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Kansas City News Today Kansas City Front Page is a weekly news publication, with daily updates, spotlighting attractions, events, business and hospitality in Kansas City. |
KANSAS CITY NEWS TODAY - Monday, February 2, 2009  Union Station to Streamlines Operations, Eliminate Jobs KANSAS CITY, MO, (kansascityfrontpage.com), February 2, 2009 - The Executive Committee of The Board of Union Station Kansas City, Inc. has adopted a plan designed to keep the organization financially stable during the country's current economic challenges. The plan, which takes effect immediately, represents a conservative, proactive business approach to ensure the ongoing viability of the Station. Station officials are projecting revenue for 2009 at $10.6 million. The projections are based on the assumption that discretionary spending by consumers for attractions such as those offered at Union Station could decrease as much as 40 percent this year. The Station also anticipates contributions from the private sector will be less and its traveling exhibit lineup is not expected to generate revenue at the same level as Bodies Revealed in 2008 and Dead Sea Scrolls in 2007. The Station has also reduced expenses by more than $3.5 million from those incurred in 2008 which includes cuts across the board. In addition, more than 40 full-time and parttime positions have been eliminated resulting in a payroll reduction of approximately $1.3 million. A salary freeze implemented in 2008 continues. In a statement, George M. Guastello, II, President and CEO of Union Station, said, "Difficult business decisions like these are never easy, especially when they involve the loss of team members of our organization. However, we are facing an unprecedented economic downturn, and we need to take swift, decisive action to ensure this beloved community asset will remain for generations to come." Guastello, who was appointed CEO in late December, says the organization will stay focused on its core mission of science and history education and entertainment and will continue to concentrate on enhancing the customer experience. "Providing that quality customer experience and ensuring the building and our attractions remain clean and inviting means our team members must become more agile and find more entrepreneurial ways to operate," said Guastello. Guastello also says the organization's long-term success will be dependent upon the associates, board and community all working together on an integrated, strategic plan to make it happen. Operating hours for all attractions will remain the same at least through the Station's busy Spring Break period in March. However, operating procedures will continue to be evaluated. Phishing Scam Targeting Missourians With Bogus 'Card Services' Calls KANSAS CITY, MO, (kansascityfrontpage.com), February 2, 2009 - Attorney General Chris Koster is warning Missourians of a phishing scam disguised as an offer to lower their credit card interest rate. Consumers have contacted Koster's office saying a caller claims to be from a company called Card Services, asking them to enter their credit card number to see if they qualify for a better rate. This is simply an attempt by thieves to steal credit card numbers. In the phone call, consumers are led to believe they're being contacted by their credit card company and they are asked to dial a number, usually 9, if they are interested in trying to get a lower interest rate. Koster says in phishing scams like this, with thieves fishing for personal information, the crooks can steal credit card numbers, use them in a matter of minutes through online purchases and run up big charges that appear later on the consumer's credit card statement. "This is a typical phishing scam, in that it tries to play on consumers' emotions and excitement at the idea of saving money," Koster said. "But as always, consumers should never give out their personal information to anyone who contacts them." Koster says consumers should only give out sensitive information, such as Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers, when they initiate the contact. He says any call claiming to be a financial institution or other trusted organization asking for personal information should be seen as a scam. Consumers can report phishing, identity theft or other fraud at Koster's Consumer Protection Hotline, 1-800-392-8222 or his web site, ago.mo.gov.   The Kansas City Front Page is owned and maintained by the Moore Design Group for the sole purpose of disseminating news and information about the Metropolitan Kansas City area. Text or graphics may not be copied, rewritten or distributed in any manner whatsoever without written permission. For more information, contact editor@slfp.com All rights reserved world wide © 2007 - 2009 Moore Design Group. |
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