Category Archives: Business News

How Business Intelligence and Advanced Security Protocols Impact Development

Security and business intelligence drive development success. Without solid security measures and trustworthy data, your performance could suffer from inefficiencies, vulnerabilities, and missed opportunities. While security procedures safeguard private data, business intelligence aids in decision-making. Together, these initiatives improve operations and ensure company continuity.
Managing both areas boosts efficiency and protects valuable assets—optimizing workflows, predicting market trends, and preventing cyber threats that could disrupt progress. If you dismiss these strategies, your business might have to deal with financial losses and reputational harm, making understanding their impact key.
Enhancing Decision-Making with Business Intelligence
Business intelligence is what helps make smarter, data-backed decisions. Analyze trends, patterns, and historical data to effectively minimize guesswork and maximize efficiency while keeping in mind the most important thing here—getting a clear picture and a qualitative understanding of quantitative data. 
Business intelligence tools can process vast amounts of data, with BI consultants assisting in interpreting this information for calculated decision-making. 
AI-powered analytics help you understand and predict customer behavior, including potential operational bottlenecks and growth opportunities. The goal here is to anticipate changes in demand, adjust resources, and refine strategies.
Competitive Advantage and Risk Mitigation
Real-time market data helps you make business decisions, unlike your competitors, who rely on outdated information. To adapt quickly, you continually need to understand customer preferences, industry trends, and competitor strategies. 
Of course, data-driven decision-making reduces risks associated with uncertainty. Real-time monitoring highlights inefficiencies and financial pitfalls before they escalate, enabling you to spot vulnerabilities early, pivot strategies, and maintain stability. 
Machine learning algorithms help you unmask hidden connections in data that traditional analysis might miss, making implementing real-time reporting tools mandatory so that key stakeholders receive instant updates. You’ll ensure faster and more precise adjustments this way.
Strengthening Security with Advanced Protocols
Strong security protocols protect assets, customer data, and intellectual property from costly breaches. Encryption is key here. It blocks unaccredited access to sensitive information, and strong security tactics guarantee hackers can’t access your valuable information. 
Pro tip: Include multi-factor authentication as an extra layer of protection, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access.
Threat Detection and Prevention
AI-driven security systems detect threats before damage. Proactive monitoring identifies anomalies, allowing for swift responses. Frameworks like Zero Trust continuously verify users and devices, heavily reducing the risk of breaches.
Why is this important? Noncompliance with security regulations can lead to outstanding legal consequences and financial penalties. Compliant security measures protect your business and customers while keeping up with evolving regulations, preventing breaches, and building trust.
Improving Workflow Efficiency Through Integration
Stop interruptions to daily operations with reliable data management and real-time insights automated to minimize manual data processing. 

AI-driven tools categorize and interpret data instantly, freeing you to focus on strategic planning. 
Automated security measures—e.g., real-time threat detection—keep systems protected without constant oversight.

Secure access to business intelligence tools helps create a better basis for teamwork. Cloud-based security solutions ensure authorized personnel can retrieve relevant data without compromising safety, while encrypted communication platforms further protect sensitive discussions.
Minimizing Downtime
Downtime caused by inefficiencies or security breaches can easily be avoided when you set up a system that integrates well with other systems. Use residential proxies to maintain constant access to safe networks and services and keep things running smoothly and safe from online attacks. 
Business intelligence predicts potential disruptions, enabling proactive solutions. Strong security protocols prevent cyberattacks that could halt operations, keeping projects on track.
Maximizing Profitability Through Strategic Development
A secure, data-driven approach increases profitability. You can optimize revenue streams and reduce unnecessary costs with better resource allocation and risk management.
Identifying inefficiencies through business intelligence lowers expenses. You can streamline supply chains, eliminate wasteful spending, and allocate budgets wisely. Secure financial systems prevent fraud and unauthorized transactions, protecting your assets.
Revenue Growth
Market insights reveal new revenue opportunities. Understanding customer preferences allows you to tailor products and services effectively. Secure transactions and data protection build trust, leading to repeat business and stronger customer loyalty.
Long-Term Sustainability
A combination of security and business intelligence ensures sustainable growth. Mitigating cyber threats preserves financial stability, while intelligent strategies allow businesses to adjust to market changes. A resilient approach positions your business for long-term success.
Future-Proofing Your Development Strategies
Investing in business intelligence and security protocols prepares you for the future. Integrating AI, automation, and advanced security measures keeps your organization competitive and protected.
Staying ahead of technical advancements will strengthen your development tactics. Blockchain security improves data safety, while AI-powered analytics improve decision-making. Implementing these technologies lets your company be flexible and prepared for new challenges.
Maintaining Customer Trust
Customers expect security when they interact with your business. Fact-based assignments complementing strong security measures reassure businesses and their clients that information will remain safe. Trust equals loyalty, which, in turn, strengthens your brand and allows you to expand your market presence.
Continuous Improvement
Business intelligence and security should evolve alongside your organization. Regular assessments and updates ensure strategies remain effective, and ongoing improvements ensure relevance and sustained success.
Conclusion
Business intelligence and security protocols are essential to modern development. Key business information, primarily based on facts derived from analytics, offers a key driver for strategic choices, while advanced security measures protect valuable assets. Without these, your business can fall victim to inefficiencies, vulnerabilities, and financial losses.
Taking charge is what will keep your business ahead. Irrepressible Tech advancements require smarter development strategies for long-term success while prioritizing both intelligence and security builds a strong foundation for future growth.
Photo by Mimi Thian; Unsplash

