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Tuesday, May 26, 2020

When Kyle Becker graduated from Abilene High School in 1989, 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...

‘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...

A Disciplined Road Map for Industrial Site Selection

Thursday, May 21, 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...

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...

In Focus: Taking Steps to Fill Your Company’s Talent Pipeline

Friday, February 07, 2020

Companies must take the time to identify potential new hires, build a relationship, and follow up with training and support in order to build today’s — and tomorrow’s — workforce. It’s no secret the manufacturing and construction industries are facing a shortage of workers at every level. To build a talent pipeline, manufacturing and construction companies need to embrace the challenge, dedicate resources, and invest in programs to change the future. Building a solid talent pipeline requires a multifaceted approach that addresses internal and external factors of your organization. One set of strategies is applicable to positions in management or other high-skil...

Cultivating Talent from Untapped Communities

Thursday, February 06, 2020

By hiring from diverse and underserved communities, a company can boost innovation along with its bottom line. The current U.S. labor market bodes well for workers: unemployment has been consistently low and demand for talent remains high. But this wreaks havoc for companies who face a talent shortage to fill vacant IT roles. In IT alone, the U.S. has an astounding 918,000 open roles. Much of this job growth stems from digital transformation. As companies digitally transform and tech roles infiltrate all industries, corporations and hiring managers need help to fill vacant positions. It’s time to seek alternative pipelines and cultivate talent from untapped communities. Rea...

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...

Businesses eye Abilene’s industrial park

Wednesday, February 05, 2020

The city of Abilene once advertised free land in its industrial park. The sign that once could be seen from Interstate 70 is still there but on the ground, City Manager Jane Foltz told the Abilene City Commission at its study session. The free land issue was revitalized Monday when Chuck Scott, director of the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation reported that three companies were looking at the lots in Abilene’s northwest sector. Read full article.

Hot Jobs: Growing Industrial Sectors

Wednesday, February 05, 2020

Although the number of jobs lost during the Great Recession have been regained, not all regions or industry sectors have experienced the same recovery. Where are the best job opportunities, and in what sectors? The research from market analytics consultant Emsi suggests that some of the most attractive sectors in terms of decent-paying jobs are also doing fairly well in terms of job growth. Most states will welcome all the manufacturing activity they can get, for example, and many states have been seeing healthy manufacturing job growth in recent years. Auto manufacturing is in respectable shape, biopharm is healthier all the time...

No Place Like Home – The Return of Kansas Main Street

Wednesday, February 05, 2020

Main Street is important to many Kansas communities. Learn about the program, what it means to the Kansas Department of Commerce and how some towns are looking to use the help provided through Kansas Main Street. Read full article.

Front Line: New DOT Focus on Rural Development

Tuesday, February 04, 2020

“Economic success” is a critical component of the Department of Transportation’s new initiative. Last October U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced a new initiative focusing on transportation and related development challenges in rural areas. The new effort was called ROUTES — Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success. ROUTES will build on two successful DOT discretionary grant programs, now called BUILD and INFRA (previously known as TIGER and FASTLANE, respectively). BUILD supports varied projects. INFRA has a freight focus. Read full article.

Hemp production booming in county

Tuesday, February 04, 2020

Abilene Hemp Shop hosted Business After Hours to promote their new hemp line products and introduce a recent name change. This is the business formerly known as Abilene Vape and CBD store. Also, at the gathering was New Horizon Hemp Processing, a local organization in Abilene where hemp is farmed and processed. Owners Tina Kelly and Jeff Wilkens explained the process of making oil with hemp and included samples of each stage. Read full article.

Robust Infrastructure Key to Dickinson County Business

Monday, February 03, 2020

Need a location where your business can move raw materials and finished product with ease? Dickinson County has the infrastructure to match that need now. Interstate 70 runs through the county and is one of the most notable transportation veins spanning the country. Rail transportation provides affordable and easily accessible options throughout the county, Two local airports provide simple connections to several midwestern hubs. Additionally, the county provides utility infrastructure nearly unmatched in the country, providing some of the lowest rates anywhere. Kansas has one of the largest natural gas fields in the world, lending to exceptional economic benefits. Competitive electri...

