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Historical Roots Lead To Business Success for Dickinson County

Friday, July 10, 2020

Communities across the country trace their development to the business origins dating back over a hundred years. Typically, a set of individuals came together to solve the problems they faced to improve life for their families and seek prosperity. Like many Midwestern communities, Dickinson County, Kansas, lineage involves livestock, railroads, agriculture and strong leadership individuals. Today, Dickinson County leans on that history to continue to focus on economic vitality for businesses and families alike. History The heart of the county’s historical record lies in Abilene, which is the county seat and largest town in the county with a population of about 6,300...

A Disciplined Road Map for Industrial Site Selection

Monday, June 22, 2020

It’s almost always good news when an industrial manufacturer needs to find a new plant site. It means business is growing, new markets are emerging, and financials are healthy. However, this is the point of time in the business cycle when decisions about next steps need to be made carefully. Unfortunately, this is when many businesses get tripped up. Plant owners and managers may agree on the need for new production lines, more distribution capacity, new automation processes, and more staff. But this is also when additional rigor is most urgently needed to analyze the best-case business scenarios for that nex...

Preparations for the “New Normal”

Monday, June 22, 2020

Until an effective treatment is proven or a vaccination is widely distributed, we’ll continue to have more questions than answers regarding a succinct definition or timing of the “new normal.” However, what we do know now is that the COVID-19 crisis has exposed the over-reliance on just-in-time global supply chains. Moving forward, the more successful companies will modify these chains to increase reliability, utilize localization, and create redundancy. Strategies such as rapid satellite facility deployment and workforce balancing will be key to maintaining competitiveness. Read full article.

Finding Talent in a Time of Economic Change

Thursday, June 18, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has caused more economic disruption than the U.S. has seen since the Great Depression. No one can say for sure what the landscape will look like as the economy recovers, but it’s clear that a lot of puzzle pieces won’t snap back into the same places as before. In a post-pandemic reality, business operations may look dramatically different. Many people will be forced to transition from one job or career to another. Put another way, there will be an incredible need for workforce development as millions of idled workers return to the workforce. The country’s many workforce program...

Innovation in America Reaches New Heights

Thursday, June 18, 2020

The concept of an “innovation center” is certainly not new. However, without much fanfare, over time, some operations have reinvented the traditional center model, changing how and where they operate, leaning upon new partners and resources, and switching out the types of clients or markets served. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, these centers now have additional herculean challenges sprung upon them in a world facing unprecedented levels of economic and social upheaval. How can innovation be supported in this “new normal” era so organizations cannot just survive, but thrive? Read full article.

Restart Kansas: A Proven Demonstration Of Inclusion In Entrepreneurship

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Race relations, police practices and the impact of COVID-19 are propelling a feeling of unrest, uncertainty and tension across the United States. The disproportionate impact of these three issues upon African-Americans has prompted a series of responses ranging from people of all backgrounds flooding the streets in protest to a barrage of social media posts, tweets and snaps written from a multitude of perspectives. Whether agreeing with the responses or denouncing them, the root of the inequities experienced by the African-American community should be addressed — including roots that have created inequities in economic development and entrepreneurship. Read full article.

Risk Management, Enhanced Communication Needed in Post-Pandemic Environment

Thursday, June 18, 2020

COVID-19 has significantly altered the landscape for businesses globally that will reverberate well beyond and into the future. Manufacturing and supply chain decisions for corporations have had to make adaptations due to the massive disruption from this pandemic. Understanding and implementing the new norms will be quintessential to success in this environment. Cost-driven decisions have stranded and left companies vulnerable due to a lack of redundancy in manufacturing. Going forward, adapting a strategy that has supply chain alternatives and enhanced protocol for these facilities will be paramount for implementation. Creating a safe environment that allows employees access to counseling, as wel...

The Nature of Incentives Compliance in the Age of the Coronavirus

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Economic development compliance is historically a long process, one that is typically managed over a multi-year time frame. Companies have negotiated incentives to help offset costs associated with growth and expansion and count on the economic benefits as part of their strategic growth plan — specifically, their plan for building the future of their business and their teams. What no one counted on was a global pandemic bringing life as we know it to a standstill. The dramatic slowdown of the economy has caused business leaders to take a close look at all aspects of their business, which should absolutely includ...

How the Covid-19 Crisis is Affecting the 2020 U.S. Census

Monday, June 15, 2020

The U.S. Census is conducted in the United States every 10 years. The Census aims to count the entire population of the United States. The Census asks American households certain questions such as sex, age, and race of each person in the household. These demographics help determine congressional representation and how much funding each state, county, and community received of the $675 billion per year in federal funding. These funds are spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works, and other essential programs. The U.S. Census data is also very helpful for businesses and developers. Businesses can use Census data to decid...

Mid America Bank Commits to the NetWork Kansas Restart Kansas Loan Fund

Monday, June 08, 2020

Wichita, Kansas, --- NetWork Kansas announced that Mid America Bank made a commitment to support Restart Kansas in Douglas County and the funds were used to provide loans to nine businesses. Restart Kansas is an initiative led by local leadership teams and Network Kansas professionals to assist Kansas communities in creating a new resource for small businesses. While these funds support the immediate needs of local businesses due to the COVID-19 crisis, they will also provide critical infrastructure to better meet the long-term needs of counties with additional loan programs to address future emergency situations. Read full article.

