Important Things You Need to Know

Registration is Now Open for the Animal Health Summit

Register by July 17 to take advantage of Early Bird pricing for the 2026 Animal Health Summit, happening August 31 – September 1, 2026.

Spirit of Service & Iron Paw Award Winners Announced

Congratulations to War Horses for Veterans and Richard DeLuca, recipients of the 2026 Spirit of Service and Iron Paw Awards recognizing their outstanding contributions to the animal health community.

Corridor Highlights Student Support & Career Pathways at Petfood Forum

The Corridor recently joined industry leaders at the 2026 Petfood Forum to discuss workforce development and the importance of connecting students with career opportunities across the animal health and pet food industries.

Beyond the Org Chart: What Leadership Really Means

Leadership isn’t defined by titles or hierarchy. It’s built on trust, influence, and how you show up for others. This month’s blog reflects on what it means to lead with authenticity, empower those around you, and create meaningful, lasting impact.

Industry News

Elanco Launches Befrena (tirnovetmab), New Anti-IL-31 Monoclonal Antibody, a Breakthrough Addition to the $1.3 Billion U.S. Canine Dermatology Market

The FelineVMA and Merck Animal Health Launch 2026 Scholarships to Support Future Leaders in Feline Medicine

CERES TAG and Think Digital Partner to Deliver AI-Powered Biosecurity Detection and Response

From Formula to Shelf Faster: The New Generation of Pet Food Development Tools Rewriting R&D Timelines

Purina and KC2026 Introduce Pet-Centered Programming to Make Kansas City a Pet-Friendly FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City

Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Bond Pet Foods Receive FDA No-Objection Letter for First Animal Protein Produced via Precision Fermentation for Pet Food

In Observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, Merck Animal Health Announces Inaugural Veterinary Wellbeing Collective to Help Advance Veterinary Wellbeing

ADM Partners With Hill’s Pet Nutrition in North America and EMEA to Support Farm Resilience Through Regenerative Agriculture

Ceva Animal Health Appoints Ian Tarpey as EVP for Global Innovation and R&D

Blueprint for a Lifetime: Hill’s ‘World of the Kitten’ Report Supports Veterinary Teams & Pet Parents in Navigating the Critical First Year

Gallant Advances Canine Osteoarthritis IV-Delivered Stem Cell Therapy With Promising Pilot Data and Expanded FDA Conditional Approval Pathway Eligibility

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Introduces Innovation to Support Feline Mobility and Weight Management

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eko Health Inc. Launch New AI-based Solution That Detects Heart Murmurs in Dogs

Elanco’s Negasunt Powder (Coumaphos, Propoxur, Sulfanilamide Topical Powder) and Tanidil (Coumaphos, Propoxur) Receive Emergency Authorization for Use Against New World Screwworm in Livestock

FDA Approves First Veterinary Amlodipine Product to Control Systemic Hypertension in Cats

Bimeda Acquires Dechra’s Pomona, California Manufacturing Assets

American Royal Announces First Events at New Kansas City, Kansas Facility This Fall

Vetlen Announces New Distribution Partnership With Patterson Equine

What Makes Mars, Mars: Poul Weihrauch, Mars Global CEO, Talks to Associates About What Makes Mars Unique

BiomEdit Secures Foundational Patents for Engineered Probiotic Platform Positioned to Redefine Animal Health

Annette O’Connor Named Dean of College of Veterinary Medicine

Datavault AI and AgSensor Solutions Announce Consulting Partnership to Tokenize High-Value Agricultural Data Assets

Gallant Reports Positive Pilot Data for Feline Osteoarthritis Stem Cell Therapy; Receives FDA Eligibility for Expanded Conditional Approval Pathway

Parnell: Acquisition of U.S. Pharmaceutical Manufacturer Noble Pharma Expands Manufacturing Capabilities

Bimeda® Announces U.S. Launch of Gastrobim (Omeprazole) as First and Only FDA-approved Bioequivalent to Gastrogard® (Omeprazole) for Equine Gastric Ulcer Treatment

The post The Connector | May 2026 appeared first on OneKC.

INDEPENDENCE, MO — May 12, 2026 — Nebius (Nasdaq: NBIS), the AI cloud company, today broke ground on its flagship AI factory campus in Independence, Missouri – the company’s first gigawatt-scale digital infrastructure project in the U.S.

The ceremony brought together state and local leaders, economic development partners, community members and company representatives to mark the start of construction of the multi-building AI factory on approximately 400 acres in eastern Independence.  