The Evolution of Facility Design

Monday, February 03, 2020

Attracting and retaining the next generation of talent is now a critical input to the facility design process. When looking to build a new facility or renovate an existing one, manufacturing leaders need to consider several factors for the best return on investment. In the past, operational efficiency was often the most prominent, if not the only consideration. But today, the physical characteristics of a manufacturing facility must now deliver beyond operational excellence. The building or campus’ presence must now also serve as a recruiting tool, a reinforcement of brand, a testament to the company’s mission and values — not t...

What Should High-Growth Companies Look for in a Community?

Sunday, February 02, 2020

While there are many key factors to consider when selecting a location, the three “must haves” for entrepreneurial, high-growth companies are an existing entrepreneurial ecosystem, an affordable cost of doing business, and the “cool factor.” I'll start off by stating the obvious…you’re reading this article because you understand the importance of selecting the optimal business location. I believe this to be true across the board, regardless of industry sector, company size, facility type (i.e. headquarters, distribution center, etc.) or other factors. But perhaps it is most important to entrepreneurs and high-growth startup companies (herein referred to collectively as entrepreneurial companies). Whil...

Tips for Navigating Incentives in Site Selection Process

Saturday, February 01, 2020

A thorough understanding of the components of each incentive program is key to a mutually successful incentive offer and ultimately a community partnership. More Collaboration Expected Compared to 10 years ago, there have some notable changes to today’s site selection process. I think one of the more important changes is the incentive package. The kinds of incentives offered a company 10 or 15 years ago, or maybe even five years ago, are going to be very different than what they're going to receive right now. Read full article.

Light industrial is all the rage for e-commerce.

Friday, January 31, 2020

As an industrial real estate broker in one of the country’s hottest submarkets, Patrick Turner sensed opportunity when he heard a news report announcing the closure of a national-brand bakery complex near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. “A light went off in my head,” says Turner, a vice president in the Rosemont, Illinois, office of Colliers International. “When you’re talking about urban infill, you can’t just go out and find 10 acres [4 hectares] anywhere around the airport. It just doesn’t happen.” Read full article.

New downtown boot project under way

Friday, January 31, 2020

Abilene Forward is the communities’ organized group of people that work on beautifying and promoting all businesses to bring revenue downtown. As a recent addition to bring tourism to local businesses, the idea of colorful boots placed at different locations downtown was raised. The very first one has finally arrived in Abilene. Read full article.

How to Catch Hold of a Borderless Industry

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

A look at what makes fintech firms and ecosystems tick. What do fintechs do all day? “That’s the million-dollar question, right?” says Jackson Mueller, associate director at the Milken Institute’s Center for Financial Markets. He defines fintech as “the use of technology in the provision of financial products and services.” Among the sector’s characteristics, he says, are: Read full article.

2020 Vision

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Our annual 50-state report focuses on economic development laws, leaders, policies, indicators and projects from the past year. Use it to form a clearer picture of every state’s business climate. The collective knowledge and capabilities of the U.S. workforce is worth an estimated $240 trillion,” wrote Joe Parilla, a fellow at Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program, in a December 2019 research note, “four times more valuable than the country’s physical capital stock and 10 times more valuable than all the urban land in the United States.” What form does that value take? One way to quantify it is by professional certifications. Accordin...

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...

Dr. Brown to serve as Chief of Medical Staff at Memorial Hospital

Monday, January 27, 2020

Dr. Megan Brown has been elected to serve as Memorial Hospital’s Chief of Medical Staff of the Full Medical Staff for 2020-2021. Dr. Brown is a family medicine/obstetrics physician with Heartland Health Care Clinic. Read full article.

KANSASWORKS Works for Kansans

Friday, January 24, 2020

KANSASWORKS, the workforce services division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, was created to serve the needs of job seekers and businesses across our state by helping prospective employees connect with employers. Hundreds of thousands of Kansas residents—140,000 in 2019 alone—have received employment and reemployment assistance from KANSASWORKS over the years. I think we can all agree that developing and retaining a strong pipeline of talent is key to the health and sustainability of our economy. It goes without saying that we want quality jobs for Kansans; we want the men and women of our state to have reliable employment that allow...

