https://www.actioncouncil.com Montgomery County Action Council News Feed Wed, 27 May 2026 13:12:11 +0000 en-US https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67459/montgomery-county-communities-spur-economic-development-with-housing-investments https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67459/montgomery-county-communities-spur-economic-development-with-housing-investments Tue, 05 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 There is a housing shortage across the United States, with an estimated deficit of 4.7 million homes. This crunch is felt in major metropolitan areas and rural communities alike, but the cities that comprise Montgomery County, Kansas, are taking action. Each municipality is taking steps to increase housing inventory through... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67522/how-forwardthinking-companies-are-redefining-workplace-wellness-and-winning-because-of-it https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67522/how-forwardthinking-companies-are-redefining-workplace-wellness-and-winning-because-of-it Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 I remember the exact moment I knew something had to change. I was answering emails at midnight, physically present but mentally checked out, running on caffeine and the vague promise of a weekend that never felt restful. I wasn’t alone.According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace Report, declining engagement... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67704/kansas-office-of-apprenticeship-celebrates-2026-apprenticeship-award-winners https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67704/kansas-office-of-apprenticeship-celebrates-2026-apprenticeship-award-winners Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000 The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship today announced the recipients of the 2026 Kansas Apprenticeship Awards, recognizing the outstanding leaders, organizations and programs that are driving innovation and expanding Registered Apprenticeship opportunities across the state.“Our apprenticeship partners have played a tremendous role growing our workforce over the last several years,”... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67523/retail-real-estate-2026-a-sector-recalibrated-for-precision-performance-and-place https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67523/retail-real-estate-2026-a-sector-recalibrated-for-precision-performance-and-place Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000 As the retail real estate industry enters 2026, one conclusion is no longer debatable: reports of brick-and-mortar retail’s demise were not only premature—they were fundamentally wrong. Physical retail has not vanished; it has recalibrated. Today’s retail market is leaner, more data-driven, and far more selective about where and how it... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67240/mpac-aviation-services-&-their-sbdc-story https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67240/mpac-aviation-services-&-their-sbdc-story Fri, 17 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000 SBDC April Highlight: MPAC Aviation ServicesFounded in 2018, MPAC Aviation Services is a locally owned aviation business based in Independence, Kansas, specializing in engine accessory overhaul management for turbine aircraft. Serving customers across the aviation industry—including corporate, agricultural, public-use, and military sectors—MPAC helps clients navigate the complex and costly process of... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67593/rural-communities-worth-the-investment https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67593/rural-communities-worth-the-investment Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000 At Strengthening America’s Economy through Rural Investment: A Working Forum, Washington, D.C. with Federal Reserve Governor Michael S. Barr.It is great to be here with you today.1 During my career, I've had the opportunity to work on issues affecting rural communities, especially access to capital. My time at the Federal... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67589/what-does-site-readiness-really-mean https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67589/what-does-site-readiness-really-mean Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Shovel-ready. Development-ready. Certified. Investment-ready. The vocabulary of site readiness has expanded even as its meaning has remained stubbornly contested. Ask a company executive, a construction manager, a lender, or a state economic development official what “site readiness” means, and you’ll get a different answer from each. The one thing they... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67117/el-charro-&-their-sbdc-story https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67117/el-charro-&-their-sbdc-story Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Small Business Highlight: El Charro of Coffeyville, KSSince opening its doors in 2011, El Charro has been serving the Coffeyville community with authentic flavors and a strong commitment to customer care. Owned by Salvador Bermudez, this locally loved restaurant has grown into more than just a place to eat—it’s a... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67151/get-involved-in-workforce-development-in-montgomery-county https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67151/get-involved-in-workforce-development-in-montgomery-county Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000 There are many opportunities for residents and employers in Montgomery County to get involved in workforce development by identifying upskilling opportunities and exploring new ideas. There are a few upcoming events that make it easy to connect with professional groups in the community while investing in Montgomery County in the... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/66824/explore-montgomery-county-through-its-fun-spring-events! https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/66824/explore-montgomery-county-through-its-fun-spring-events! Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 There’s plenty to do in Montgomery County, Kansas, throughout the year, from exploring its race tracks to visiting local zoos. However, March is a particularly fun time in the region, with each town celebrating Spring with events, festivals, and other activities.“One of the benefits of living in a rural community... https://www.actioncouncil.com/life/why-montgomery-county/p/item/66593/nordic-turbine-service-&-their-sbdc-story https://www.actioncouncil.com/life/why-montgomery-county/p/item/66593/nordic-turbine-service-&-their-sbdc-story Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000 Nordic Turbine Services of Independence, KSSince launching in November 2020 and transitioning to full-time operations in February 2023, Nordic Turbine Service has steadily built its presence at 3848 West Main as a specialized jet engine overhaul facility serving the aviation industry. Founded by Daniel Thorenson under Thorenson Enterprise LLC, the company... https://www.actioncouncil.com/life/why-montgomery-county/p/item/66578/the-city-of-coffeyville-has-two-certified-sites-ready-for-investment https://www.actioncouncil.com/life/why-montgomery-county/p/item/66578/the-city-of-coffeyville-has-two-certified-sites-ready-for-investment Fri, 20 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000 The City of Coffeyville is actively investing in economic development by offering two certified sites to potential businesses. While communities across Kansas (and the entire United States) have land parcels for sale, certified sites demonstrate that specific properties are ready for development. Certification makes these parcels a low-risk choice, increasing... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/66924/economic-developer-role-shifting-from-dealmaking-to-systems-stewardship https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/66924/economic-developer-role-shifting-from-dealmaking-to-systems-stewardship Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000 You're in a meeting about childcare.Not business attraction, not incentives, not site selection. Childcare. Three employers told you the same thing last quarter: they can't fill the second shift because parents can't find care after 6:00 p.m. So now you're at a table with the United Way, a hospital HR... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/p/item/66331/discount-delights-opened-in-cherryvale-ks https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/p/item/66331/discount-delights-opened-in-cherryvale-ks Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000 Cherryvale now has greater access to affordable grocery options right within the community! Discount Delights, located at 218 W. Main Street in Cherryvale, opened in mid-December and is owned and operated by Jonathan Beth.The store offers a wide selection of shelf-stable essentials, including canned goods, snacks, cereals, noodles, baking items,... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/p/item/66350/young-americans-are-moving-to-rural-areas-reversing-decadeslong-trends https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/p/item/66350/young-americans-are-moving-to-rural-areas-reversing-decadeslong-trends Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000 For nearly 40 years, American migration patterns centered around people moving from rural communities to major metropolitan areas. Since 1980, 80% of the country’s growth in the under-45 population has been found in cities with more than a million residents.Then a global pandemic happened, and this decades-long migration pattern was... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/p/item/65937/12-reasons-to-become-a-montgomery-county-action-council-member https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/p/item/65937/12-reasons-to-become-a-montgomery-county-action-council-member Fri, 19 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 Montgomery County doesn’t grow by accident — it grows because businesses, organizations, and leaders choose to invest in the future of our communities. Montgomery County Action Council (MCAC) serves as the county’s economic development engine, and membership means having a seat at the table where progress happens.Here are 12 powerful... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/p/item/65796/building-strong-foundations-our-12-days-of-members-celebration https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/p/item/65796/building-strong-foundations-our-12-days-of-members-celebration Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 From heating and cooling to commercial builds, repairs, and energy solutions, our local construction and utility businesses play an essential role in keeping our community safe, comfortable, and growing. These businesses work year-round — often behind the scenes and in all kinds of weather — to ensure that homes stay... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/p/item/65795/raising-montgomery-county-our-12-days-of-members-celebration https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/p/item/65795/raising-montgomery-county-our-12-days-of-members-celebration Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 As we kick off our 12 Days of Members celebration, we’re unwrapping the magic of the season by spotlighting the education organizations that shape our communities all year long. There’s something about this time of year that brings us back to the classroom moments we’ll never forget—the hum of excitement... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/p/item/65794/opening-doors-across-montco-our-12-days-of-members-celebration https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/p/item/65794/opening-doors-across-montco-our-12-days-of-members-celebration Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 A strong real estate community is essential to the growth and vitality of Montgomery County. Whether helping families find their first home, supporting new businesses, or welcoming newcomers to the region, our MCAC Real Estate Members play a vital role in shaping the places where we live, work, and thrive.As... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/p/item/65792/welcoming-mcacs-new-members-our-12-days-of-members-celebration https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/p/item/65792/welcoming-mcacs-new-members-our-12-days-of-members-celebration Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 December is a season of fresh beginnings—new memories, new traditions, and new celebrations. Here at MCAC, we embrace that spirit by honoring the new additions to our community. This year, we’re excited to recognize the members who joined us for the first time in 2025. We hope you’ve already felt... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/66592/how-to-spot-a-community-thats-ready-for-your-investment https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/66592/how-to-spot-a-community-thats-ready-for-your-investment Wed, 19 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000 As a site selector, I have seen promising projects fail, not due to any one major factor, but because communities weren’t truly aligned and ready to solve problems that come with large industrial projects. Communities are not just the ZIP codes where we invest capital; they are our workforce, regulators,... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/p/item/65516/jim-correll-fostering-entrepreneurship-in-montgomery-county https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/p/item/65516/jim-correll-fostering-entrepreneurship-in-montgomery-county Tue, 18 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000 Jim Correll's journey into entrepreneurship education was anything but conventional. After starting a photography business in 1976, moving through manufacturing, surviving the internet bubble burst of 2000, and even running a sharpening business in Coffeyville, Correll found his calling when Independence Community College posted an ad in 2006 for someone... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/p/item/65415/montgomery-county-plays-an-essential-role-in-the-aviation-industry https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/p/item/65415/montgomery-county-plays-an-essential-role-in-the-aviation-industry Mon, 10 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000 November is National Aviation History Month, and a wonderful time to reflect on the impact of aviation on the Montgomery County, Kansas, economy. The power of flight transformed the nation, from enhancing its military capabilities during World War II to expanding the economy through business travel and eventually the tourism... https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67716/cherryvales-laundry-&-their-sbdc-story https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67716/cherryvales-laundry-&-their-sbdc-story Tue, 26 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 SBDC May Highlight: Cherryvale’s LaundryThe Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) is proud to highlight Cherryvale’s Laundry, a locally owned business serving residents throughout the Cherryvale community with dependable, customer-focused service. What began as an idea quickly became a reality with the help of guidance and support from Montgomery County...