Chiropractor formally opens for business

Thursday, June 04, 2020

The city of Abilene is one of 66 Kansas communities to receive a grant to help small businesses. Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Commerce announced Abilene as the recipient of $132,000 in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV). Read full article.

66 Kansas cities and counties to receive Community Development Block Grants to support coronavirus response

Tuesday, June 02, 2020

Governor Laura Kelly announced today the award of nearly $9 million in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV) funds to 66 Kansas communities. “Kansans have faced unprecedented challenges during the past few months due to COVID-19,” Governor Kelly said. “Our communities need relief – and they need it now. I’m pleased to announce additional resources to help Kansans navigate through the recovery process. These grants will help our communities rebuild their economies and support Kansas families.” Read full article.

Abilene again among best historic small towns

Tuesday, June 02, 2020

For the second year in a row Abilene has been named as a finalist for USA Today’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Best Historic Small Town contest. “We are excited to be named as a finalist in USA Today’s Best Historic Small Town contest,” said Julie Roller Weeks, director Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Receiving this recognition two years in a row is extra special and celebrates our efforts to market Abilene as a destination.” Read full article.

2020 Best to Invest

Friday, May 29, 2020

This annual report is usually a celebratory recognition of some of the world’s best performing economies, especially those most successful at attracting investment and creating jobs. And we’ll still do that. But it’s impossible to highlight last year’s successes as populations and economies in every corner of the world are ravaged by an unprecedented crisis. The world we celebrate on these pages no longer exists, what comes next hotly debated by talking heads on tv screens. Global foreign direct investment (FDI) has declined for the last four years. It’s collapsed this year. It will be years, perhaps decades, before global FD...

Meet Deputy Secretary of Commerce Patty Clark

Friday, May 29, 2020

Patty Clark, Deputy Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce, is a shining example of public service as a noble calling. Patty has been working for the people of Kansas for 23 years, including serving at different times as Ag Marketing Director, Community Development Director and even Deputy Secretary of Commerce once before, under the Sebelius Administration. Patty retired at the end of May, bringing her incredible career in public service to an end. But, before she went, she took the time to sit down with us and impart a little wisdom to Kansas’ present and future economic developers. Read full article.

5 Ways HR Leaders Can Engage and Empower Hourly Workers

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

The turnover rate for hourly employees has always been, and continues to be, extremely high. Retail, for example, has a turnover rate of around 60 percent, and other sectors can be even higher than that. This is a real problem for businesses since replacing an employee costs on average $4,969, according to a 2015 survey. For any business, that is a large cost that could be avoided with better management. HR managers can mitigate this level of turnover by engaging with hourly employees, so they feel listened to and respected, and empowering them with specific work benefits that can lower this churn rate. Let’s dive into five ways that HR leader...

9 Strategies To Build An Employee-First Culture

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Organizations should recognize that if you take care of culture, then the customer experience and profits will take care of themselves. Putting your people at the center of your thinking and decision-making will never steer you in the wrong direction. Culture is experienced in every employee’s actions, 365 days of the year. It is not about the organizational perks, being perfect or being tied to a rigid set of rules. Culture is when employees feel empowered to work autonomously and make decisions driven by core values. Read full article.

Improving Productivity for Remote and Distributed Work Forces

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

At a time when more people are working from home but business deliverables and deadlines remain the same, managers are seeking tangible ways to make remote work function just as well as the usual methods for employees they support. Below are four tangible steps that managers can take to combat communication or productivity issues that can occur for teams who aren’t used to working remotely. Read full article.

Amazon Said To Be In Talks To Buy Self-Driving Startup Zoox

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Amazon may be preparing to make a big move into the self-driving vehicle world as the logistics giant is said to be in “advanced” talks to acquire Zoox, a stealthy developer of robotaxi technology, according to the Wall Street Journal. Along with Amazon, other interested parties are considering offers for the Silicon Valley startup, a person familiar with the matter tells Forbes. The purchase terms would value Zoox below its estimated market value of $3.2 billion, a level attained after its last funding round, the Journal said, citing people familiar with the matter. There’s no final agreement yet, and the timing of when ...

Welcome home Kyle and Stephanie

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

When Kyle Becker graduated from Abilene High School in 1998, he had had enough of small town life. “I’d lived here all my life and I fully intended to not come back,” Kyle recalled. “I didn’t know exactly what the plan was, but I had always lived in the county and I was ready for adventure.” He may have felt that way at graduation, but by the time Kyle graduated from college, he had changed his mind. Today, he is partial owner of Smart Insurance, president of the Abilene Public Schools Board of Education and is involved in a number of communit...

What’s Good For The Planet Can Also Be Good For Business

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

By making sustainable packaging for e-commerce and the industrial supply chain, Ranpak is doing well by doing good. Ranpak is a leading global provider of environmentally friendly protective packaging solutions, and its systems play an increasingly important role in an ever more complex and interconnected economy. Ranpak serves a broad array of industries, including e-commerce, food and beverage, healthcare, automotive, machinery and consumer goods. Read full article.

‘Abilene by Choice’

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Julie Roller Weeks grew up about 20 miles southeast of Abilene in Woodbine, but when she took the job as Abilene’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau director in late 2016, she saw it as an opportunity to come home. “I’m not from Abilene, but being from Dickinson County, Abilene is our county seat,” she said. “I consider myself ‘Abilene by Choice.’” “I’m a boomerang. I went out and worked in other communities. I saw what’s out there and you realize home is pretty good,” she said with a laugh. A graduate of Chapman High School, Julie received a degree in journalism/mass communications with a...

It's Time To Close The Digital Divide

Friday, May 22, 2020

With so many school districts around the country working feverishly to implement distance learning programs, there is no better time to talk about the digital divide and a student’s right to education. While the term "digital divide" can be used to describe many instances in which marginalized kids and those that require assistive technologies do not have access to the technologies that they need to stay competitive with their more affluent peers around the world, what I want to address in this article are the millions of K-12 students across the United States who don’t have internet access at home. Read ful...

A Disciplined Road Map for Industrial Site Selection

Thursday, May 21, 2020

COVID-19 Will Remake How We Work and Live

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Generally speaking, everyone resists change. Especially sudden change. But Covid-19 changed all that. Friday rolled around and we were told to grab-your-stuff and go home and no one knew when we would be back. You hear people say, “When things go back to normal…” Well, will things really go back to normal? We’ve learned new techniques, new ways to do things differently when working together digitally. Perhaps we will not return to the old ways. Read full article.

Ensuring Business Continuity While Focusing on Accelerating Automation

Thursday, May 21, 2020

As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, I think that the outlook is positive in the near- and long term for corporate site location projects. The current environment is teaching us that the need to ensure business continuity in the face of exceptional risks will be driving many supply chain location decisions in the future. More localized supply chains will be a way for companies to increase resilience and minimize disruptions as the probability for exceptional events of a global impact increases. This will generate increased activity from corporations seeking to re-shore, move, or establish new operations closer to their markets...

How Is the Pandemic Affecting Location Decisions in the Food & Beverage Industry?

Thursday, May 21, 2020

I've been fortunate to have some great conversations with economic developers over the past few weeks, with many questions on the pandemic's impact on site location decisions for the food and beverage Industry. While nothing is certain, I've read and attached links to some important insights which I would like to share with those who currently or plan to target this industry. Be very aware that: Disruption of reliable demand and labor shortages have resulted in huge supply chain inefficiencies, leaving too much food in the wrong places. New facility locations that process products that heavily rely on predictable supply chain will n...

Resiliency of Supply Chains & Post-Pandemic Opportunities for FDI

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Disruption of supply chains and the prospects of reshoring to the U.S. are not unique to the spread of the coronavirus and related pandemic. As is well-documented, the development of global supply chains over time has provided cost-competitiveness to many companies. However, as we have witnessed rising offshore wages and operating costs, increased lead times, a lack of consistency in product quality, and a move toward more protectionist trade policies, many of our clients have for some time been assessing these mounting global supply chain risks vis-à-vis any cost-competitiveness that they once produced. The COVID-19 disruption will accelerate these analyse...

Smart Facilities and Industrial IOT in the Era of 5G

Thursday, May 21, 2020

For manufacturing and distribution facilities, the introduction of 5G — the next generation of cellular wireless — could be a game-changer down the line. Consider: 5G will hasten the rise of the smart factory/warehouse, where tracking and distribution will improve exponentially, thanks to industrial IOT sensors. Monitoring will happen continuously in real time as the 5G network takes a triple approach to improving mobility — speed (ultra-fast data rates), interactivity (ultra-low lag with no buffering), and connectivity (more capacity, devices, and data). Read full article.

Social Distancing; Not Social Media Distancing. Ideas To Boost Your Online Presence.

Thursday, May 21, 2020

As Kansas transitions to phasing in re-openings following COVID-19-related stay-at-home orders and gathering restrictions, Shelley Paasch provides a reminder to business owners that we're social distancing; not social media distancing. Here are a few tips, she provides, to encourage entrepreneurs to keep being creative and ramp up your online presence. Zoom for the Chamber Coffee with “X” business or a FB live! The Chamber can 'host' it and introduce them then “hand it over” to the business. (And by ‘hand it over’ meaning, the Chamber creates an “introductory video” sending it to the ‘hosting’ business. Regardless your business, T-shirts, coffee shop, hai...

Workforce Reductions, Incentives Compliance, and Adjusting to the “New Normal”

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Companies are primarily concerned with maintaining operations while also keeping their workforce’s good health a top priority. For some of our larger clients, those with a workforce of more than 1,000, it’s simply not possible to maintain operations and keep their workforce safe. As a result, these companies are temporarily halting operations and furloughing or laying off employees. Our corporate clients with fewer than 1,000 workers are able to significantly reduce their operations and implement new policies to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Examples include requiring the use of masks and maintaining a safe distance from other people within th...

“Future-Proofing” Corporate Location Decisions in Uncertain Times

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Site selection has traditionally focused on analyzing and comparing markets based on their current — and sometimes historical — capacity to support a corporate end user’s organizational objectives. More recently, a fundamental shift is under way where clients are challenging their consultants and candidate communities to also provide assessments of future market conditions, particularly surrounding talent. This forward-looking approach mitigates risk around the final location decision and aims to ensure that the selected market will align with the company’s long-term location and people strategy. Clients are increasingly requiring a site selection analysis that solves for their future workforce needs an...

3 Fundamentals for Building a Resilient Supply Chain

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

The global health crisis has exposed widespread vulnerabilities in supply chains. Although toilet paper shortages have become the most talked-about issue, long-term demand and supply shock ripples caused by this crisis will likely be felt for much longer as production delays at impacted sites, material shortages and scarcity of logistics come to light. It’s no surprise that many companies have relied on old habits to navigate out of the crisis. But solely relying on comfortable tools like spreadsheets, emails and conference calls can add undue delay to a team’s ability to resolve issues at a time when speed is critically important. Organizations have to accept that "crisis mode" is going t...

5 Ways Restaurant Owners Can Prepare for Reopening

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

In early May, many states began loosening restrictions on business operations. In California, for example, Governor Newsom announced that bookstores, music stores, toy stores, florists and some other retailers could reopen for pickup service. While restaurants were not a part of this first wave of reopenings, if all goes well, we could see them open their doors for seating in the next few weeks. Many eateries are operating on pickup or delivery service at the moment, but in order to truly reopen, restaurant managers will need to figure out how to handle a crowd of customers in a time of continued caution and social distancing. It’s no easy task, but in anticipatio...

8 Steps Your Industrial Business Should Consider When Planning to Reopen After COVID-19 Closures

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

As state closure end dates creep closer, all kinds of small businesses are preparing for an inevitable reopen and for many, the task will be incredibly daunting. The CDC has released a series of guidelines for reopening businesses and advises that if a business cannot easily maintain them, they should stay closed until further notice. In order to reopen safely and put your best foot forward in managing an industrial business, here are 8 steps you should consider for the sake of success and the safety of your staff. Read full article.

8 Ways the Crisis Will Forever Change the Future Workforce

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

This year's public health crisis has reoriented our relationships with each other, the media, technology and the work we do. Humanity has never experienced such a swift and universal shift. Friends are hosting live parties on Instagram. Teachers are uploading lessons to YouTube for the first time. Doctors are utilizing FaceTime or Google Duo for telemedicine services with patients. Read full article.

Push For Supply Chain Resilience, Reshoring Likely To Boost Industrial CRE

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has left hundreds of U.S. manufacturers examining how to bring at least some of their operations and real estate footprints home. Nearly two-thirds of North American manufacturers say they are likely to bring production and sourcing back to the continent, a new survey by industrial data and tech company Thomas shows. The company surveyed over 1,000 of the continent's manufacturing and industrial suppliers, with the help of business-to-business data gathered on Thomasnet.com. Read full article.

Governor Kelly Announces $9 Million in Grants to Support Community Responses to Coronavirus

Monday, May 11, 2020

Topeka, Kan. – Governor Laura Kelly announced that more than $9 million in federal funding will be made available to the state’s Community Development Block Grant program to support community responses to the COVID-19 crisis. The Kansas Department of Commerce will administer the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV), which is part of the state’s allocation from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Read full article.

Preparing To Reopen Your Small Business During COVID-19? Heed These Tips

Thursday, May 07, 2020

Businesses in most parts of Florida – excluding Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach at the moment because of the high numbers of COVID-19 cases – are already beginning to reopen, per an executive order signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. That doesn’t mean, of course, that you must reopen now – that’s a business decision you need to make, considering the risks. Brian Van Hook, regional director of Florida SBDC at FIU, the small business development center with the university’s College of Business, been sharing these tips around town to help businesses reopen successfully and put a plan in place to weather futur...

Recognizing Economic Developers in May

Monday, May 04, 2020

May 4-9 is International Economic Development Week (EDW). It’s an opportune time to reflect on the importance of local economic development efforts to building a vibrant and sustainable community. The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) created EDW in 2016 to help raise awareness for the profession. Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) are often misunderstood because their activities happen behind the scenes, outside of the public eye. EDW is a chance to recognize economic developers, the local leaders and organizations that work tirelessly to recruit investors, develop businesses, create jobs, enhance the tax base and ultimately improve the quality of life of their communities. Di...

Department of Commerce introduces new grant program for Kansas arts organizations affected by COVID-19

Friday, May 01, 2020

Topeka, Kan. – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced that nearly $500,000 in grant funding is being made available to provide operational support to Kansas arts organizations experiencing financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19. The Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Creative Industries Arts Commission will distribute CARES Act arts funding through the Short-Term Operational Support (SOS) Program, a grant program developed to assist with immediate financial needs resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, May 4, through May 15, 2020. Read full article.

FCC Commissioners Sharply Disagree on U.S. Broadband Report

Monday, April 27, 2020

A Federal Communications Commission report Friday indicated that the U.S. is making progress on closing the digital divide, but FCC commissioners don’t agree on how much progress has been made. The 2020 Broadband Deployment Report showed that very high-speed broadband service (250 Mbps/25 Mbps) can be accessed by roughly 85 percent of citizens — a number that has gone up by 47 percent since 2017. The report attributes this and other gains to the $80 billion invested in broadband infrastructure in 2018, a significant increase in fiber-to-the-home projects in 2019 and the advent of 5G technology. Read full article.

Automotive Site Selection in Small and Rural Communities

Monday, April 20, 2020

Site Selection Factors for the Automotive Industry The U.S., Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA), for example, which has now higher local [requirements] content. So before, the local content for automotive projects was at about 62%, and now they raised it to 75%, which means you have to manufacture much more in the U.S. For example, Germans like to ship in the engine but that is a very large part [of the car]. So, the whole supply chain is changing. And then, with all the new agreements with China, for example, the tariff war going on, back and forth, how many tariffs ar...

Corporate Site Location in the COVID 19 Hurricane

Monday, April 20, 2020

COVID 19 is similar but not the same as a hurricane. The differences between COVID 19 and a hurricane are in scale, scope, and length. Both events have dramatic personal impacts on human safety and economic security, but a hurricane hits one area while COVID 19’s target is everywhere. A hurricane lasts for hours, but COVID 19 lasts for months. From a corporate site location perspective, COVID 19’s impact has transformed the global economy and corporate site location into New Orleans during Katrina. Read full article.

How Leah Pritchett Turned Her Drag Racing Hobby Into A Career

Monday, April 20, 2020

Leah Pritchett’s love for drag racing started at a young age—thanks to her father who was a land speed racer and dreamt of racing with his family. What started as a hobby when Pritchett was eight years old later became Pritchett’s passion that she turned into a career. Now, Pritchett—who won her first career national event in 2016—has risen to the top of a male-dominated sport. But as women become more successful in the racing world, she’s optimistic that it’ll inspire others to go after new and bigger opportunities. Read full article.

In Focus: Key Success Factors for Building a Cannabis Processing Center

Monday, April 20, 2020

On January 1 of this year, Illinois was the latest state to legalize recreational cannabis, and there are strong indications that New York will be following suit. By the end of 2020, more than 40 U.S. states could have marijuana laws on the books — a boon for industrial speculative developers looking to diversify by seeking new growth opportunities beyond e-commerce leasing. The development of facilities for cannabis processing is highly specialized — more akin to the development of a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant than an e-commerce warehouse. Even then, it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are subject to federal oversigh...

In Focus: Mitigating Risk with Aggressive Support in Economic Development

Monday, April 20, 2020

The rapid global spread of the COVID-19 virus has left businesses frantically looking for viable solutions to protect employees and consumer health and presents tough choices for business leaders. The coronavirus has desperately affected the business community and, in particular, the supply chain. For example, here in South Carolina, the Port of Charleston is one of the leading import-export hubs in the country. The port is anticipating a container drop in March and April but, with extreme safety measures, expects normal shipments starting back in May. Read full article.

Milestones and Incentives in the Site Selection Process

Monday, April 20, 2020

The Biggest Misperception About the Incentive Process I think a lot of companies that aren't familiar with the incentive process come to us and have the misconception that they simply make some commitments, they sign a lease, shake the hand of the mayor, and receive a check. It's actually a much more complex process than that. It requires working with the municipalities for multiple years in order to show that you've met the commitments to receive the incentives that have been awarded based on the company's performance. The Typical Incentive Disbursement Time Frame After the contract is signed, it’s typically several years o...

Redevelopment of Former Coal Plant Sites

Monday, April 20, 2020

Coal-fired power plants across the United States shut down in 2019 at the second-fastest pace on record. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), plants with a combined total of more than 15,100 megawatts ceased operating nationwide last year — enough to power 15 million homes, and second only to the number of megawatts retired during 2015. The reasons behind these closures are many: decreasing wholesale prices, competition from comparatively cheap and plentiful alternate energy sources such as natural gas, subsidized solar and wind energy, continued compliance with federal energy regulations, and public concern over coal’s effect on climat...

Research, Engineering, and Design: The Talent Cluster in a Talent-Focused World

Monday, April 20, 2020

Where’s the talent? Ask a corporate executive or a site selection consultant the number-one factor driving location decisions and the response will be skilled labor. In Area Development’s 33rd Annual Corporate Survey and 15th Annual Consultants Survey, “availability of skilled labor” ranked number one on both surveys — not surprising while reinforcing talent-focused strategies. If talent is the number-one factor, why do so many economic development strategies focus on clusters of companies versus clusters of talent? A New Approach One benefit of starting a new regional economic development organization is the ability to consider new approaches without being tied to previous thinking. A...

What Will the City of the Future Look Like?

Monday, April 20, 2020

The city of the future will be more walkable, connected, educated and infrastructure-laden than what currently passes for a competitive location. According to a recent survey of economists and site selection consultants, the “must-have” ingredients for the most competitive locations of the future won’t come easy or cheap, but they will be indispensable to attract growing businesses and the talent needed to make them thrive. Read full article.

Governor Kelly issues Executive Orders to aid Kansans during COVID-19 pandemic

Friday, April 10, 2020

As she discussed during her press briefing, Governor Laura Kelly today issued two new executive orders as part of her administration’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the obstacles created by social distancing for Kansans whose work requires the renewal of a license, certificate, permit or registration, Executive Order #20-19 extends professional and occupational licenses for the remainder of the pandemic. Under the order, all state agencies shall extend renewal deadlines for any occupational or professional license that has expired – or will expire – during this disaster. Licenses will remain valid as long as the disaster declaration is in effect, and for 90 days after it expires. Read full article.

Fund to help businesses

Thursday, April 09, 2020

Dickinson County Economic Development (DKEDC) seeks community partnerships to help small, local businesses to recover from the COVID-19 economic crisis. DKEDC has partnered with the Tri County Area Chamber of Commerce and the Abilene Area Chamber of Commerce to build community support through donations for the Driving Dickinson County Small Business Retention and Relief Grant of up to $5,000 for small, local businesses. Job losses, foreclosures, and fear for the future put tremendous stress on families across our county. Facing those potential losses, some of our small businesses are looking to their community to give back during these hard-economic times. Read ful...