Governor Kelly unveils new KANSASWORKS Mobile Workforce Center

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Topeka, Kan. – Governor Laura Kelly joined Secretary of Commerce David Toland and KANSASWORKS Vice Chair Carol Perry in unveiling the newest member of the KANSASWORKS Mobile Workforce Center fleet. “Delivering effective workforce services to Kansas residents is a priority of my administration,” Governor Kelly said. “While there is a broad network of brick-and-mortar Workforce Centers across the state, not all Kansans can easily access those services. This Mobile Workforce Center will deliver those same quality services to individuals who might not otherwise have an opportunity to access them.” Read full article.

New export assistance grant available to companies across Kansas

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Topeka, Kan. – Companies based in the state of Kansas have a new tool to help them succeed in selling their goods or services to customers around the world. The Kansas Market Access Program (K-MAP) lowers the end-user cost of international market research, export documentation and foreign business partner meetings, so Kansas companies can reach more customers and close more deals. Emerging out of the public-private partnership between the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Wichita-based Kansas Global Trade Services, K-MAP is made available as a one-time opportunity. Interested companies are encouraged to apply before June 30, 2020, in order t...

Affordable Real Estate Abundant in Dickinson County

Monday, January 20, 2020

From the millennial looking for a starter home or the retiree hoping to stretch savings beyond a residence, Dickinson County provides advantages in the real estate market for all interested parties. Homeowners here pay 52 percent of the national average for a comparable home elsewhere. The average home price in Abilene is $107,000 and in Herington is $58,500. Renters find monthly rates for apartments just over $400 or $1,500 for a large family home. And these prices aren’t for lacking, fixer-uppers! Dickinson County provides a wide supply of real estate for all budgets, from historic homes to new construction. See what local rea...

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...

4 Steps to Growing Your Business Now

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Did your growth stall in 2019? Here's how you can engineer a bigger, better year for your business. Q: My business stalled out in 2019. What can I do to give myself the highest likelihood of growth in 2020? -- Aden, Minneapolis The challenge of growing a business is surprisingly similar to the difficulties of losing weight. It’s something I realized after growing my first business, a fitness consultancy called Born Fitness. Each year, people set resolutions (goals, KPIs), start off strong (lots of early-year focus), get frustrated (friction from the process), plateau (return to old habits), and watch apathy set in (panic and lack of focus if goals ar...

Are You Meeting (and Setting) Customers' Expectations?

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

My family and I went out for brunch recently in Miami. We ordered about $60 worth of food, and when the waiter asked what I’d like to drink, I said what I always do: “Just water, please.” “We charge 50 cents for water because we filter it five times,” the waiter said. That’s ridiculous, I replied. The waiter agreed -- in fact, he said, he’d been trying to talk the restaurant’s owner out of this policy for a while now. But the owner wouldn’t budge because he’d invested in some fancy filtration system. Read full article.

Lively Culture a Hallmark of Dickinson County

Monday, January 13, 2020

Located in the heartland of America, Dickinson County has a wealth of cultural aspects. The rich history spans the influence of the Native Americans to Dwight Eisenhower being raised in Abilene. Accordingly, a natural progression exists in the creation of many historical sites, museums, and cultural activities within the county. The music lover has ample access to local musicians and bands frequenting lively bars and restaurants. Those seeking local artistic works will find them in many festivals and gatherings. All told, Dickinson County is an exciting location anyone could call home! Check out this link on our website to lear...

Transparency Database

Friday, January 10, 2020

Since I was appointed by Governor Kelly last January, we’ve undertaken a number of reforms based on four key priorities for the Department of Commerce. One of those four critical areas has been an effort to make clear what we do, how we do it and why we do it. The people of our state, our business community and the Legislature deserve nothing less. Increasing transparency is a critical step towards improving our accountability to the people of Kansas, especially when it comes to the use of public dollars. Our goal is to help Kansans and the Legislature understand more about economic development in general...

Young Love’s employee exceeds expectations

Friday, January 10, 2020

Love’s Travel Stop General Manager James Bohanan talks highly of one of his hardworking employees, Titan Steele. “Titan is an example of what we want in an employee. He keeps the customers coming back, makes the customers happy, has a friendly demeanor, very approachable, just does an outstanding job,” he said. “He’s a great employee. Does a really good job.” Steele seems to just be an 18-year-old young man who works the graveyard shift at Hardee’s. However, beyond that, he is one of the hardest working at Love’s and it does not go unnoticed. Read full article.

