This week, our President Michael Kowski Interviewed Sheila Due, the president of the McKinney Education Foundation. Sheila masterfully unpacks how the MEF works, how many students they've helped, how it all started, and how the everyday McKinney residents can get involved and make a difference. Plus, we learn about a new hot spot for chicken fingers in McKinney! Learn more about the MEF: https://www.mckinneyef.org/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McKinneyEDC For audio episodes of McKinney Momentum, subscribe on your favorite podcast network: https://mckinneymomentum.com

Today’s episode is a fun one! Two companies who met through their connection to the Innovation Fund have partnered together, and Mike Wilkes sits down with the founders to chat all things sports tech, fan engagement, the World Cup 2026, and more. Meet Andrew Naugher of Rikodi, and Denny Darmo of Snipitz on today’s episode of McKinney Momentum and hear about their partnershipReadabout Rikodi: https://uniquemckinney.com/mckinney-economic-development-corporation-rikodi/Read about Snipitz: https://uniquemckinney.com/snipitz-market-expands-corporate-hq-in-mckinney/    Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McKinneyEDC  For audio episodes of McKinney Momentum, subscribe on your favorite podcast network: https://mckinneymomentum.com

We’ve had 2 major announcements recently with global tech platform Plug N Play, and today we pull back the curtain a bit to unpack a little more of how this works with connecting startups to corporate partners.This week on McKinney Momentum, MEDC’s Michael Talley sits down with Plug and Play partner Kevin Parakkattu and discusses how the partnership came to be, how it builds on our existing Innovation Fund, what the collaboration with Frisco looked like, and what the full launch will look like by mid-March. Read our McKinney Plug and Play press release and FAQ: https://uniquemckinney.com/global-innovation-platform-plug-and-play-launches-new-location-in-mckinney-texas/Read about the Fintech partnership with Frisco: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/press/plug-and-play-launches-fintech-startup-accelerator-program-in-frisco-and-mckinney-texas/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McKinneyEDCFor audio episodes of McKinney Momentum, subscribe on your favorite podcast network: https://mckinneymomentum.com

Join MEDC marketing manager Luke Gajary today as he jumps out from behind the camera to interview startup founder Adam McAbee of StadiumDrop - an Innovation Fund portfolio company. Adam shares the story of how he and his wife started the company, how COVID19 affected their launch, and some unique achievements they've made along the way.StadiumDrop is a game changing mobile ordering and delivery app, that allows you to stay in the moment. Order food, beverage and merchandise from your phone and let them bring it to you. Follow Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-mcabee-3a7711117/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McKinneyEDCFor audio episodes of McKinney Momentum, subscribe on your favorite podcast network: https://mckinneymomentum.com

Join Madison Clark in our MEDC studio today as she interviews our new president and CEO, Michael Kowski. Kowski brings extensive long-term city planning experience to MEDC, including urban development and design, land acquisition, and capital improvement projects. He most recently served as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of McKinney where he oversaw projects like the creation of the $11 million indoor tennis facility at The Courts of McKinney, the $25 million renovation of the McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch, and the acquisition of 230 acres of parkland within the Painted Tree development that will be used for recreational facilities, and future community and economic development projects.Read more about Michael and his role at the MEDC: https://uniquemckinney.com/mckinney-economic-development-corporation-appoints-michael-kowski-as-president-and-ceo/For audio episodes of McKinney Momentum, subscribe on your favorite podcast network: https://mckinneymomentum.com

Join our own Mike Wilkes in our MEDC studio today as he interviews Jake Hamann and talk about his company, Autix, his entrepreneurship start, the vision for his company, rethinking how we price, sell,  and build cars, and of course, the impact of the Innovation Fund. A seasoned economic, ecosystem, and entrepreneurial development thought leader, Jake has not only built and grown his own successful ventures, but has helped countless others do the same by sharing his journey of successes and struggles along the way. Whether a large corporation, early-stage entrepreneur, or community looking to grow their economy, Jake is recognized for mentoring both individuals and organizations, imparting as much practical wisdom and experience as possible based on his broad range of experience and expertise.Connect with Jake: https://jakehamann.meSubscribe on Youtube for video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@McKinneyEDCFor audio episodes of McKinney Momentum, subscribe on your favorite podcast network: https://mckinneymomentum.com

Today in the McKinney Momentum studio, we sit down with Lauren Smith and Kierstin Marchal from HUGS Cafe right here in McKinney. Lauren shares the story of HUGS, and the four main initiatives they are focused on - including some very unique inclusive employment curriculum opportunities. Kierstin shares the culture of HUGS, and how the opportunities provided her has changed her career for the better as an adult with disabilities in the workforce - including landing her DREAM JOB at Disney! October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and we couldn't think of a better time or partnership to bring this conversation to the forefront.Of course, it wouldn't be a conversation about HUGS if we didn't discuss the cookies and pretzels! Join our own Madison Clark as we unpack the unique story of this incredible organization.Check out the video: https://youtu.be/8JEmQWeoos8

Join our SVP Michael Talley in our MEDC studio today as he interviews Denny Darmo and talk about his company, Snipitz, his entrepreneurship start, the vision for his company, rethinking how we consume media, and of course, the impact of the Innovation Fund. Snipitz Founder, Visionary and CEO, Denny Darmo’s professional career began on Wall Street in 1994, soon transitioning into investment banking structuring early stage finance deals for technology companies including investments via SPVs in Facebook, Twitter, etc.Denny is revolutionizing global fan's content consumption experience with Snipitz’s proprietary and patented AI technology, delivering hyper-personalized predictive programming to global fans on an individual level. Connect with Denny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denny-darmoSnipitz: https://www.linkedin.com/company/snipitz/For audio episodes of McKinney Momentum, subscribe on your favorite podcast network: https://mckinneymomentum.comVideo Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYkuJa-uLd_R_VyRzpor-4A

