Latest News

Celebrating National Homeownership Month with DKEDC

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

The Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC) celebrates National Homeownership Month during June by raising awareness in all aspects involving owning a home. The real estate market is thriving, and this is an excellent time to make homeownership a reality for individuals who dream of owning their own home in Dickinson County. Homeownership brings many benefits to families, neighborhoods, and communities alike. Learn more about why homeownership matters and how you can become a homeowner too. Why Homeownership Matters Owning a home is a cornerstone of the “American Dream”. With homeownership, comes a sense of pride, financial stability, and equity. Many homeowner...

Local Businesses Driving Growth of Dickinson County

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Economic growth is evident throughout Dickinson County, Kansas, today. Local businesses covering a wide range of industries have found success in large part due to a business-friendly community that understands support is a key factor in that success. The Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation is a significant driver in promoting the factors necessary for that success. Many businesses know that their support for DKEDC is critical toward building a successful future in Dickinson County together. Hear from many of these businesses in the short video links provided below. Helping the Community KVK Heating and Air Conditioning has provided HVAC service to Centra...

Economic Development Growth this Spring for Dickinson County

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Spring is the perfect analogy for economic growth following the significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This May is an excellent time to recognize and draw a focus to the Economic Development Organizations seeking to promote the development of business growth in their communities. The month includes two recognition weeks - Small Business Week and the 2021 National Economic Development Week. Driving Dickinson County is proud to be part of these acknowledgment efforts. Small Business Week The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has historically held its National Small Business Week in the first week of May each year. The COVID-19 pandemic force...

Salina's JRI Hospitality purchases Taco Grande

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

JRI Hospitality, which operates four restaurant brands spread throughout the country, has purchased the Taco Grande restaurant in Abilene with plans to rebrand it in the coming months, according to a news release from JRI Hospitality. The Taco Grande location at 200 S. Buckeye Avenue will be converted to a new location of the company’s The Original Grande brand, another move that comes as Salina-based JRI prepares for extensive expansion. Founded in 2011, JRI Hospitality owns and operates over 70 restaurants, including Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Mokas Cafe, The Original Grande, and Chompie’s Restaurants. JRI is projected to expand its reach wit...

Exciting News from Our Friends at Dollar General!

Friday, March 19, 2021

We are excited to open our new store at 409 North Buckeye Avenue in the coming days in Abilene! We opened our first store in Kansas nearly 40 years ago in 1982 and look forward to opening our second store in Abilene—and fifth store in Dickinson County. At DG, we strive to be a positive business partner and good community neighbor. We believe the addition of each new Dollar General store represents positive economic growth for the communities we proudly serve through the creation of local jobs and opportunities for employee development and career advancement, as well as through grants provide...

A New Beginning

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Existing businesses generate over 80% of net new jobs and capital investment in rural communities. Knowing this, the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC) is launching the Driving Dickinson County Partnership (The Partnership), the county-wide Business Retention and Expansion program of DKEDC. Chuck Scott, DKEDC Executive Director, said, "Business retention and expansion has to be the first step for all economic and workforce development initiatives in our area, and launching The Partnership allows us to take this first step." DKEDC staff will meet with existing businesses, work with them on their challenges, and help get businesses the assistance they need. DKED...

From Cattle to Candy: a History of Business Success in Dickinson County

Tuesday, March 09, 2021

From its conception as an important waystop for the cattle trails of the 1860s to today’s collection of homegrown businesses, Dickinson County has long been a hub for economic development. That historical record has given rise to a vibrant tourism center, drawing visitors from across the country to revisit the Old West and learn about President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s childhood home of Abilene. “From its beginnings with the cattle and railroad industries, to the wide range of agriculture and manufacturing companies of today, Dickinson County is an area that knows how to be successful in business,” said James Holland, Abilene’s forme...

Work and Life Balances Well in Dickinson County

Tuesday, February 09, 2021

When seeking employment, family is important to determine a community’s quality of life as well as finding a good company to work for. When Amy Leavy and her family moved to Abilene to work with Great Plains Manufacturing, she had the opportunity for both a great company to work for and a positive quality of life in Abilene. “I am so thankful for the chance to work for a company that makes a concerted effort to do what is best for its employees,” said Leavy. “And Abilene’s wonderful pace of living has made it easy to balance work with family life.” Leav...

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...

Kansas Wins Prestigious 2021 Gold Shovel Award for Economic Development Excellence

Friday, June 11, 2021

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced the State of Kansas has been honored for its commitment to excellence in economic development by receiving Area Development magazine’s coveted Gold Shovel award for 2021, the highest award given to a state. After record-breaking year for business development, Kansas is just one of eight states to receive the award. The annual awards recognize states for attracting high-value investment projects that create a significant number of new jobs in their communities. After previously winning Silver Shovel awards, Kansas now has collected the more prestigious Gold Shovel. Since 2019, Kansas has seen nearly $6 billion i...

