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        <title>Economic Gateway - Montgomery County Action Council</title>
        <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com</link>
        <description>Montgomery County Action Council News Feed</description>
        <lastBuildDate>Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:58:43 +0000</lastBuildDate>
        <language>en-US</language>
                                                    <item>
                    <title>Kansas to receive $134 million in transformative Meta settlement</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/69943/kansas-to-receive-134-million-in-transformative-meta-settlement</link>
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                    <pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        The parent company of social media platforms Facebook and Instagram agreed to one of the largest state consumer protection settlements in American history, paying $17.1 billion to most U.S. states and territories and promising to implement sweeping safety features to protect kids.Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach said Wednesday the state’s...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>USDA Announces Harvest to Hallways Initiative to Invest in Child Nutrition Programs</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/69944/usda-announces-harvest-to-hallways-initiative-to-invest-in-child-nutrition-programs</link>
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                    <pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced sweeping new efforts to strengthen school meals by connecting more American farmers with local schools, investing in school kitchen infrastructure, and giving states and school districts new tools to serve healthier,...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>The Shifting Landscape of Location Strategy</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/69945/the-shifting-landscape-of-location-strategy</link>
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                    <pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        The conditions that are influencing location decisions are experiencing accelerated change. Corporate real estate and site selection professionals are operating in an increasingly complex landscape that requires location evaluations that take a range of surging forces into account. Labor availability, housing affordability, population growth, infrastructure capacity and automation are among...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>Tourism Announces $1 Million Available in Attraction Development Grants</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/68908/tourism-announces-1-million-available-in-attraction-development-grants</link>
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                    <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        Kansas Tourism has announced that applications for the Attraction Development Grants program will open August 17. The program is designed to provide funding support for the development of new tourism attractions or the enhancement of existing attractions that encourage travel to and throughout Kansas. A total of $1 million will...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>How Water Is Reshaping Site Selection</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/68729/how-water-is-reshaping-site-selection</link>
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                    <pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        What could be simpler than water? Or more complex? For many industrial and advanced manufacturing projects, water is becoming a first-tier site selection variable alongside power, labor, and transportation infrastructure. Evaluating a site’s water readiness now goes beyond asking whether water service exists. Corporate users increasingly need to understand available...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>Congress is putting housing money on the line. Here’s where it could matter most</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/68726/congress-is-putting-housing-money-on-the-line-heres-where-it-could-matter-most</link>
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                    <pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        Signed into law last month by President Trump, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act aims to cut away some of the red tape currently driving the shortage of affordable homes in the U.S. In a new report, Realtor.com took a look at how some of those changes are poised...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>Montgomery County Communities Spur Economic Development With Housing Investments</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67459/montgomery-county-communities-spur-economic-development-with-housing-investments</link>
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                    <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        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...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>How Forward-Thinking Companies Are Redefining Workplace Wellness — and Winning Because of It</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67522/how-forwardthinking-companies-are-redefining-workplace-wellness-and-winning-because-of-it</link>
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                    <pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        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...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>Kansas Office of Apprenticeship Celebrates 2026 Apprenticeship Award Winners</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67704/kansas-office-of-apprenticeship-celebrates-2026-apprenticeship-award-winners</link>
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                    <pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        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,”...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>Retail Real Estate 2026: A Sector Recalibrated for Precision, Performance, and Place</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67523/retail-real-estate-2026-a-sector-recalibrated-for-precision-performance-and-place</link>
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                    <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        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...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>MPAC Aviation Services &amp; Their SBDC Story</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67240/mpac-aviation-services-&amp;-their-sbdc-story</link>
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                    <pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        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...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>Rural Communities: Worth the Investment</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67593/rural-communities-worth-the-investment</link>