Kelly Administration Launches Online Incentive Transparency Database

Thursday, January 09, 2020

Topeka, Kan. – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced the launch of an incentive transparency database designed to enhance visibility and accountability of economic development incentive programs administered in the state of Kansas. As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Department of Commerce administers several economic development incentive programs established by and funded through the Kansas Legislature. In fiscal year 2019, the Department of Commerce completed 133 successful projects expected to generate approximately 13,000 new Kansas jobs and more than $1 billion in capital investment in the state. Read full article.

Learning center expands into Learn and Grow Depot building

Thursday, January 09, 2020

The transition from the Learn and Grow Depot to the Abilene Childcare Learning Center was completed, Memorial Health System Chief Executive Officer Harold Courtois reported to the Board of Directors at the regular meeting. Memorial Health System informed parents of non-employees in October that the child care center would no longer accepted children of non-employees on Jan. 1 because of the difficulty of finding qualified teachers. Read full article.

Historic sign is back

Wednesday, January 08, 2020

The new owner of Holt Motors, Fred Lewis, has begun to recreate the history of the old Lyric Theater with some recent additions. The Lyric Theater that was once where Holt Motor lies today was a small, single screen movie theater. Notes from June 1909 show that the Lyric Theater was open and ecstatic to announce its new projector. The last movie that Fred recalls being shown there was in 1952 after the flood, which he proves with a picture from his collection in the lobby. After the flood occurred, the owners had fixed up the theater but unfortunately the wear an...

Historical Society opens

Wednesday, January 08, 2020

The Dickinson County Historical Society was scheduled to reopen following a special meeting that put a fully operational board in place. Twelve people were appointed and elected to the DCHS Board of Trustees during the meeting that was scheduled following the unexpected resignations of the 2019 board and administrator on Thursday. The resignations likely stemmed from a volatile November 2019 annual meeting when the membership at large showed its disapproval of changes that had occurred at the facility during the year, including eliminating the traditional Statehood Ball and other long-standing events. Read full article.

KANSASWORKS.com Introduces Live Chat Feature

Monday, January 06, 2020

Topeka, Kan. – KANSASWORKS and the Kansas Department of Commerce announced the addition of the live chat feature on KANSASWORKS.com. The new feature allows Kansas residents unable to visit a physical Workforce Center location to interact with and seek help from the program’s qualified, professional staff. The live chat feature is maintained by employees around the state who are prepared to assist both job seekers and employers. The feature will offer assistance with the full catalogue of KANSASWORKS services, including help with uploading resumes, locating Workforce Centers, creating job openings/job orders, helping to apply for jobs and more. Read full article.

Location Key To Thriving Dickinson County Businesses

Monday, January 06, 2020

Dickinson County’s central location in the country’s heartland provides businesses with clear advantages. Access to raw materials and the ability to ship finished products with ease are thanks to immediate access to I-70 from most locations within the county. A short drive to I-35 opens up additional opportunities. Rail transportation and two airports within a 45-minute drive create an arena of accessibility beyond the interstate system. Even with ample existing transportation options, the state has a focus on creating new infrastructure as required. The combination creates an enviable and cost-effective shipping environment in and out of Kansas. To read more about th...

From Boots to Business -- Veterans Excel As Entrepreneurs

Sunday, January 05, 2020

In the course of serving our nation, veterans learn valuable skills and self-discipline that they can carry through to their post-military careers. One professional path that some veterans take is entrepreneurship. According to the most recent U.S. Census data, in 2012, the number of veteran-owned businesses was 2,521,682 (9 percent of all companies in the U.S.). Those businesses employed over 5 million people. Read full article.

How To Handle Mondays As An Entrepreneur

Sunday, January 05, 2020

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but it won’t do anything to cure you of a case of the Mondays. Making a successful transition from weekend mode to workweek mode can require practice. After all, we have a lot working against us on Mondays. For starters, science says sleeping in on the weekend can interfere with your body clock and result in a not so cheerful Monday morning. As psychologist Susanna Jernelöv, a sleep researcher at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute, explains, “It’s partly because of our circadian rhythm, so when you sleep in later, it’s like giving yourself a bi...

