April 25, 2008

Contact: Staci Schottman, NAIA Director of Public Relations & Communications, 816-595-8116

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) was among an impressive list of 2008 Cornerstone Award Finalists recognized by the Economic Development Council at its annual awards luncheon on Tuesday, April 22, 2008. The Kansas City EDC initiated the Cornerstone Award program more than 28 years ago to recognize companies in Kansas City, Missouri.

Because projects are chosen based on their positive impact on the greater community, the Cornerstone Award program reflects the complexity of issues surrounding economic growth and development.

The NAIA was a finalist in the redevelopment category along with Accardo Arts & Design District, Crossroads Parking Structure, Holiday Inn Aladdin Hotel, Kansas City Wizards Training Facility, Meers Advertising and the Sheraton Kansas City Sports Complex. Accardo Arts & Design District received the blue ribbon in the category.

"The NAIA is honored to be recognized as a community and business leader by the Economic Development Council. The Association values the tremendous partnerships with local business and civic leaders," said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO. "The EDC and the City of Kansas City, Mo. have been instrumental in the NAIA's relocation and we are thrilled to be a part of the city's vibrant and promising future."

The NAIA, for its work and commitment to the greater Kansas City community, was highlighted in the Kansas City Economic Development Corporation's annual report as a success story. The EDC highlights the NAIA's relocation operations to downtown Kansas City through the Development Services team.

The NAIA national office is headquartered in the Bonfils Building located at 12th and Grand in the heart of downtown development. The NAIA is the governing body for athletics programs at nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The Association sponsors 23 national championship events and annually hosts the historic Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship at Municipal Auditorium. Through its national championships and its innovative flagship program, Champions of Character, the NAIA impacts thousands of lives through athletic competition and character education. To learn more visit www.naia.org. To learn more about the Kansas City Economic Development Council visit www.edckc.com.

NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association's innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves.