Kansas City honors Henry W. Bloch
The City Council of Kansas City, Mo., has designated Tuesday October 14 as Henry W. Bloch Entrepreneurship Day in Kansas City in recognition of his “contributions to making Kansas City an entrepreneurial city and his ongoing civic and philanthropic contributions to the greater Kansas City community and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.”
In a resolution passed by the council, the co-founder of H&R Block was cited as both “one of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs” and a person who “embodies the philosophy of hard work and is recognized for his contributions to building a strong Kansas City business community.”
The resolution also cited Mr. Bloch’s sponsorship of the Henry W. Bloch School of Management at UMKC; his establishment of endowed faculty chairs in both Entrepreneurship and Finance at the school; and the way he “responds to the needs of the Kansas City community through philanthropy and social entrepreneurship.”
Presenting the proclamation, Mayor Sly James said “There are a number of corporate, civic and philanthropic people in this community, but Mr. Bloch, there are few who cover it all.”
Councilwoman Jan Marcason said “We are so fortunate to have a family like the Blochs and UMKC in our city. I am very proud to be a graduate of the Bloch School’s MBA program. I know what it did for me personally and professionally. Mr. Bloch, you have inspired young entrepreneurs. We thank you for your passion for entrepreneurship and your passion for Kansas City.”
Councilman Jermaine Reed said “I am in the EMPA program and I am getting a first-rate education. I also want to speak about your late wife (Marion Bloch), who, like you, was an inspiration to many of us and a true pioneer when it came to helping the community.”
And Councilman John Sharp added “I got my MPA at the Bloch School while I was in the legislature. I thought I knew everything, but I learned a tremendous amount at the Bloch School. Also, business people can get advanced degrees at the Bloch School, and that is a real boost to the city’s economy.”