2019 Year-in-Review

Friday, January 03, 2020

2019 was truly an extraordinary year. Last January, I began my time as Secretary with several goals for the Department of Commerce and for economic development in Kansas. In this blog, I’d like to look back at the past year and reflect on the four main priorities we’ve had for the Department since Governor Kelly was inaugurated last year. It has been a busy year of internal reforms, relaunched programs and external engagement with the business community and Kansans of all stripes. The progress made over the past year has been exciting, and it’s part of the reason CNBC named Kansas “The Comeback Stat...

Cowboy Entrepreneurship: The Business Model To Invigorate Rural America In The Next Decade

Friday, January 03, 2020

Rural America is suffering. The economic recovery from the Great Recession has largely missed rural America. A “sharing” business model, epitomized by urban companies like Lyft and AirBnb, could be adapted to empower rural entrepreneurs and communities, without reliance on external assistance. Prior recoveries saw broad economic growth across the United States, driven by manufacturing and geographically dispersed services. Not this time. Urban areas alive with innovative new technology companies and professional jobs drove the most recent recovery, with less economic activity flowing to the small towns scattered across the country, according to economists at the Economic Innovation Group. This deart...

M&M Tire under new ownership, few changes

Thursday, January 02, 2020

When the noon whistle sounded, Butch Miller put down his lug wrench for good. Diane Miller laid down her pencil. The owners of M & M Tire & Auto closed early on New Year’s Eve. When the business opened again, it would be under new owners. But don’t expect many changes. Butch and Diane are now retired but the business at 400 N. Buckeye Avenue was transferred to new owners Dustin and Sarah Miller. Dustin, their son, has been an integral part of the business for the last 19 years. Sarah joined the office staff in 2004 and has been gradually assuming responsibility fo...

Site Selection In 2020: The Squeeze Is On

Wednesday, January 01, 2020

Attracting a relocating business to a particular place is tougher than ever in the current high-employment, incentive-skeptical climate. Yet in the face of such headwinds, economic development organizations have come up with some creative ideas to boost their site selection prospects. Take Topeka, Kansas, where economic development officials recently rolled out Choose Topeka, a pilot program that offers money to workers to relocate to the city. Under the program, people with job offers in Topeka can apply for as much as $15K if they are looking to buy a house in the area, or $10K if they sign a one-year apartment lease. Read full article.

Light Industrial Acreage Ready for Business in Solomon

Monday, December 30, 2019

The city of Solomon, in Dickinson County, Kansas, is ready for new business. One current listing can be found on our website here. A wide range of businesses could benefit from the advantages in a 127-acre property within the Solomon city limits. Additionally, the property is literally located 100 feet from the I-70 off-ramp. The property is zoned for light industrial and all the pertinent utilities of water, sewer, electricity and natural gas are furnished to the property limits. Beyond the ease of access, I-70 provides to the 300,000+ residents living within a 60-mile radius, the closest airport is onl...

How Entrepreneurs Can Stop Spreading Themselves Too Thin

Sunday, December 29, 2019

It’s not uncommon for entrepreneurs to live and breathe their work. It’s what most of our mentors and role models did to turn their own ideas into successful businesses. But at what cost? It may be taboo to discuss, but there’s a psychological price to being an entrepreneur. Founders experience everything from anxiety to depression. Others push themselves so hard that they abuse their bodies by neglecting their health. Feeling responsible for their companies, as well as others’ well-being — and livelihoods — can be overwhelming. Read full article.

Sun shines on downtown

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Edward Hammatt has worked in all sort of restaurants, from dive bars to some with Michelin stars, in New Orleans. He started as a food runner, doing nothing but taking plates to tables when he was 16 but he had a good vantage point to watch the chef as he controlled the work flow. “I had this awesome experience just sitting next to this Michelin-starred chef, watching how he conducted himself,” Hammatt said. Read full article.

There Are No Age Limits To Becoming An Entrepreneur

Thursday, December 26, 2019

There’s no board-certified test for becoming an entrepreneur. You don’t have to go to a certain school or have a certain type of experience. That’s what makes this path in life so great. Do you want to do it? Then do it. People of all ages have started successful companies. Worrying about your age should be the last thing on your mind. It’s true that many businesses fail, but if you hold yourself back, you won’t take a swing at hitting a home run, either. So let’s get down to it. Read full article.