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Art business classes to be offered in Parksville this May

The McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville will host art business classes for the first time this spring and fall.

April Lacheur will teach two sessions in May and two in September at the arts centre located at 133 McMillan St.

Lacheur built an art business during the past 19 years, which eventually replaced her income as a registered nurse, according to a news release.

“I feel I have many experiences, skills and words of wisdom I am eager to share with fellow artists who are looking to either start selling their art or want to focus on increased sales and building a fulfilling art  business,” she said. “Whether your goal is buying more art supplies, travelling, or even replacing a day job, it’s possible.”

Artists can choose to register for one, some or all of the classes, according to the release. The first class, ‘Art Business Basics’ is on May 7, followed by ‘Art Marketing 101’ on May 21.

Classes are also scheduled for Sept. 10 (‘How to Make Art Reproductions’) and Sept. 24 (‘How to Sell at an Art Market’).

Each class goes from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and costs $75. Registration is available online at aprillacheurart.com/classes.

Lacheur will be showing her work at the MAC this June, alongside Kelly Corbett and Helen Utsal, in an exhibition titled Forest Bathing. The opening reception for that exhibition will be on May 31.

Seven essential checks small-business owners must make before signing a new agreement

With late payments an increasing issue among small businesses, the NSW Small Business Commissioner has put together a quick-reference guide for business owners to vet prospective business partners before signing agreements.

The guide comprises seven essential checks to make before entering into a new partnership, plus some potential red flags to watch out for.

These checks are as follows:

Beyond business: Founders cash in on digital stardom

Ashneer Grover, former BharatPe executive, is charging premium rates for brand collaborations, boasting millions of views in a lucrative side hustle. BoAt’s Aman Gupta sees social media as a route to boost his company’s sales, while Zerodha’s Nikhil Kamath invests heavily in high-production-value podcasts, aiming to transform educational content into a new media empire.

Also Read | Influencers are still hot property, but brands are now looking at returns too

As these founders amass millions of followers, the lines between entrepreneurship, influencer marketing, and content creation are blurring, signaling a new era of personal brand monetization in India’s burgeoning digital landscape.

Grover who has over 1.4 million Instagram followers regularly engages with the travel, humour, and lifestyle-related content he posts. In his 902 posts on the image sharing platform, he has featured a row of influencers, including Chetan Goyal, Harshita Gupta and Shubham Gaur. Occasionally, his wife Madhuri, co-founder of Grovers’ new startup ZeroPe, with over 83,600 followers also makes an appearance.

“After getting popular, I thought about how to use my fame constructively. Incidentally, after getting featured in the first season of Shark Tank, I was approached by many influencers for collaborations. As that content did well, raking anywhere between five to 10 million views organically, I figured social media content was a way for me to monetize my fame,” Grover said.

Grover has also collaborated with Prime Video, JioHotstar and Zee5 to promote various shows. “Since I have a higher brand value than influencers, I charge brands higher than them, but with high engagement, I deliver a good return on investment. For instance, in one of the collaborations, the views were over 16 million, essentially making the cost per view lower than 10 paise for the brand,” he said.

Grover settled a two-year-long legal dispute with BharatPe in 2024, forfeiting his shareholding and association with the company. He is now working on a new fintech, ZeroPe.