Network Kansas discusses rapid loan deployments in response to COVID-19

Wednesday, April 08, 2020

Steve Radley and Erik Pedersen, president and vice president of Network Kansas, discuss rapid deployments of credit in response to the new coronavirus with Kansas City Fed Senior Community Development Advisor Dell Gines. Steve Radley and Erik Pedersen, president and vice president of Network Kansas, discuss rapid deployment of emergency small business credit during the COVID-19 pandemic with Kansas City Fed Senior Community Development Advisor Dell Gines. They share how they leveraged the Network Kansas statewide entrepreneurship ecosystem, and their partner network to provide emergency capital to 340 entrepreneurs across the state in a span of three days. This interview was taped April 6, 2020. Rea...

‘Abilene by Choice’

Wednesday, April 08, 2020

Alcohol for the Greater Good

Tuesday, April 07, 2020

Happy National Beer Day! With 36 unique breweries across our state, Kansas is no stranger to beer. In any regular year, we would be taking this time to celebrate the different flavors, styles and varieties of beer created in the sunflower state. However, in light of this year’s new challenges, we want to spotlight a new way Kansas breweries have been helping improve lives. Read full article.

University of Kansas medical students to graduate early and volunteer for program providing aid to Kansans during pandemic

Friday, April 03, 2020

More than fifty senior students from the University of Kansas School of Medicine have asked to graduate early to participate in the Kansas Pandemic Volunteer Health Care Workforce, a program that will deploy them throughout Kansas as part of the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will allow them to serve in areas of critical need in the state of Kansas immediately, prior to their residencies, which begin July 1 at various locations throughout the country. Students from all three of the medical school's campuses, in Kansas City, Salina and Wichita, have volunteered. Read full article.

Department of Commerce launches COVID jobs website

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

Topeka, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Commerce launched a new jobs website, connecting job seekers with Kansas businesses hiring to fill urgent needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 jobs site, kansasworks.com/coronavirus, allows employers from essential industries to quickly and easily post critical positions that need to be filled to support activities related to helping individuals and businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. The site, which is available at no cost to employers or job seekers, will be updated continuously as businesses add new jobs to the system. Job seekers can visit the site to find companies hiring for COVID-19-related positions and quickly acces...

Inside the DIY Movement to Make Face Shields and Masks for Healthcare Workers

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

There was a period last year when I was in the market for a new couch. Instagram knew this, obviously, so while scrolling through pictures of my friends’ vacations, babies, dogs and nuptials, I became intimately acquainted with a number of affordable midcentury modern-esque furniture companies — including one called Inside Weather. From where I sit right now, in the midst of a pandemic that threatens to claim as many as 200,000 American lives before it’s over — it’s hard to fathom the hours I once had to think about couches. And as it turns out, that’s how Ben Parsa, th...

IRS Explains Coronavirus Tax Credit Details, Including Advances

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

The IRS and Treasury Department have explained how business can claim the new Employee Retention Credit. It is designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19. The IRS News release is IR-2020-62, and a Republican Senate Finance Committee take is here: . From the IRS, here are some questions and answers. Read full article.

The Domino Effect: 5 Ways Coronavirus Will Forever Change Retail

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

Following World War II, i.e. the last event of a similar magnitude to what the world now faces with coronavirus, the United States was focused on controlling the spread of communism. One popular theory at the time, domino theory, suggested that the rise of communism in one nation could quickly spread into other nations. And, while this Cold War-era paranoia is no longer relevant in today’s day and age, the concept is nonetheless still useful in examining what impact the events of the last few weeks will have on the future of many industries, especially retail. Read full article.

U.S. Broadband Holding Up Under Work-From-Home Strain, Speedtest Finds

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

While Americans hunker down to wait out the COVID-19 storm and online schooling goes into full swing, U.S. broadband speeds are largely holding up to the challenge, according to new stats from PCMag's sibling company Ookla Speedtest. Fixed broadband speeds in the U.S. have largely flattened out after a slight dip between March 15 and 22, Ookla's results show, although speeds in Canada are continuing a slow decline. Both countries still have considerably better broadband than Mexico or much of Europe, according to the results, with average speeds between 110 and 140Mbps. Read full article.

Why You Fear Public Speaking and How to Overcome It

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

Public speaking continues to be a top fear of humanity. Whether you’re speaking to a group of 10 or 10,000, public speaking is nerve-wracking. Yet most professionals agree that public speaking is a powerful skill capable of transforming one's business or career. As a professional speaker for over eight years, I’ve had experience training small groups of executives, pitching business plans to key stakeholders and delivering keynote presentations to thousands of people around the world. The below is my best advice for removing anxiety before any presentation. Read full article.

10 Products to Get You Through Working From Home

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

A large portion of the American workforce is working from home these days. For some, that's no problem and it's business as usual. For others, it's tough to be as productive as you once were. Given that we may be working from home for quite some time, it's a good idea to start thinking about how you're going to get the most out of every day. Not sure where to start? Here's a primer on how to optimize every ounce of time you spend in your home office. Read full article.

