Latest News

Friday, September 17, 2021

As communities across the country seek to regain some semblance of normalcy post-pandemic, the importance of manufacturing companies and their employees is more relevant than ever. Beginning with National Manufacturing Day on October 1, the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC) is celebrating local manufacturers for their employment opportunities, innovations and dedication to the community throughout the month of October. We are proud to recognize the global manufacturing companies that produce goods using the latest technologies and plentiful raw materials in Dickinson County. Manufacturing Day Stretches Through the Whole Month of October Launched annually on the first Friday in October with event...

Connecting Skills To Opportunities

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

The State of Nevada is on top of things. For close to 10 years, they’ve been focused on where industry is going and what it means for the future of work in the state. State leaders like Bob Potts, deputy director at the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) have recognized its legacy industries (gaming, entertainment, and tourism) have been on a maturing path for decades. They’ve thus been working to identify the state’s comparative advantages in various industries to better diversify. “We looked at advanced manufacturing, technology, healthcare, logistics and operations, and energy,” Potts said. “We were doing reverse staffin...

Childcare Needs Escalate in Dickinson County

Monday, August 23, 2021

Childcare workers have always experienced the struggle between the joy of helping raise children and earning low wages with little or no benefits. Historically, childcare employers have always struggled to maintain a quality staff for the same reasons. The COVID-19 pandemic made the entire situation worse across the country. For Dickinson County, the bottleneck is not having enough childcare facilities, but finding the staff to work at them. Kansas Trends Childcare in Kansas was trending in the wrong direction prior to the pandemic. According to the 2020 Child Care Supply Demand Report from ChildCare Aware? of Kansas, nearly 500 of the states&rsquo...

Dickinson County Continues to Drive Economic Development

Monday, August 23, 2021

Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC) has launched their new capital campaign, designed to drive economic growth in the area. The name - Driving Dickinson County - ties the historical economic backgrounds of the area with future economic growth for all. “We wanted to convey that DKEDC is sensitive to the agricultural and rural heritage of the Chisholm Trail cattle drives which began our path toward economic prosperity, “ said campaign co-chair, Doug Smart of Smart Insurance. “DKEDC is now driving the future direction and efforts of economic development in Dickinson County as an excellent place for business, grow future economi...

5 Tips for Attracting the Best Job Candidates in Today's Labor Market

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

The landscape has changed dramatically for businesses accessing the labor market pool. Employers have to rethink how to approach prospective employees if they plan on meeting their hiring demands. Job shortages have created a frenzy where companies are scrambling to adopt a new approach to hiring new team members in pursuit of a different type of job engagement. Every day I coach companies that are desperate to find workers who can support their growing business. Many of these businesses have unfortunately had to turn business away, because they don’t have enough staff to support the influx of work. According to th...

Two Dickinson Co. companies exhibited at the NCBA Trade Show

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Two Dickinson County businesses: Rawhide Portable Corral (Abilene): John McDonald and Sort’n Buddy (Woodbine) participated in the Cattle Industry Convention & National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show in Nashville, Tennessee August 10-13, 2021. Read full article.

7 Ways to Successfully Manage Managers

Saturday, August 14, 2021

Managing managers can be similar, in some ways, to managing a team — you need to align priorities, communicate goals, provide feedback and serve as a mentor. But the difference in managing managers is that you have to not only oversee their work, but make sure they’re effectively supporting their teams too. In addition to ensuring that managers are producing quality work, you’re setting clear expectations for what a successful manager looks like, observing their leadership within a team and offering direct feedback on their management skills. A successful manager is one who guides their team to perform well and develops the...

DKEDC Announces Next Economic Development Strategic Plan and Driving Dickinson County Campaign

Monday, August 09, 2021

Dickinson County, KS (July 13th, 2021) – The Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC) kicked off their new Driving Dickinson County capital campaign with community leaders at DK Sports located in Chapman, KS on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. with over 100 attendees from all over Dickinson County. Driving Dickinson County will provide funding for the next five years of DKEDC’s strategic plan for economic growth. The campaign has set a goal of $1.5 million in total over the next five years and has already had a strong start with over $1,200,000 in pledges from 56 investors fro...

Toland: Economic growth in Kansas means swinging for fences, asking hard questions

Monday, August 09, 2021

Despite a pandemic and ensuing global recession, 2020 stood out as an eye-popping year for economic development in Kansas. Last year, the state closed 131 projects, creating 13,871 jobs and attracting more than $2.5 billion in capital investment — the highest amount since the Kansas Department of Commerce's inception in 1986. "We've done a great job going out there, hustling for leads and, frankly, converting those leads into real investment and real jobs," David Toland, the state's lieutenant governor and Commerce secretary, said during a recent interview. Even so, the state's second-in-command said he's "not satisfied" and thinks Kansas has significantly more potentia...

Kansas set to lead nation in renewable energy

Tuesday, August 03, 2021

Boost Kansas, an initiative of the American Clean Power Association says in 2020, the renewable energy industry had an exciting year, and Kansas is a leader with success in wind and solar energy developments. It said the newly released Clean Power Annual from the American Clean Power Association notes the Sunflower State is a national leader in renewable energy, with over 43% of the state’s electricity coming from renewable sources, ranking second in the nation. It said the report shows Kansas’ ability to increase jobs and investment while maximizing energy efficiency throughout the state. According to Boost Kansas, renewable energy i...

Celebrating National Homeownership Month with DKEDC

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

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

Local Businesses Driving Growth of Dickinson County

Thursday, May 27, 2021

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

Economic Development Growth this Spring for Dickinson County

Thursday, April 22, 2021

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

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...

2021 Festival Grants Open!

Friday, July 16, 2021

Dickinson County has authorized grant funds for 2021 tourism generating events or festivals in Dickinson County, Kansas. Grant funds are for the marketing and advertising of the event. Recipients who carried over grant funds from events canceled from the previous year due to COVID-19 restrictions from the previous year are not eligible to apply for this round of grant funding. If you are interested in applying for the 2021 Festival Grant, the application can be downloaded here. Questions? Contact DKEDC!

Dickinson County Announced as Kansas Rural Opportunity Zone

Friday, July 16, 2021

Dickinson County is now recognized as a Kansas Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ). If you are an eligible employee, you may qualify for a 100% Kansas Income Tax Credit as well as up to $15,000 of student loan forgiveness over five years. If you are an employer and want to sponsor an employee who has moved into Dickinson County on or after June 18th, 2021, visit the link below to learn more about the ROZ program. If the employee is eligible: 1. Have them apply for the ROZ program at www.kansascommerce.gov/roz. 2. Once th...

Kansas Wins Prestigious 2021 Gold Shovel Award for Economic Development Excellence

Friday, June 11, 2021

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

It’s Beginning

Wednesday, June 02, 2021

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

Isaacs becomes DKEDC BRE Manager

Thursday, May 27, 2021

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

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

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

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

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

Tuesday, May 04, 2021

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

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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