Businesses Seeking Vibrant Communities Find a Home in Dickinson County

Monday, December 23, 2019

Dickinson County is filled with centrally located, vibrant and growing communities. Central Kansas inhabitants have an entrepreneurial spirit, giving rise to locally grown businesses spanning the manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare and service industries. Entrepreneurs and business owners of all sizes are drawn to the resultant diverse, strong local economy. Examples include the fact Abilene is located near the Kansas Interstate system of I-70 and I-135, providing easy access to the largest economies of the Midwest. Or Enterprise has one of the lowest crime rates in the state. Herington is well known for its affordable housing and Woodbine is home to abundan...

It Takes Extra Effort by the U.S. Census Bureau to Reach People Far Outside Urban Areas

Monday, December 23, 2019

From the back of a pick-up truck, Montana Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney waved to folks attending the Montana Crow Tribe Fair in Big Horn County, population 13,338. In small rural counties like this, everyone knows everyone, and it is not uncommon for state officials to join in local festivities. This time, the lieutenant governor was eager to talk about his next big campaign push: the 2020 Census. Read full article.

Exporting from Kansas

Friday, December 20, 2019

Firms in Kansas are exporting their products all over the world, and this export activity means big numbers for the Kansas economy. We at the Department of Commerce are proud to provide assistance to help these firms explore new markets and sell more of their products worldwide. Kansas Exports by the Numbers: Kansas exported $11.6 Billion total in 2018, which was an increase of 3.2% from the previous year. Read full article.

Uncommon voices in 2019

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Get inspiration and insight from uncommon voices in 2019 that aim to break down barriers to success and offer hope for the decade ahead. Countless inspirations and insights are helping to pave the way to hope for advancing inclusive and empowering entrepreneurship and education. Just ponder these uncommon ideas and examples from 2019 that offer promise for the coming year. Read full article.

Dickinson County Provides Local Incentives for Businesses

Monday, December 16, 2019

A wealth of local incentives await businesses interested in coming to Dickinson County. And the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation is your perfect resource for available grants, incentives, and tax breaks. For example, the city of Abilene provides grants up to $15,000 to businesses and entrepreneurs on a case-by-case basis, for applicants demonstrating an 80% private match. Abilene also reimburses a portion of the transient guest tax generated by a new hotel or the expansion of an existing hotel. And no reason to worry if expansion plans are in your future in Dickinson County. Whether through new construction or a real estat...

Beware Of These Behavioral Biases When Launching A Startup App Idea

Saturday, December 14, 2019

As an advisor to several starting entrepreneurs launching a startup app idea, I find it interesting how entrepreneurs come up with ideas and plans. Most of the time, our decisions are influenced by behavioral biases that, contrary to popular beliefs, can be beneficial as much as they can negatively affect startup performance. Understanding how we make decisions is the least we can do to optimize the outcome of those decisions. Here are 5 common behavioral biases that drive and influence our actions. Read full article.

FHL-Garfield Senior Living

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Click here to watch video.

How to Position Your Product in a Niche Market

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Just because what you're selling is unique doesn't mean it can't find its audience. When you have a niche product -- something that positions a unique value proposition to a customer -- it can be hard to figure out your place in the product landscape and market competitively to your target customer. And despite the specificity of your business, you're still likely to have some competition. So, what’s the best way to position your product in a niche market? Read full article.

Framework for Growth Public Engagement

Friday, December 13, 2019

We just wrapped up a week of Town Halls around the state in order to engage the public in the development of the Kansas Framework for Growth, the economic development planning process kicked off earlier this year by Governor Laura Kelly. The first phase—assessment and benchmarking—is nearly complete, and we heard from Kansans of all stripes about what they believe are our biggest opportunities and how we might overcome some of the challenges we’re facing. Read full article.

Framework for Growth Public Engagement

Friday, December 13, 2019

We wrapped up a week of Town Halls around the state in order to engage the public in the development of the Kansas Framework for Growth, the economic development planning process kicked off earlier this year by Governor Laura Kelly. The first phase—assessment and benchmarking—is nearly complete, and we heard from Kansans of all stripes about what they believe are our biggest opportunities and how we might overcome some of the challenges we’re facing. Read full article.

