Latest News

Celebrating National Homeownership Month with DKEDC

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

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

Local Businesses Driving Growth of Dickinson County

Thursday, May 27, 2021

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

Economic Development Growth this Spring for Dickinson County

Thursday, April 22, 2021

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

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...

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...

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...

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

Thursday, April 22, 2021

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

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