesses locate, expand, hire, invest and grow in Kansas. Whether you're looking for the right location in which to invest or resources for business expansion, job creation, or international trade, contact Craig VanWey at 785-633-8407 or craig.vanwey@ks.gov. Learn more about available state business resources.

Commuter Update--Cashless Tolls Coming Soon!

The Kansas Turnpike will switch to a cashless system on July 1, 2024. You will experience this change on the roadway and how you pay your toll or, if you have a KTAG, how you manage your account. The easiest way to be ready for cashless tolling, and make sure you pay the lowest toll, is to get a KTAG. To learn more about KTA’s switch to cashless tolling, get a KTAG, and more visit, DriveKS.com .

I ❤ Merriam!

Amidst the excitement of receiving two hearts from the Parade of Hearts, we couldn't think of a more fitting moment to unveil our latest endeavor: the I ❤ Merriam campaign! Get ready to celebrate all the things that make our community shine bright. From cozy seasonal favorites to buzzing events, rich history, vibrant art, mouthwatering dining spots, charming local shops, stellar people, and so much more – we're here to showcase it all! Learn more.

Short Term Rentals Ordinance

The City of Merriam is implementing an ordinance regulating Short-Term Rentals (STRs). A STR is the leasing of a single-family dwelling, two-family dwelling, or attached dwelling for not more than 28 consecutive days in which the property owner does not occupy the dwelling for the duration of the lease. Short-Term Rentals must comply with the licensing and distance regulations detailed here.

Community Video Partnership

Video cameras are one of the best methods for catching criminals in the act. The Community Video Partnership Program invites residents and businesses to work with Merriam Police to create a list of active security cameras across the City. This free program is completely voluntary and includes a window cling that you may place on your business windows to help deter criminal activity. Learn more.

Downtown Merriam Grant Opportunity

Merriam business and property owners can make outdoor improvements, including painting, siding, door/window replacements, awnings, building additions, landscaping, and more with help from the Historic Downtown Merriam Exterior Improvement Grant. There is $50,000 available in the grant fund with a 30% reimbursement. Learn more.

Available Sites & Properties

If you're in the market for a new office space, room to grow, or just curious about commercial real-estate offerings across Merriam, we've got you covered. The City of Merriam now offers listings of land, buildings, and spaces across town that are updated weekly. View available properties.

Subscribe to E-Merriam

Stay current with city events, news, and information each week! Every Thursday, the City publishes e-Merriam, an email newsletter detailing the happenings of the past week and highlighting important announcements for the upcoming week. Stay in the know and subscribe today!

Welcome to Merriam!

Here's a look at the new businesses Merriam welcomed during the first quarter of 2024. We appreciate your partnership in joining our active and growing business community!