5 Workouts You Can Do at Home for Free Right Now

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

As gyms across the country are deemed “nonessential businesses” and shut down for the foreseeable future, the number of virtual fitness resources is exploding. For some, that means purchasing expensive stationary bikes with virtual classes instead of attending a daily indoor-cycling class. But a $2,200 Peloton bike is simply too expensive for most Americans, especially when there are so many free options available right now. “The irony is that many people are probably exercising more now than they would otherwise, because they have nothing else to do,” says Jennifer Cohen, an Entrepreneur contributor, and founder and CEO of No Gym Required. Read full article.

7 Ways to Recover From Too Many Online Meetings During the Day

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

As most startup founders and entrepreneurs can tell you these days, meeting hangovers are real. Right now people are meeting online for everything from work, to happy hours with friends, to therapy sessions or even working out. A large number of these meetings can seriously deplete your precious resources. One of the primary obstacles to recovering from meetings is the time it takes to switch from one point of focus (the meeting) to another (deeper work). After a fruitless or stressful meeting, your productivity is drained as your resources are reallocated to deal with the resulting mental stress. Read full article.

6 Steps to Taking Your Startup Accelerator 100 Percent Virtual

Monday, March 30, 2020

So you have your next startup accelerator program going on right now or coming up fast. You may be asking yourself, how do I provide as much value without face-to-face relationships? Can I have as big of an impact virtually, or should I delay our timeline? Can I even do it at all? Short answer: Yes, you can. Now is the time to step up as innovators in the startup ecosystem. It’s time to evolve. Just like the startups they fund, accelerators are always ripe for an upgrade. Read full article.

CVB launches BINGO

Thursday, March 26, 2020

To support Abilene businesses and attractions, the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau is launching Support Abilene BINGO. BINGO cards are available online at www.AbileneKansas.org/BINGO and feature squares ranging from ordering online from a local retailer to sharing a positive review about an Abilene business or attraction. Squares also promote kindness and include sending a handwritten note to someone in assisted living and thanking healthcare workers. Read full article.

How To Get Your People Engaged And Aligned During The Coronavirus Outbreak

Monday, March 23, 2020

As the coronavirus presents new challenges for organizations, most leaders are dealing with too many unknowns as they make rapid, high-quality decisions. At the best of times, leaders already lack adequate knowledge, expertise, and experience to tackle complex, multi-dimensional challenges on their own. Now, when so much is going on and all of it is changing so quickly, they can’t possibly know enough. Systems science explains why. The Law of Requisite Variety states that: “Only variety destroys variety.” In the context of the current crisis, this means that only a group of people with the right mix of job functions, geographies, business units...

How To Start Rebuilding The Post-Coronavirus Economy Now

Friday, March 20, 2020

When recent tornadoes hit Tennessee, signs were soon up declaring “Nashville Strong!” Similar declarations of strength show up all over our country with handmade posters and T-shirts whenever a natural disaster or tragedy hits. We need to bring that same optimism and can-do attitude and declare “America Strong” through our current challenge. COVID-19 has not only infected thousands, but has thrust us into an economic recession. How long, how deep and how many are impacted by the recession will be influenced not just by the virus, but by action taken by government leaders to recover from the economic impact. Read full article.

Local Support Blasts ABS towards Global Success

Monday, March 09, 2020

As a company with clients worldwide, Abrasive Blast Systems (ABS) Inc., could operate anywhere. But having been located in Abilene, Kansas since it was founded in 1979, the company wanted to stay. “We’re proud to be part of the Abilene community and wanted to remain here,” said Sam Browning, President of ABS. “The company's success over the past 40 years is due in large part to the great people and organizations in this area.” One of those organizations, the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC), provided assistance to ABS to purchase and improve the real estate the company had been leasing i...

Emergency Preparedness and Response: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Friday, February 28, 2020

Chinese authorities have confirmed an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in early December 2019. Currently there are hundreds of confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan City, with additional cases being identified in a growing number of countries internationally. The first case in the United States was announced on January 21, 2020. Read full article.

Holm Automotive named ‘Dealer of the Year’ for eighth straight year

Monday, February 17, 2020

Holm Automotive Center, Inc. has been awarded a 2020 DealerRater Dealer of the Year Award, which recognizes auto dealerships across the U.S. and Canada who deliver outstanding customer service, based on consumer reviews written on DealerRater.com. “Car buyers have spoken and have identified Holm Automotive Center, Inc. as the best Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac dealer to do business within Kansas,” said DealerRater General Manager Jamie Oldershaw. “The quality and number of reviews for Holm Automotive Center, Inc. speak volumes of the top-notch experiences they provide to customers.” Read full article.

Davidsons receive county’s first 150 year farm award

Friday, February 14, 2020

Dickinson County Farm Bureau Association presented the first Sesquicentennial Award in the county to the Davidson family during the organization’s annual meeting at Sterl Hall. Their farm, located in southern Dickinson County, was settled as part of the Homestead Act signed in 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln. Read full article.

Loe and Wilson families receive Century farm award

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Joyce Loe and Rodney and Dawn Wilson received the Dickinson County Farm Bureau Association’s Century Farm Award during the organization’s annual meeting. The centennial award is presented to Farm Bureau members who have owned the same farm for 100 or more years. Eligible properties must include at least 80 acres of original Kansas farmland. Read full article.

Local leaders strategize to keep college graduates in Kansas

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

LAWRENCE, Kan. (WIBW) -- The Chamber of Lawrence and University of Kansas officials sat down with the Governor to get her input on their economic development plans. They said they're making strides to change the image of Kansas. University of Kansas chancellor Dr. Doug Girod said that isn't possible without partnerships. Read full article.

