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    3. Dickinson County Edc Appoints Abilene Native As Executive Director
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    Dickinson County EDC Appoints Abilene Native as Executive Director main photo

    Dickinson County EDC Appoints Abilene Native as Executive Director

    August 31, 2023

    The Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC) is pleased to announce Jessica Goodale, of Abilene, as its new Executive Director.
     
    The DKEDC executive board of directors voted unanimously to appoint Goodale, who previously served as Interim Executive Director at DKEDC, and prior to that held the position Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) and Marketing Manager for the organization.
     
    “We are very excited to see the wide breadth of education, experience, drive and local focus that Jessica brings to the task of helping local business succeed here in Dickinson County,” said Dennis Weese, past chairman of DKEDC.
     
    Goodale is a Dickinson County native, having grown up outside Abilene, and is a 2001 graduate of Abilene High School. She received her bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies with emphasis in Public Relations from Fort Hays State University, along with minors in Graphic Design, German, and Leadership Studies. Her professional career took her to Texas, Colorado, and the Kansas communities of Wichita and Hays before returning to Abilene.
     
    “Goodale came to DKEDC with a passion to bring value back to the place where she grew up, and we are pleased to offer her the opportunity to do just that,” said Darrin Volkman, Chairman of DKEDC and Owner of KVK, Inc.
     
    The DKEDC sought out the advice of many of its Investors and Partners as the non-profit worked its way through this decision. “Like economic and community development itself, this was a collaborative effort,” added Volkman.
     
    “From her time as Business Retention and Expansion Manager, Jessica exhibited the qualities needed in this role. Our executive board of directors felt she can lead our organization in its quest to be the premier partner for economic revitalization in the communities we serve here in Dickinson County,” said Weese.
     
    DKEDC’s mission is to promote economic development throughout Dickinson County by serving as a resource and partner: attracting new industries, retaining existing businesses, enhancing and improving the quality of life for businesses, residences and visitors while forming strong relationships with everyone involved. Through its Driving Dickinson County Partnership, DKEDC partners with like-minded individuals and organizations who desire to make Dickinson County a desired place to do business in Kansas.
     
    “Dickinson County has a rich history of producing great leaders, and we have a phenomenal group of experts, leaders and resources already within our county,” said Goodale. “DKEDC aims to connect those resources to the greater benefit. We know there is no hill that cannot be climbed by one of our own, supported by our investors and partners. From healthy economic growth springs quality of life, and I look forward to continuing our strong support as we aim to make Dickinson County an ideal place to live, work and play.”
     
    For more information about the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation, call 785-200-3518, visit online at dkedc.com or visit their Facebook page @DKEDC.

    Default Set

    1. A Top 10 True Western Town of the Year! Abilene, nestled in the state’s Smoky Hills region and an important economic center for the region.
    2. Strong Traditions, Vibrant Living A ‘modern-day Mayberry’ can easily be used to describe our charming and family-friendly communities.
    3. Best of All Worlds Dickinson County has good jobs and a strong economy combined with an excellent quality of life!
    4. A Proud Heritage History lovers can visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Museum.
    happy child exploring local shop

    A Top 10 True Western Town of the Year!

    Abilene, nestled in the state’s Smoky Hills region and an important economic center for the region.

    smiling business owners

    Strong Traditions, Vibrant Living

    A ‘modern-day Mayberry’ can easily be used to describe our charming and family-friendly communities.

    business owner laughing with customers

    Best of All Worlds

    Dickinson County has good jobs and a strong economy combined with an excellent quality of life!

    We Like Ike memorbelia

    A Proud Heritage

    History lovers can visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Museum.

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    Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation Logo
    Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation203 NW 15th Abilene, KS 67410
    Phone: 785-200-3518 Fax: 785-200-3520
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