DKEDC Latest News

DKEDC Celebrates National Entrepreneurship Month 2023

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Entrepreneurs are heroes and innovation is the name of the game. Entrepreneurs see problems, find solutions, and create answers. November is National Entrepreneurship Month, a month-long celebration thanks to the deserving recognition of the tireless efforts entrepreneurs consistently give. National Entrepreneurship Day is annually acknowledged on the third Tuesday of November. Dickinson County EDC Recognizes Our EntrepreneursNational Entrepreneurship Month is the perfect time to celebrate Dickinson County’s exceptional entrepreneurs. These individuals’ innovative ideas make Dickinson County known as a place where economic growth is fostered! To highlight, here are two local entrepreneurs and their stories of innovation: Dennis Vahsholtz is an entrepreneurial hero...

Manufacturing in Dickinson County: Your Business Belongs Here

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Dickinson County is home to manufacturing companies using the latest technologies and raw materials. Manufacturing Day is the first Friday in October and expands throughout the month. We at DKEDC celebrate these companies’ employment opportunities and innovations that grow our economy.Modern ManufacturingManufacturing Month showcases the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging businesses and educational institutions to open their doors to students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. Manufacturing careers are full of opportunities for exciting endeavors, personal advancement, and stability.“There’s no such thing as a low-skilled job in manufacturing anymore,” NAM Chief Economist Chad Moutray said in a 2023 Industry...

Dickinson County EDC Appoints Abilene Native as Executive Director

Thursday, August 31, 2023

The Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC) is pleased to announce Jessica Goodale, of Abilene, as its new Executive Director. The DKEDC executive board of directors voted unanimously to appoint Goodale, who previously served as Interim Executive Director at DKEDC, and prior to that held the position Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) and Marketing Manager for the organization. “We are very excited to see the wide breadth of education, experience, drive and local focus that Jessica brings to the task of helping local business succeed here in Dickinson County,” said Dennis Weese, past chairman of DKEDC. Goodale is a Dickinson County native, having...

Wee Fit Kids Gym Open in Abilene

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Ribbon cutting and kick-off events leap local mom’s dream into reality Aug 16, 2023 (ABILENE, Kan.)—While children need exercise and play time in their daily life, the Kansas summer heat has reached intensity levels often too hot for extended outdoor play. Timing could not be more ideal for the opening of Wee Fit Kids Gym and Activity Center, a new business located at 505 N.W. Third Street, in Abilene. The kids gym offers large youth indoor play areas catering to children aged 0-10, complete with climbing equipment, baby-friendly exploration, and sensory stations. Owner Laurol Overlease of...

DKEDC Celebrates National Park and Recreation Month

Thursday, July 20, 2023

When the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) was created, its goals were to foster excellence in parks and recreation, engage communities, cultivate public demand for high-quality parks and recreation, and elevate the role of its field. NRPA annually recognizes National Park and Recreation Month to add to that mission. “Since 1985, people in the United States have celebrated Park and Recreation Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation and to recognize the more than 160K full-time park and recreation professionals, along with hundreds of thousands of part-time, seasonal...

Abilene Golf and Fitness is Open for Business

Monday, July 10, 2023

July 1, 2023 (ABILENE, Kan.)— An outpouring of community representatives welcomed Abilene Golf and Fitness, LLC with a ribbon cutting event Friday afternoon (June 30), ahead of their grand opening celebration and golf tournament Saturday, July 1. The 9-hole golf course, cart rental, swimming pool, fitness center, tanning beds, driving range and rentable storage units are now open for business. More projects are planned. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brian Slaughter is the new owner. At the ribbon cutting, CW4 Slaughter introduced his wife Monique, mother, daughter Heidi, son Derek, as well as the Abilene Golf and Fitness staff. He expressed his appreciation...

5 Strategies for Entrepreneurs to Build Credibility and Online Connections

Saturday, June 17, 2023

In the constantly buzzing world of social media and online platforms, trust and credibility are the glue that holds successful personal and professional relationships together. It's become a lot easier to build trust with an audience in today's world, but these bonds don't happen by accident. You need to be actively involved and genuinely interested in connecting with your customers. Read the complete article here.

Kansas Commerce Department Announces Training Opportunities Available to Employers Through KTRAIN

Thursday, June 01, 2023

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the rebranding of the Kansas Workforce Aligned with Industry Demand (AID) program to Kansas Training and Retention Aligned with Industry Need (KTRAIN). In partnership with the Kansas Board of Regents, the Kansas Department of Commerce had developed Workforce AID to address the skills gap challenging companies throughout the state. KTRAIN will retain that focus with opportunities for even more engagement and concentration on program aspects. “As more and more companies locate to Kansas or expand existing operations here, the number of jobs and career opportunities keeps increasing,” Lieutenant Governor...

Proposal would Build Childcare Centers at Herington, Solomon Schools

Thursday, July 21, 2022

ARTICLE FROM THE ABILENE REFLECTOR CHRONICLE- Dickinson County plans to use funds it received from ARPA (the American Rescue Plan Act), working in conjunction with the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, USD 393 and USD 487 to build childcare facilities on school district property in both Solomon and Herington. The need for childcare in Dickinson County, throughout Kansas and the nation has long been documented through various surveys and other assessments. “We’ve been told this in untold meetings with the economic development corporation, school districts and everybody in between. We’ve heard and experienced all the issues caused by...

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