Also Read | IPL’s big bet on influencers to draw in young viewers is paying off

Leveraging authenticityMeanwhile, Gupta of consumer electronics maker BoAt, also a Shark Tank entrepreneur, sees social media content as an opportunity to boost business.

“My social media popularity translates to more engagement and conversions for my brand as well. That is one of the reasons why entrepreneurs like me actively participate in social media trends and create content to maximise traction,” Gupta, who has over 1.7 million followers on his Instagram handle @boatxaman, said. Gupta said that while also creates humour and lifestyle content, he does not do paid promotions for other brands.

“When entrepreneurs like me post content on social media, we become more relatable for the audience that watches us on TV or views us as founders of big brands. Not only does social media make us one of their own, but it also fosters authenticity. When I talk about something on my social media, people instantly perceive it as genuine instead of a paid promotion, distinguishing me from creators or celebrities,” he said. Gupta received the National Creators Award in 2024 under the celebrity creator category. The award, launched by the Government of India in 2024, is presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to creators and influencers across 20 categories.

BoAt’s audited revenue decreased 5% to ₹3,122 crore in FY24 from ₹3,285 crore in FY23, while losses fell by 47%, according to its filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC).

Anupam Mittal, chief executive officer of Shaadi.com, has close to 2 million Instagram followers. Mittal, who was also a judge on Shark Tank, has hired Clout, a professional influencer marketing agency run by Pocket Aces, to handle his social media work, brand endorsements and event presence. Queries sent to Mittal remained unanswered.

“Successful entrepreneurs have become macro-influencers themselves, attracting followers eager to learn their strategies. This influence translates into strong brand loyalty, cultural relevance, and market expansion, positioning their businesses at the forefront of the digital economy,” said Amiya Swarup, partner and marketing advisory leader at consulting firm Ernst and Young (EY).

Also Read | Finfluencers registered as MF distributors may face Sebi scrutiny

Nikhil Kamath’s podcastNikhil Kamath, co-founder of India’s largest stock broking firm Zerodha, is one such entrepreneur. His ‘WTF is’ podcasts feature conversations with industry experts and friends, on subjects ranging from technology and social media to philosophy and current events. Founded two years ago, the podcast’s YouTube channel has nearly 1.5 million subscribers.

“When he started his investment journey, Nikhil invited domain experts for conversations to understand the growth and shift in the industries. Realizing the value of the knowledge he gained from those conversations, he wondered how to let the world know what he knew, and the solution was to just put a camera to it. This is how the podcast started two years back,” said Bilal Jaleel, director of Kamath’s WTF Media.

While podcast was initially educational and had audio glitches, WTF spent significantly to improve the production quality as it gained traction, Jaleel said, hiring designers, researchers, producers and editors, and renting top-quality equipment. WTF never tried to monetize the product or tied up with brands, Jaleel said, adding the goal was always to achieve global standards.

Also read | For discount brokers, life will never be the same again

“It is like our team produces a movie every time an episode is shot. Despite being an entrepreneur and investor, Kamath does not hold back from dumbing down and asking basic questions that the audience might have. This is what makes the podcast relatable to the business and start-up world. “he further expanded. Jaleel also said that they are trying to turn the success of this podcast into a business opportunity by providing podcasts as a service to their clients, and plan to incorporate a ‘new media’ company in the future.

India’s largest stock broking platform, Zerodha reported ₹8,320 crore in revenue and ₹4,700 crore in profit in FY24, according to Nithin Kamath, brother of Nikhil and co-founder of Zerodha.

Startup Business Insurance: What You Need & Why It Matters

Starting a business is an exciting journey, but protecting it with the right coverage is just as important as launching it. Many startups overlook business insurance, either due to cost concerns or a lack of awareness, but going without coverage can lead to significant financial and legal risks.Understanding the essentials of business insurance costs for startups helps you make informed decisions, ensuring your startup complies with legal requirements while safeguarding your investment. This guide breaks down the types of insurance startups need, how much each type costs, and when insurance becomes essential.
Common types of business insurance for startups
While not all types of insurance are legally required, having the right coverage can prevent devastating financial setbacks. By understanding the basics of business insurance costs for startups, you can make informed decisions that protect your company from day one.