It’s Beginning

Wednesday, June 02, 2021

It’s been a long 14 months, and we commend local businesses for adapting to the challenges you have faced. We have been adapting during this time as well. As we mentioned in the last newsletter, we have launched the Driving Dickinson County Partnership (The Partnership) and are thrilled to announce the hiring of Amy Isaacs, our Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Manager. As part of launching The Partnership, we sent out a survey asking for your input on the services, functions, and benefits you wanted The Partnership to continue. With the results of this survey, we are developing a process, procedure...

Isaacs becomes DKEDC BRE Manager

Thursday, May 27, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Name: Chuck Scott, Executive Director Organization: Dickinson County Economic Development Corp. Phone Number: 785-280-1173 Email: Director@dkedc.com Isaacs becomes DKEDC Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Manager Abilene, Kansas: Amy Isaacs has joined Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC) as the Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Manager. After spending 15 years working in the insurance field, Isaacs decided to make a career change as a result of her desire to give back to Dickinson County communities in a new way. Isaacs has resided in Dickinson County for over 30 years, living near Chapman, Abilene, and recently moving to settle in Herington. Isaacs enjoys spending time wit...

DKEDC Participates in Kansas Board of Regents & Department of Commerce Micro-Internship Program

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Dickinson County, Kansas: When Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation heard about the Kansas Board of Regents & Kansas Department of Commerce’s (KDOC) micro-internship program, they knew it was a great way to bring fresh eyes in to create a social media campaign centered around their second capital campaign, Driving Dickinson County. With guidance from The Board of Regents, KDOC and the Parker Dewey Foundation, DKEDC was able to create a micro-internship announcement through the Parker Dewey internship portal offering this opportunity to college students across the state of Kansas. University of Kansas student, Corey Cohn, quickly stood out as and innovative, creative...

DKEDC Celebrates Economic Development Week 2021

Monday, May 10, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chuck Scott DATE: May 1st, 2021 EMAIL: director@dkedc.com DICKINSON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION HOSTS NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK CELEBRATION - MAY 9-15, 2021 DKEDC joins communities nationwide to increase awareness of the positive work economic developers do to enhance local economic impact DICKINSON COUNTY, KANSAS (May 1st, 2021) - DKEDC is marking National Economic Development Week from May 9-15, 2021 to celebrate the contributions of positive economic development and explain the role of the profession in ou...

Munson’s Prime, LLC steakhouse and The Brookville Hotel II, Inc. family style chicken house to Reopen as Legacy Kansas, LLC

Tuesday, May 04, 2021

ABILENE, KANSAS--May 3rd, 2021 (Original release found on www.abileneks.org) Combining two destination and legacy restaurants into one location is the goal of Chuck and Deanna Munson, Munson Angus Farms and Munson’s Prime steakhouse. The Munson family is purchasing the Brookville Hotel in Abilene, Kansas, and will reopen the restaurant as Legacy Kansas on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. Initially, the restaurant will feature the Brookville Hotel’s world-famous family-style fried chicken dinners, while adding in hand-breaded chicken fried steak from Munson Angus Farms. Within the next year, customers will also be able to enjoy Munson Angus Farms’ award-winning steaks, gourmet burgers, and homemade ic...

SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) Program

Friday, April 30, 2021

Are you a restaurant or other eligible hospitality business that was hit hard by the pandemic? The Kansas Office of Recovery, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Department of Commerce and the Small Business Administration (SBA) invite you to a webinar with details on the SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) application process. Wednesday, May 5th, 9:00-10:00 a.m. CT Zoom Link: Click to join Zoom Meeting For questions, please e-mail: KansasCOVIDSupport@ks.gov Learn more at: covid.ks.gov/rrf The American Rescue Plan Act established the RRF to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-relate...

JRI Hospitality Purchases Historic Mr. K's Farmhouse in Abilene

Thursday, April 22, 2021

ABILENE — JRI Hospitality, which operates four restaurant brands throughout the country, has purchased the historic Mr. K’s Farmhouse in Abilene and will take over operations in early June. The purchase is a departure from the company’s four current brands, but with JRI being based in Salina, its leadership welcomed the opportunity to take over operations of the local landmark. Founded in 2011, JRI Hospitality owns and operates over 70 restaurants, including Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Mokas Cafe, The Original Grande, and Chompie’s Restaurants. JRI is projected to expand its reach with 20 projects per year in the next few years...

See us on Our Town with Dennis Weese

Wednesday, May 27, 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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