Nebius already operates in the Kansas City area and sees the Independence AI factory as a critical next step in its long-term growth in the U.S.

“Missouri continues to lead in innovation, infrastructure, and investment, and this facility in Independence is another example of that momentum in action,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “This investment from Nebius strengthens Missouri’s position as a national leader in digital infrastructure, while creating quality jobs, supporting local schools and businesses, and generating long-term opportunity. We are proud to support investments that keep Missouri competitive and moving forward.”

“Projects like this are built for the long term, and we are committed to developing this facility in a way that directly benefits Independence,” said John Boynton, Nebius Board Chairman. “We want to create lasting opportunities, act as a good partner with the community, and set a standard for developing AI and digital infrastructure responsibly.”

Construction of the first phase of the AI factory is now underway. In both the construction and operation phases, Nebius has put in place intentional design measures to minimize impact at a local level, including by minimizing water use, containing noise and light, and protecting ratepayers.

Creating approximately 1,200 construction jobs – overwhelmingly drawn from local union building trades – and 130 permanent high-tech positions at full operation, Nebius’ Independence investment is also expected to generate $650 million in tax payments to local school districts and taxing jurisdictions over the next 20 years. 

Nebius is committed to transparent operations and sustained community engagement. As part of this, the company has established a community benefits plan focused on education and local investment, and has already begun to put this into practice, including a recent donation to eliminate school meal debt at Independence and Ft. Osage School Districts and an initial agreement with Metropolitan Community College focused on AI literacy and workforce development.

More information about the Nebius AI factory in Independence, Missouri, can be found at nebius-independencemo.com.

Here’s what community, business, and education leaders are saying about Nebius’ collaborative, partnership-focused investment approach:

• Valerie Byrnes, President of the Independence Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership: “This project is a powerful catalyst for sustained economic growth in Independence. This is a pivotal project that elevates a city’s trajectory—attracting new industries, driving infrastructure investment, and creating momentum that will shape our economy for decades to come.”

• Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development: “Nebius’ decision to expand in Independence is another strong signal that Missouri is competing and winning in the technology and innovation economy. This billion-dollar-investment and creation of new jobs will bring new opportunities to the region while strengthening the state’s growing reputation as a destination for high-tech industry and forward-looking investment.”

• Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership: “This project highlights the extraordinary pace of growth in the AI industry – and why Missouri is the right place for that growth. With our central location, robust infrastructure, and ability to deliver power at scale, Missouri offers a compelling environment for next-generation technology investment, and Nebius’ decision reinforces our strength as a global competitor.”

• Tim Cowden, President and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council: “The Kansas City region continues to stand out as a top destination for global technology investment. Nebius’ decision to choose Independence underscores the strength of our infrastructure, our talent pipeline and a highly collaborative, business-focused environment that helps companies scale and succeed.”

• Ned Finkle, NVIDIA Vice President of External Affairs: “Artificial intelligence is driving the largest infrastructure buildout in history — and that buildout must be rooted here in the United States. This Nebius campus will create thousands of jobs, strengthen American supply chains, and build the AI factories that will power the next era of computing. NVIDIA is proud to stand with Nebius and the State of Missouri as we build the future of AI in American communities, with American workers.”

• Dr. Cynthia Grant, Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Services, Independence School District: “The Nebius AI factory represents a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity for our community. For our district, it is projected to generate more than $463 million over the next 20 years, providing long-term stability and allowing us to better support our students, staff, and schools.”

• Dr. Kimberly Beatty, Chancellor, Metropolitan Community College: “The addition of Nebius to the Kansas City region will add value to the economic development ecosystem through their contribution to the community and K-16 education system. For MCC and most education entities, the ability to learn and partner with an AI expert has tremendous return on investment as we continue to serve our communities and students.”

• Chris Wilson, CEO of ARCO National Construction: “Projects of this scale require deep coordination and technical expertise. We are proud to partner with Nebius to deliver a facility of this complexity and bring it online in Independence.”

About Nebius

Nebius, the AI cloud company, is building the full-stack platform for developers and companies to take charge of their AI future — from data and model training to production deployment. Founded on deep in-house technological expertise and operating at scale with a rapidly expanding global footprint, Nebius serves startups and enterprises building AI products, agents, and services worldwide. Nebius is listed on Nasdaq (NASDAQ: NBIS) and headquartered in Amsterdam. For more information, please visit www.nebius.com

About Missouri Partnership

Missouri Partnership is a public-private economic development organization that attracts new jobs and investment to Missouri by promoting the state’s competitive business strengths. Since 2008, Missouri Partnership has led and supported economic development projects in collaboration with partners across the state, generating thousands of jobs and billions in new capital investment. Learn more about our recent projects.

