Latest News

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...

Senior Living Center in Historic Building Reflects Dickinson County Character

Thursday, December 03, 2020

Dickinson County, Kansas, is a community featuring a rich, historical heritage with a vibrant population focused on the future. The most recent illustration of that is the recent opening of The Garfield Senior Living, a senior living community located in the renovated Garfield Elementary School. “There was definitely a community need, as there was not a market rate independent senior living facility in the Abilene market,” said Andy Gilmore, president of Gilmore & Associates, the owners of The Garfield. “Seniors were reaching out to us from neighboring communities saying they wanted to be in Abilene, but there was nowhere for the...

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...

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...

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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