Bob Luder began his career as an award-winning journalist in 1983 as a sports reporter for The Daily Reporter-Herald in Loveland, Colorado. That was followed by a 24-year stint as a sports writer/reporter at The Kansas City Star, where he worked the beats of just about every level of sports, from high schools to professional. Though he interviewed countless highly-famous athletes during his career, Bob counts an interview with pop superstar Elton John back in the 1990s an encounter that left him most star-struck. An '83 graduate of Kansas University's William Allen White School of Journalism, Bob began writing for Lawrence Business Magazine about 10 years ago and has reported on and written about everything from long-standing local businesses, the fire department, Allen Field House, and most recently, the development of Alvamar. He also writes for several publications in the Kansas City area, as well as Baldwin City. When he's not writing, Bob enjoys running, playing golf, and attending live music events.
Lawrence and Douglas County’s diverse mix of businesses positively impacts growth and economic development, but a lack of affordable housing can be a challenge.
Bringing new companies to Lawrence is a joint effort among not only local entities but also many in the surrounding areas, including Kansas City.
Helping out USD 497 is a top priority for this local business owner, whose children have all attended its schools.
Historical buildings in Downtown Lawrence have continually been transformed through the years, morphed into whatever the community deemed necessary at that point in time.
These historic buildings are rich in history and tradition, each having its own unique tale of the path that led it to where it is today.
Some of the work done by companies with KU Innovation Park may go unnoticed by most, but it can be instrumental in areas such as personal and online safety, climate change, sustainability and food security.
If there was one takeaway from the 2024 Foundation Awards, it was this – the “foundation” of Lawrence business is thriving and growing at an impressive rate.
Becoming a fabric of the community and guided by its residents, local police departments join together using a team approach to police the community the way it wants to be policed.