Dickinson County Continues to Drive Economic Development
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 economic opportunity for all and expand our economy.”
The Driving Dickinson County campaign will provide the funding necessary 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, already having more than $1,300,000 in pledges from 68 investors from all across the county. Several of the investors shared their belief in the importance of the campaign in short videos, which can be viewed here:
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Growth Strategy
Strategies for the next five years are focused on the initiatives of business retention and expansion, business recruitment and marketing, community branding and marketing, entrepreneurship and workforce attraction. The Driving Dickinson County campaign will be centered on the goals of 350 new jobs, $50 million of investment and 400 interviews of existing Dickinson County businesses over the life of the five-year program.
“Housing and daycare expansion are high priorities on our plate right now to enable employers to attract more workers,” said Chuck Scott, DKEDC Executive Director.
Past Growth
DKEDC’s new strategy is built on significant results from the past few years, including investments in the community totaling more than $43 million, over 400 jobs created or retained and over 300 businesses assisted in the last three years. Specific economic development accomplishments include the recent expansions of Great Plains Manufacturing’s Land Pride division in Abilene, Russel Stovers in Abilene, the CEO Program, new Dollar Tree store announcements and many other projects all over the county.