How to choose the right type of startup business insurance
Selecting the right insurance for your startup depends on your industry, business model, and risk exposure. By following the process below, you can secure the right business insurance without overspending, ensuring your startup is protected from unexpected financial setbacks.
Step 1: Assess your risks.
Identify potential risks your business faces. Ask yourself:

Do I interact with customers in person? (General liability insurance)
Do I provide professional advice or services? (Professional liability insurance)
Do I have employees? (Workers’ compensation insurance)
Do I handle sensitive customer data? (Cyber liability insurance)
Do I sell physical products? (Product liability insurance)

Step 2: Determine legal requirements.

Check state laws and industry regulations for mandatory insurance coverage.
Review contract requirements; some clients, landlords, or lenders may require specific policies.

Step 3: Compare providers and policies.

Get quotes from multiple insurers (e.g., Next Insurance and Simply Business) to compare coverage and pricing.
Look for bundled policies (such as a BOP) for cost savings.
Consider financial strength ratings and customer reviews of insurance providers.

Step 4: Balance coverage and cost.

Choose policies that cover essential risks without overpaying for unnecessary add-ons.
Adjust coverage limits and deductibles to fit your budget while maintaining adequate protection.

Entrepreneurs often find themselves weighing the intricate balance between adequate protection and budget constraints when exploring small business insurance coverage and costs. The right policy can shield your emerging venture from potential financial risks.

How much does startup business insurance cost?
The cost of startup business insurance varies depending on factors such as industry, business size, and location.

The cost of workers’ compensation insurance is calculated using a formula that includes your business’s industry, claims history, and number of employees. As such, prices can vary significantly — even within the same industry.

Factors that affect business insurance cost for startups

Industry risk: High-risk industries like construction and healthcare pay more than low-risk businesses like consulting,
Business size and revenue: Larger businesses or those with higher revenue may have higher premiums.
Location: State regulations and local risks (e.g., crime rates and natural disasters) influence costs.
Coverage limits and deductibles: Higher coverage limits and lower deductibles increase premiums.
Claims history: Businesses with past claims may face higher rates.

While cutting costs by skipping insurance may be tempting, doing so could expose your startup to significant financial risks. Choose the right policies to balance affordability with sufficient coverage to protect against unexpected losses.

Why startups need business insurance
Starting a business comes with risks, and without the right insurance, a single incident could lead to costly legal battles or financial ruin. Many startups operate without insurance, assuming they can manage risks on their own, but unexpected events — such as property damage, customer injuries, or cyberattacks — can be devastating.
In some cases, insurance is legally required.

Professional liability insurance: State laws or licensing boards require certain professions, such as medical providers and legal professionals, to carry professional liability insurance.
Workers’ compensation insurance: If your startup has employees, nearly all states require this coverage to cover workplace injuries; exact requirements vary by state. To see the laws for your state, you can visit the NCCI’s workers’ compensation insurance plan, which allows you to print out a PDF file based on each state.
Commercial auto insurance: If your business owns vehicles, note that most states mandate this type to cover accidents involving company-owned cars.

Even when not mandated, coverage provides peace of mind and credibility, showing clients and partners that your startup is prepared for unexpected challenges. It may also be required by landlords, vendors, or clients before signing contracts. By securing the right policies, you can focus on business growth rather than worrying about unexpected liabilities.

Is startup business insurance essential?
Business insurance becomes essential the moment your startup faces financial, legal, or operational risks that could lead to significant losses.

If you have employees, sign client contracts, lease office space, or interact with customers, you likely need coverage to meet legal requirements and protect against liability claims.
If your business owns valuable equipment, handles sensitive data, or operates in a high-risk industry, insurance is crucial for safeguarding assets and ensuring long-term stability.

How to get business insurance
Once you’ve determined the type of insurance your startup needs, the next step is securing coverage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process efficiently.
Step 1: Gather business information.
Insurance providers will ask for details about your business, including the following:

Business type and industry
Number of employees
Annual revenue and projected growth
Physical locations and assets

Step 2: Compare quotes from multiple providers.

Use online tools from providers like Next Insurance and Simply Business to get instant quotes.
Consider bundled policies (like a BOP) to save money.
Look for insurers with strong financial ratings and positive customer reviews.

Step 3: Review coverage terms and exclusions.

Check what is and isn’t covered under each policy.
Pay attention to coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions.
Ensure the policy meets any legal or contract requirements.

Step 4: Purchase and implement your policy.

Finalize the policy that best fits your needs and budget.
Set up automatic payments to avoid lapses in coverage.
Store policy documents securely and inform key team members about coverage details.

Step 5. Regularly review and update coverage.