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                    <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        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&amp;#039;ve had the opportunity to work on issues affecting rural communities, especially access to capital. My time at the Federal...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>El Charro &amp; Their SBDC Story</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/business/sbdc-services/p/item/67117/el-charro-&amp;-their-sbdc-story</link>
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                    <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        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...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>Get Involved in Workforce Development in Montgomery County</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/67151/get-involved-in-workforce-development-in-montgomery-county</link>
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                    <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        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...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>Nordic Turbine Service &amp; Their SBDC Story</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/life/why-montgomery-county/p/item/66593/nordic-turbine-service-&amp;-their-sbdc-story</link>
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                    <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        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...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>Discount Delights Opened in Cherryvale, KS</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/business/sbdc-services/p/item/66331/discount-delights-opened-in-cherryvale-ks</link>
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                    <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        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,...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>Opening Doors Across MontCo: Our 12 Days of Members Celebration</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/65794/opening-doors-across-montco-our-12-days-of-members-celebration</link>
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                    <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        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...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>Building Strong Foundations: Our 12 Days of Members Celebration</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/65796/building-strong-foundations-our-12-days-of-members-celebration</link>
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                    <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        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...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>Raising Montgomery County: Our 12 Days of Members Celebration</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/65795/raising-montgomery-county-our-12-days-of-members-celebration</link>
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                    <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        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...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>Welcoming MCAC’s New Members: Our 12 Days of Members Celebration</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/65792/welcoming-mcacs-new-members-our-12-days-of-members-celebration</link>
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                    <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        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...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>Brio Med Spa &amp; Wellness Success With SBDC</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/business/sbdc-services/p/item/69886/brio-med-spa-&amp;-wellness-success-with-sbdc</link>
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                    <pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        When entrepreneurs attempt to bring a new vision to life, securing startup funding with minimal capital on hand can be one of the steepest hurdles to overcome. For Hali Schultheiss, founder of Brio Med Spa &amp;amp; Wellness in Independence, Kansas, turning that vision into a thriving reality was made possible...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>More Than a Night of Food: Why Hoggy Style BBQ is Coming Back to Taste of Montgomery County</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/68673/more-than-a-night-of-food-why-hoggy-style-bbq-is-coming-back-to-taste-of-montgomery-county</link>
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                    <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        More Than a Night of Food: Why Hoggy Style BBQ is Coming Back to Taste of Montgomery CountyFor food vendors, getting your name in front of new customers can be one of the hardest parts of growing a business. Taste of Montgomery County offers a unique opportunity to do exactly...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>Get Ready to Savor a Taste of Montgomery County!</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/68615/get-ready-to-savor-a-taste-of-montgomery-county!</link>
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                    <pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        People from across Southeast Kansas and neighboring states will be sampling their way through hard-to-resist menus from dozens of local food and drink vendors during Taste of Montgomery County on September 17th, 2026 at Lakeside Cedar Lodge in Cherryvale, KS.Are you a vendor who would like to participate? There’s still...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>Shovel Ready Certified Sites with Exceptional Midwest Connectivity</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/news/news-archive/p/item/68471/shovel-ready-certified-sites-with-exceptional-midwest-connectivity</link>
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                    <pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        Site selectors, are you looking for a low-cost, Midwestern location within easy reach of Tulsa, Joplin, Wichita and Kansas City?Fifty-nine shovel-ready acres in Caney Industrial Park North are now available to any business looking to take advantage of a strategic, central Kansas location that offers strong utilities, attractive incentives and...
                    </description>
                </item>
                                            <item>
                    <title>MuffinTops Bakery &amp; Their SBDC Story</title>
                    <link>https://www.actioncouncil.com/business/sbdc-services/p/item/68216/muffintops-bakery-&amp;-their-sbdc-story</link>
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                    <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                    <description>
                        A Dream Bakery Becomes a Reality When Tercia Gustin opened MuffinTops Bakery in Independence, Kansas, she set out to bring fresh, homemade baked goods to the community. Established in 2025 at 110 E. Laurel, the bakery became a reality with support from the Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC), housed within...
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