Abilene to host ag financial workshops

Thursday, December 12, 2019

MANHATTAN — Abilene will host a four-part series of workshops focused on helping women sharpen their farm financial management skills. K-State Research and Extension of Dickinson County will be one of the 31 host sites for the workshop series from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 15, 22, 29 and Feb. 5, 2020 at Sterl Hall. Read full article.

COMMUNITY NATIONAL BANK AND TRUST JOINS GROUP OF ANCHOR SUPPORTERS FOR SMALL BUSINESS

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Wichita, Kansas, --- NetWork Kansas announced that Community National Bank and Trust has made a commitment to be an Anchor Supporter of NetWork Kansas in an effort to provide small businesses with additional support. Anchor Supporters are banks making a significant contribution through participation in the Entrepreneurship Tax Credit. Banks can now utilize up to $100,000 in credits annually. Community National Bank and Trust is headquartered in Chanute with branches in Ark City, Arma, Augusta, Benton, Burns, Caney, Cherryvale, Coffeyville, Edna, El Dorado, Emporia, Eureka, Fredonia, Frontenac, Girard, Humboldt, Independence, Iola, Neodesha, Newton, Parsons, Pittsburg, and Winfield. Read full article.

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

Nominations Open for Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award

Thursday, December 12, 2019

TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award. International trade is vital to the Kansas economy. In 2018, Kansas companies exported nearly $12 billion in goods and services, and for more than 30 years, Kansas has recognized exceptional export performance by presenting the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award to companies demonstrating excellence in exporting. To be eligible to receive the award, companies must be in good standing with the state and currently operating in and exporting from Kansas. Nominations must be received by Jan. 31, 2020. There ar...

Kansas Incentivizes Dickinson County Business

Monday, December 09, 2019

One of the best attributes of locating a business in Dickinson County is the support provided by the state of Kansas. Tax advantages are an excellent way to support your business. Our website is a valuable resource for researching about these fantastic opportunities. Worried about inventory or franchise taxes? There are none in Kansas! Concerned with the impact local taxes have on personal or corporate income? Kansas cities and counties do not impose income or earnings taxes on their resident companies! Kansas even exempts the property tax on commercial and industrial machinery and equipment purchased or transferred into Kansas afte...

‘New’ Old Abilene Town planned

Monday, December 09, 2019

Old Abilene Town leaders are making plans to turn the “modest cowtown” back into a dynamic tourist attraction, starting with enhanced programming in 2020. “We want to move ourselves from not just a tourist destination, but a tourist attraction and all the great things that can happen down in that district,” said Michael Hook, president of the Historic Abilene, Inc., board of trustees. Read full article.

City proceeds with incentives for hotel development

Saturday, December 07, 2019

In an unanimous vote, the Abilene City Commission approved setting 4 p.m. Jan. 13 for a public hearing to establish a Community Development District of a development of a Holiday Inn in north Abilene at its regular meeting. Last September the commission approved incentives for a new 70-room Holiday Inn Express just north of the current hotel. Ashish K. Ghosh Hajra informed the city commission the plan was to building an $8 million hotel and convert the existing hotel to an alternative brand which will allow visitors two quality options when staying in Abilene just north of Interstate 70. Read full article.

Ready for Kansas Main Street?

Friday, December 06, 2019

Ready for Kansas Main Street?

Friday, December 06, 2019

As you may know, the popular Kansas Main Street program has returned and is revving up for 2020. I want to provide an update on what’s coming up for the program as it gets up and running again in Kansas. First, Commerce recently announced the hiring of Scott Sewell as the Main Street Program Director. Scott has a proven track record with the Main Street model. He spent many years working on the Kansas program before leading the Nebraska Main Street Program. “I was excited to know Governor Kelly and the Legislature were bringing back the Kansas Main Street program,” Sewell said, “and ...

5 Trends in Entrepreneurship You Can’t Afford to Ignore in 2020

Thursday, December 05, 2019

I attended Ernst & Young’s Strategic Growth Forum U.S. event. With some of the smartest founders in the country, I chatted about best practices and trends that will shape 2020.Although my prior co-founder and I received the “Best Emerging Company” award at the 2016 event, I joined this year not as a competitor but as a listener. I came away with new ideas for growing my company while playing it safe, which will be key in what I and others expect to be a volatile election year. With uncertainty ahead, I paid special attention to the trends on attendees’ minds...

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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