As your business grows, reassess insurance needs annually.
Update coverage when hiring employees, adding services, or purchasing new equipment.
Work with an insurance agent if you need help adjusting policies.

The best startup business insurance companies
When selecting an insurer to partner with for your business insurance needs, you may prefer to work with an independent provider or an insurance marketplace that’s a one-stop shop. Here are my top two recommendations:

Next Insurance: Best for easy-to-manage, affordable coverage from a direct insurer that offers a variety of business insurance policies.
Simply Business: Best for comparing multiple providers side-by-side by shopping at a marketplace where you submit just one application and receive multiple quotes.

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When navigating the complex landscape of protecting your startup, it’s important that you understand the offerings of the small business insurance carriers. This can be crucial to finding the right coverage that safeguards your entrepreneurial investment.

Next Insurance: Best for easy-to-manage, affordable coverage
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Cost and coverage

High street retailer to shut city-centre location after 40 years following rising business costs

AN ICONIC city-centre vintage shop is set to close its doors for good after 40 years in business.Uncle Sam’s Vintage, dubbed “Bristol’s original vintage store”, is the latest casualty of rising business costs strangling the high street.3Uncle Sam’s Vintage in Bristol is closing down for goodCredit: instagram3The owner will sell off the remaining stock in a saleCredit: GettyThe shop on Park Street has for decades decked out its customers in the pinnacle of cool clothing.All the items are hand-picked, expertly-selected vintage pieces.It is particularly well-stocked with niche Americana-style items, and also sells records.Announcing the sad news on Instagram, Kate Territo, the owner of seven years, said:  “I’m very sad to have to let you all know that Uncle Sam’s will be closing down.read more on shop closures”I firstly want to thank all my loyal customers over the years who have enjoyed shopping here and finding themselves pieces I hope you’ll treasure. “To briefly fill you in on some of the reasons and also the reality of the current economic state affecting small businesses please read on…”Kate continued to explain that her business rates and other overheads had “increased substantially”, which had been “very damaging”.She also revealed that footfall has “depleted on Park street and people’s shopping habits have noticeably changed”.She said: “This is having a substantial impact on the business, especially after having to endure on and off building works and disruption in one form or another for quite some time now.”On top of all those hurdles, Kate was facing “plans for a bus gate” which, she said, would “impact things even more”.Farewell to a Community Icon: Visocchi’s and More (1)The explanation concluded: “It’s just simply no longer sustainable.”The silver lining is that customers will be able to grab some “lovely pieces” for a cut-down price when Kate begins a sale to shift her remaining stock.She said: “I have lots of lovely pieces in here that need a home and need to be worn!”The disappointing news comes just a year since the renowned shop celebrated its 40th birthday with a big bash in April 2024.3Bristol locals spoke out on social media to lament the lossCredit: GettyKate took over Uncle Sam’s in 2018 after five years working for the previous owner.Her predecessor was at the helm for 20 years – and likewise worked for the owner before them.The previous owner last year told Bristol Live: “It can be tough at times, as you’re constantly figuring out what people might want and relying on the footfall.”All the clothes are curated, hand-picked pieces. We spend hours finding items we think/hope people will like and find their own unique ways to style.”Many shoppers took to social media to share their disappointment at the news.Read more on the Scottish SunOne wrote: “I bought an American football training jersey in steel blue from you in 1984. It was for me to use in training as I played for Bristol Bombers American Football team.”I loved that jersey and I sent many of my team mates along to get one of their own. It’s a memory I’ll always cherish, and no visit to Park Street was complete without a stop at Uncle Sam’s.”RETAIL PAIN IN 2025The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury’s hike to employer NICs will cost the retail sector £2.3billion.Research by the British Chambers of Commerce shows that more than half of companies plan to raise prices by early April.A survey of more than 4,800 firms found that 55% expect prices to increase in the next three months, up from 39% in a similar poll conducted in the latter half of 2024.Three-quarters of companies cited the cost of employing people as their primary financial pressure.The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has also warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year.It comes on the back of a tough 2024 when 13,000 shops closed their doors for good, already a 28% increase on the previous year.Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR said: “The results for 2024 show that although the outcomes for store closures overall were not as poor as in either 2020 or 2022, they are still disconcerting, with worse set to come in 2025.”Professor Bamfield has also warned of a bleak outlook for 2025, predicting that as many as 202,000 jobs could be lost in the sector.”By increasing both the costs of running stores and the costs on each consumer’s household it is highly likely that we will see retail job losses eclipse the height of the pandemic in 2020.”