Contacts

For media: media@nebius.com

For Independence residents: IndependenceMO@nebius.com

The post Nebius Breaks Ground on Gigawatt-Scale AI Factory in Independence, Missouri appeared first on OneKC.

Beale is solidifying its commitment to the De Soto community through a series of local initiatives designed to enhance the quality of life for residents today and into the future. Cornerstone partnerships include: 

• The De Soto Kansas Food Pantry
• The USD232 Education Foundation 
• City of De Soto initiatives, including:
  • Lighting the downtown De Soto water tower near 83rd St. and Wea St. 
  • Revitalizing local recreation by sponsoring the irrigation system for two new ballfields at Riverfest Park
• De Soto Days
• Additional grant projects identified by local partners 

Beale is prioritizing supporting projects that benefit the needs and well-being of its neighbors, and we are proud to support local programs to help ensure the community’s traditions continue to thrive. 

“This significant investment in our community, both in terms of economic impact and community support, speaks to Beale’s commitment to being a true community partner,”said Rick Walker, Mayor of De Soto. “Their support for local organizations and initiatives will have a real impact, and we appreciate their investment in De Soto’s future, and we look forward to our community having the opportunity to learn more at the June public event.”

The first phase of the data center project is expected to generate significant economic impacts with more than $150 million in local and county revenue over 25 years. Of that, the De Soto Unified School District 232 will receive more than $75 million. In addition, the project will create local workforce opportunities for thousands of construction workers and at least 50 full-time, on-site jobs once operational, with additional positions added in future phases. 

The project reflects Beale’s responsible development model, which emphasizes disciplined site selection aligned with local land use planning, proactive engagement and long-term partnership with local communities, as well as direct investment to strengthen area infrastructure and the local workforce. All major project infrastructure – including power delivery, water systems and site improvements – will be privately funded by Beale, ensuring costs are not passed on to residents and ratepayers. Beale is committed to paying its own way and providing the infrastructure that we all depend on. 

“Beale’s investment is a win for DeSoto and Kansas,” said David Campbell, chairman and chief executive officer at Evergy. “Evergy has established rates that ensure new large energy users like Beale pay prices that cover the cost to serve them plus bring benefit to all our customers. Beale’s agreement to long-term energy contracts and to cover the costs for infrastructure that solely serves its facility demonstrates its commitment to the community.” 

“Kansas City’s growth in the digital infrastructure sector continues to accelerate, and projects like this reinforce the region’s position as a destination for forward-looking investment,”said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “Beale is an excellent company with impeccable credentials in the global technology community. The company’s commitment to De Soto and KC as a whole further ensures this growth translates into real, lasting benefits for residents all across the region.”

“Beale’s significant support for the City of De Soto is certainly worth celebrating,”De Soto Chamber & Economic Development Council President Tim Holverson. “It says a lot about Beale Infrastructure that this historic investment in our digital infrastructure is accompanied by impactful investment in the surrounding community. It is the beginning of a long-term partnership that is truly Community First.”

Beale is also actively engaged in conversations with Johnson County Community College (JCCC)to build out enhanced workforce and educational partnerships. In aligning with JCCC, Beale aims to create a sustainable pipeline for high-tech careers, while fostering a local robust talent pool that will drive De Soto’s growth into the future. 

“Our investment in De Soto goes far beyond the physical infrastructure. We are investing in the people, the educational pathways and the community fabric that will drive this region’s growth in the evolving digital economy for decades to come,”said Tony Burkart, Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Public Affairs at Beale. “We are committed to being a catalyst for growth, beyond the four corners of our site. We look forward to growing 

alongside our neighbors and contributing to the enduring prosperity of De Soto for future generations.” 

Beale is planning for a community-focused event in June; more information will be shared on the project page, which can be found at https://bealeinfra.com/de-soto-kansas/.

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About Beale Infrastructure 

Beale Infrastructure develops digital infrastructure for the world’s leading technology companies, partnering closely with customers, communities and utilities to enable innovative data center solutions with sustainable long-term impact. For more information about Beale, please visit www.bealeinfra.com. 

For media inquiries, contact: media@bealeinfra.com 

The post Beale Infrastructure Announces $250,000 in Community Investments for De Soto, Kansas  appeared first on OneKC.