The Smith Group is located in one of the investment management industry’s major regional centers, Kansas City – home to American Century Investments, Ivy Funds, DST Systems, Scout Funds, and many other national providers.
Kansas City, often referred to by its initials, K.C., is the largest city in the state of Missouri and is the predominant city of a metropolitan area of more than two million people spanning the Missouri–Kansas border.
Kansas City was founded in 1838 as the Town of Kansas at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas rivers and was incorporated in its present form in 1850. Situated opposite Kansas City, Kansas, the city was the location of several battles during the Civil War, including the Battle of Westport.
The city is well known for its contributions to the musical styles of jazz and blues as well as to cuisine, notably Kansas City-style barbecue. It is officially nicknamed the City of Fountains. With over 200 fountains, the city claims to have the second most in the world, just behind Rome. In March 2012, downtown Kansas City was selected as one of America’s best downtown areas by Forbes magazine for its rich culture in arts, numerous fountains, upscale shopping and various local cuisine – most notably barbecue.