Join our SVP Michael Talley in our MEDC studio today as he interviews Ranjith Raghunath and talk about his company, CX Data Labs, tech background, customer data and privacy, and of course the impact of the Innovation Fund. Ranjith Raghunath is a customer experience (CX) wizard, coming from companies like Amazon, Samsung, and GSK before eventually starting his own company right here in McKinneyConnect with Ranjith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAACxtsgBh0wFJF3PechD5SHsnVShFH6KC3M?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_detail_base%3Bfsr8XPshRgazxBbmkWU%2BbQ%3D%3DCX Data Labs: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cxdatalabs/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_detail_base%3Bfsr8XPshRgazxBbmkWU%2BbQ%3D%3DFor audio episodes of McKinney Momentum, subscribe on your favorite podcast network: https://mckinneymomentum.com

Join our SVP Michael Talley, and project manager Mike Wilkes, in our MEDC studio today as they interview Greg Head and talk all things startup culture, VC funding, bootstrapping a company, and learning how to better foster the tech ecosystem as a whole in DFW. Greg Head is a 30-year software industry veteran who was part of the startup-to-scale journeys of three different software companies in the CRM industry, including one IPO. He is now an active mentor, advisor, podcaster, and investor helping founders of software startups all over the world.He is the founder of Gregslist.com, his curated and up-to-date list of local software companies and SaaS jobs. Gregslist is now available for tech communities in Phoenix, Dallas,, and 10 other cities. Greg also is host of the weekly Practical Founders Podcast where he interviews successful founders who grew valuable software companies without big funding.Greg and his wife live in the Dallas area. They spent 23 years in Phoenix before returning to her hometown in Texas in 2019.Connect with Greg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregheadaz/For video episodes of McKinney Momentum, subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYkuJa-uLd_R_VyRzpor-4A

Today on McKinney Momentum, our Business Retention Expansion and Workforce Director Madison Clark interviews Rey Colon from Lyric Health, a local tele-health company based here in McKinney. Rey shares his company journey, how he ended up in McKinney, and some major wins they are experiencing in the space. Learn more about Lyric Health:  https://getlyric.com/Follow Rey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamreycolon/McKinney Momentum is a multi-channel video and audio podcast produced by the McKinney EDC featuring local community leaders, entrepreneurs, economic developers, and more to highlight our fantastic community from an economic development standpoint.Connect with the MEDC: http://uniquemckinney.comGet audio versions of the podcast and catch up on past episodes: http://mckinneymomentum.com

Today on McKinney Momentum, our Business Retention Expansion and Workforce Director Madison Clark interviews Kevin Shatley from the Dallas Regional Chamber. Kevin talks about the partnerships in the region, life science industries, and overall growth happening in DFW. Enjoy! Learn more about the DRC:  https://www.dallaschamber.org/Follow DRC on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dallas-regional-chamber/McKinney Momentum is a multi-channel video and audio podcast produced by the McKinney EDC featuring local community leaders, entrepreneurs, economic developers, and more to highlight our fantastic community from an economic development standpoint.Connect with the MEDC: http://uniquemckinney.comGet audio versions of the podcast and catch up on past episodes: http://mckinneymomentum.com

This month on McKinney Momentum, we host Angie Woods in the studio from the MCDC. She shares about her involvement in serving and what being committed to a board has meant to her, as well as pulls back the curtain on some current MCDC projects and initiatives. Learn more about the MCDC:  https://www.mckinneycdc.org/Follow MCDC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McKinney-Community-Development-Corporation-197618700275238/McKinney Momentum is a multi-channel video and audio podcast produced by the McKinney EDC featuring local community leaders, entrepreneurs, economic developers, and more to highlight our fantastic community from an economic development standpoint.Connect with the MEDC: http://uniquemckinney.comGet audio versions of the podcast and catch up on past episodes: http://mckinneymomentum.com

This week on McKinney Momentum, Luke Gajary and Caroline Causey from the MEDC host Lisa Hermes of the McKinney Chamber of Commerce as we discuss community involvement, leadership development, and economic development from the perspective of the Chamber of Commerce.

Today on McKinney Momentum, Madison Clark sits down with the director of Visit McKinney to talk all things tourism, events, and the economic impact of the AT&T Byron Nelson.

Entrepreneur Dru Riess joins Madison Clark this week to talk all things McKinney, and share about his new venture in McKinney called ILS Gummies. Audio: http://mckinneymomentum.comAbout Innovative Life SciencesILS Gummies is a new company, formerly TMM Gummies. TMM Gummies was acquired by private-equity firm, Rosewood Private Investments in early 2022. Rosewood PI is the private equity arm of the Rosewood Corporation which is wholly owned by the Caroline Hunt Trust Estate. Rosewood brought in Dru Riess to take over and transform the company. Dru was founder and CEO of PPC Flexible Packaging (formerly Popular Ink) based in McKinney for 13 years. Dru encouraged Rosewood to bring ILS Gummies to McKinney, where he knew it would have great success.ILS Gummies will manufacture nutraceutical gummies (multi vitamins, elderberry, sleep formulas, beauty and collagen gummies, hair loss, brain and cognitive nutrition gummies, electrolyte, and sport gummies, k2/d3, mineral based vitamin gummies, etc.).

McKinney Mayor George Fuller joins us this week for a chat about the growth in McKinney, leadership challenges, and some upcoming projects.

Meet our president, Peter Tokar III! MEDC Marketing Manager Luke Gajary sits down with Peter to hear about his back story of economic development, what brought him to McKinney, and his vision for the economic growth of our city.