Reflector-Chronicle receives KPA awards

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Fourteen awards were presented to the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle and its writers in the Kansas Press Association’s annual Awards of Excellence competition, including five first place awards. The newspaper won a First Place Award in the overall News and Writing Excellence category. Each of the four members of the staff will be receiving awards at the Kansas Press Association conference. Read full article.

Department of Commerce returns to fully staffing its business recruitment team

Monday, February 10, 2020

Topeka, Kan. – Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced the addition of Jeff Freeman to the department’s business recruitment team. With this move, the Kansas Department of Commerce business recruitment team is fully staffed for the first time since 2015. “For too many years, the Department of Commerce and other state agencies have been severely understaffed, making it difficult for them to do the work necessary on behalf of the people of Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I made a commitment to rebuild Commerce, and I’m proud to announce that we now have a fully staffed team dedicated to bringing new businesses t...

Grow Your Digital Presence

Thursday, February 06, 2020

Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC) to host a workshop on digital skills using resources from Grow with Google, Facebook, and Instagram. DKEDC is partnering with Pamela Starr of Grow with Google, and Elizabeth Collins of Webcom Resources to help our community learn digital skills, with a workshop at Sterl Hall (619 N Rogers in Abilene) on February 26th, from 8:30 am to Noon . At the Google Workshop, featuring Facebook and Instagram Marketing/Sales, individuals will learn the following: How do customers find your business online and how to promote your online presence using a free Google business listing, Facebook, and Instagram. Ho...

Activities Aplenty in Dickinson County

Monday, January 27, 2020

There’s always something to do in Dickinson County! Awesome natural beauty headlines the list. An abundance of parks, sports complexes, trails and outdoor spaces are perfect for all ages seeking recreation. Combine outdoor enjoyment with natural history at the Dwight Eisenhower Presidential Museum and adjoining parks. The avid golfer will find three beautiful golf courses, including the public Indian Hills Golf Course. Every summer, the Central Kansas Free Fair is the largest such event in the state. The feature attraction is the Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo, frequently regarded as one of the best outdoor rodeos in the country. Abundant activitie...

Dickinson County Economic Development on this week's episode of Our Town

Thursday, January 16, 2020

This week's Eagle Community Television episode of Our Town features a recap of 2019 from Dickinson County Economic Development. Take a look: http://www.eaglecomtv.net/category/dickinson/our-town/

Russell Stover expanding in Abilene

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Russell Stover expanding in Abilene From: https://www.candyindustry.com/articles/88941-russell-stover-expanding-plants-in-kansas-texas-while-closing-colorado-facility January 14, 2020 Alyse Thompson Russell Stover Chocolates has announced plans to expand its production facilities in Kansas and Texas and close its plant in Montrose, Colorado next year. The Kansas City, Missouri-based company noted in a press statement the changes in its production and distribution networks will add approximately 300 jobs across its facilities in Corsicana, Texas, and Abilene and Iola, Kansas. The Montrose facility is set to close in spring 2021, accompanied by closures of select low-traffic retail stores over the next year. “Having been in business since 1923, we know the importance of keeping pace with the changin...

Holm Auto Good News: Fund available for storefront restoration

Thursday, December 12, 2019

https://www.salina.com/news/20191211/holm-auto-good-news-fund-available-for-storefront-restoration

September Successes

Wednesday, October 09, 2019

September 2019 Successes DKEDC staff worked with the Dickinson County CEO Steering Committee and were able to reach their minimum investor commitment of 35 investors before October 1st, which allows the Dickinson County CEO Board of Directors to begin the process of scheduling training and start the process of hiring a facilitator for the program. The Kansas Department of Commerce approached DKEDC staff about an opportunity to recruit an animal protein production facility looking to move to our area of Kansas. DKEDC staff worked with the Kansas Department of Commerce to prepare and present a recruitment proposal to the company's site selectio...

See us on Our Town with Dennis Weese

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Hemp business looks to expand in Abilene

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

The Abilene City Commission requested more information from New Horizons Hemp Processing on a proposal for land in the Industrial Park area at its regular meeting on Monday. Meeting virtually through a GoToMeet account, the commissioners asked owners Jeff Wilkins and Tina Kelly to present a plan at the city’s upcoming study session on Monday. Read full article.

How A Navy Officer Turned A Big Idea Into A $118M Business After Service

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Page, a senior and midshipman first class, was developing a thesis project that was helping him graduate from the academy so he could fulfill his dream of becoming a SEAL or naval aviator. But then a senior professor walked into the lab. He wanted to hear about Page’s project. Over the next few hours, Page explained a new kind of water treatment technology, an idea he had since high school. When the student finished his presentation, the teacher flipped his notebook over and looked at him. Read full article.

Very rare, but grants may be available

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Very rare, but grants may be available. Please go to https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/free-grant-tips/ for more info!

Congratulations to the City of Chapman, which received $600,000 in Community Development Block Grant Funds!

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Dickinson County Housing Assessment

Friday, May 24, 2019

The Dickinson County Housing Assessment is available to view as a PDF. The report reviews local trends in housing since 2010, discusses opportunities and challenges in our communities, recommends a path for future success and showcases case studies of success stories from similar communities. View the assessment here.

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