Mr. Hershey pointed out that the project was designed, financed and constructed on an accelerated basis that would not have been possible with the unique multiple relationships between the University and Parkville. Tax exempt bonds were issued in September 2007 by the then newly created Industrial Development Authority of Parkville, Missouri that had been was formed by the City at the University's request. The bonds were privately placed by UMB Bank, N.A., with whom the University has long had a banking relationship. Had the project proceeded on a normal time-line the bonds would have come to market a year later in September 2008 at the beginning of the current recession. Had that occurred the project would probably still not be built. Instead, students took up residence the year before the melt-down. The hall is 100% occupied again this school year.

Mr. Hershey is Vice President & General Counsel of Park University, and is 'Of Counsel' to the King Hershey Law Firm. He was formerly president of the firm, and his practice includes planning, zoning, real estate development, nonprofit organizations and higher education.

Cornerstone Awards.

Article in the Kansas City Star.

Article in the Kansas City Business Journal.

ICED is responsible for seeking out new development opportunities for Independence and acts as a liaison between the city and major business developments. Please click for full article.

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As Russell joins the firm, long-time development attorney Roger Hershey will change his status with the firm to 'of counsel' and become Vice President and General Counsel for Park University. Hershey has been a member of the Park University Board of Trustees since 1995, and served two years as Board Chair.

Russell has been Circuit Judge of Missouri's 7th Judicial Circuit in Clay County since 1991. He was an Associate Circuit Judge in Clay County from 1989 to 1991. Russell served as Municipal Judge in Gladstone from 1975 to 1989, and as that City's Municipal Attorney from 1968 to 1975.

Before being elected president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Russell was a director and served as president of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1966 with a B.A. in history and political science, and in 1968 with a Juris Doctor degree.

King Hershey is well known in Kansas City for its practice in real estate development and municipal bond law. With the addition of Russell, the 20-attorney firm will expand its existing practice in commercial litigation and develop a new capability to provide alternative dispute resolution services. The firm's name will remain King Hershey, A Professional Corporation.