‘Not knowing is the enemy of business growth’ | How to prepare your wallet for the tariff storm

With consumers facing potential price increases on everything from cars to appliances, financial advisors offer strategies for maintaining economic stability.

WACO, Texas — Markets plunged as investors reacted to the announcement of broad new tariffs that economists warn will directly impact American consumers despite claims that foreign countries will foot the bill.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped more than 600 points before partially recovering in afternoon trading, as uncertainty about the economic impact of these new import taxes rattled investor confidence.

“Tariffs are taxes,” explained Jake McClure, an economist at the Personal Wealth Coach. “When you raise prices for things, you should expect prices to be higher. It’s the easiest form of inflation to calculate.”

The tariffs, which target goods from multiple countries including Mexico, China, and potentially Canada and the European Union, could affect prices on a wide range of consumer products from electronics to automobiles.

McClure pointed to previous tariff experiments, including the McKinley Tariff Act of the late 19th century that preceded an economic recession. 

“At the end of his presidency, McKinley said commercial wars are not profitable,” McClure noted. “The winner of any trade war is the one who loses the least.”

The impact of tariffs often extends beyond directly imported goods. When tariffs were placed on imported washing machines in 2018, prices for American-made alternatives quickly rose to match the new higher-priced imports—a phenomenon economists call “tariff equilibrium.”

Financial experts identified uncertainty as perhaps the most damaging aspect of the current situation.

“The biggest problem with this is the uncertainty,” McClure said. “If you don’t know what a part is going to cost before you put it into a vehicle, then you don’t know what you’ll charge for the vehicle in the marketplace. Not knowing is the enemy of business growth.”

Investment advisor Russell Livesay from Disciplined Investors echoed this sentiment: “The one thing that markets ultimately dislike is uncertainty. When there’s uncertainty, companies can’t project what their profits are going to look like next quarter and next year.”

Both experts cautioned against panic buying, which can worsen inflation.

“When we believe that prices will be higher tomorrow, we buy more today, and that makes prices go up more tomorrow,” McClure explained. “It’s this groupthink when we expect rising prices that causes rising prices.”

For investors, Livesay recommended maintaining perspective: “Over the last two years, we’ve seen nothing but markets go up, up, up. However, the stock market’s history shows that it is a volatile investment. It does go up and down, but over long periods, markets historically have very nice rates of return.”

The experts’ advice for everyday Americans remains consistent regardless of economic conditions: live within your means, build emergency savings, and avoid making emotional financial decisions.

“These are normal downturns in the economy,” McClure said. “It’s like being in a storm at sea. You don’t go to sea because there are storms. You make sure your ship is shipshape.”

Jade Investments Welcomes Aninda Bose as New Partner to Propel Business Expansion

Jade Investments Welcomes Aninda Bose as New Partner to Propel Business Expansion – Business News Today – EIN Presswire

Business confidence lights up just as tariff storm clouds darken

NZIER’s latest survey puts momentum behind economic growth and further rate cuts.

Center High School students build community table for Leawood business

LEAWOOD, Kan. — The advanced woodshop class at Center High School teamed up with Rendezvous Climbing Gym to create a table for the gym.After five months of work, the class unveiled the project to the public on Monday.

Center High School students build community table for Leawood business

“We discussed different ways that we could add something to the gym that would benefit our people here, and then also give his students a project they could work on,” said Rendezvous owner Mark Messner.

The Center High School band showed up as well as other teachers and local leaders.”I’m really, really proud,” said Alec Chambers, woodshop teacher. “They’re a part of building a community that they are one day gonna raise children in.”

Chambers said this program is more than community collaboration; it’s about the life skills the students will take away. “I don’t know how to do a challenging thing, but I have the confidence in myself that I can find my resources, use my resources and figure out how to do the challenging thing. That’s the unwritten curriculum in this program,” Chambers said.Shaun Keith is one of the two students who worked on the table. “This is the second table I’ve built for the community, so I’m happy to do it again,” the Center senior said. “Countless hours of manpower just working on it, cleaning it, cutting it. But I think it’s all worth it in the end.”

Just like rock climbing, there may be some slip-ups, and it may take time, but the view from the top — or the other side of the table — looks pretty great.—KSHB 41 reporter Caroline Hogan covers development across the Kansas City area. Share your story idea with Caroline.