Walmart Leases Small Part of Former Amazon Building

Walmart has agreed to lease a portion of the now-vacant and former Amazon.com facility at the Coffeyville Industrial Park. Walmart will lease only about 35,000 square feet of the nearly 900,000 square feet facility as a distribution facility.

"We hope that we can work with Walmart to show them how they can utilize more, if not all of the 900,000 sq. ft space for their rapidly growing distribution network system," said Purdon.

Walmart plans to begin moving into the facility in early July. MCAC will provide employment information and how to apply for jobs in the distribution center once we receive the information from Walmart.

Putting Down Roots in Montgomery County, Kansas With Your Own Home

Monday, July 15, 2019

Putting down roots in Montgomery County, Kansas means you’ll be giving your kids a tight-knit community environment to grow up in. You’ll also be able to own a home that you can pass down to future generations. It’s far easier to buy a house in our region than other parts of the country. The median price of a house in Montgomery County, Kansas is about $83,000; that is less than half than the national median. But analysts have also predicted that home values will rise more than 20 percent within the next few years alone. Not only are you providing your...

Move to Montgomery County & Spend Less Time Commuting

Monday, July 08, 2019

At the end of a long day at work, the last thing you want to do is spend an extra hour getting home. Those are 60 minutes you could be spending with the kids, riding a bike around your quiet neighborhood or attending a sporting event. One major benefit to living and working in Montgomery County, Kansas is the plethora of work opportunities located just a few minutes away from where you want to live. The majority of the people who live in our region spend less than 10 minutes traveling to work. Not only does that increase the amount of...

Join the Independence Chamber of Commerce & Have Influence Over Community Policies

Monday, July 01, 2019

As a business owner, you make decisions aimed at increasing profits and improving the lives of your employees. It therefore makes sense that you should have influence over the local policies that directly impact your company and its bottom line. You can make sure your voice is heard by joining our partners at the Independence Chamber of Commerce. Members receive free publicity for their company, a profile on the online Chamber directory and access to networking and business referrals. But most importantly, you’ll be a representative of the community. The Chamber advocates for business policies on the local and state levels...

Join the Historic Cherryvale Chamber of Commerce

Monday, June 24, 2019

The town of Cherryvale is a tight-knit, historic community dedicated to helping your small business succeed! We at the Montgomery County Action Council are proud to promote their local Chamber of Commerce as an excellent partner. Dozens of companies make up the Chamber and they’re always looking to expand this network. The organization works to promote area businesses, including by featuring a Business of the Month on the website. If you’re considering a relocation to Cherryvale, the Chamber of Commerce has resources at the ready to make the transition easy. With their new website, Chamber members have an amazing resource that...

City of Caney awarded grant for new pool

Friday, June 21, 2019

CANEY — This summer is proving to be hotter than ever for the City of Caney and members of the Caney Community Betterment Group are getting ready to ride a wave of success as another project is becoming a reality. “Fred Gress just emailed me the attached approval letter for the grant for the new Caney swimming pool for $1 million,” said Caney Community Betterment Group President Danny Scott. “Please pray that there will not be any hitches in the environmental and other approvals.” The letter, dated June 14, was addressed to Mayor Thomas Burk, Jr. In it, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly...

Logistics & Distribution: Delivering The Goods In A Real-Time Economy

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Efficiency, optimization and speed have always been top priorities in logistics and transportation. Today, as digital transformations are ushering in the next revolution of industry, known as Industry 4.0, these priorities are even more crucial. In 2019 State of Third-Party Logistics Report, 3PL cites five new opportunities for leveraging digital transformation technologies that rapidly are moving the logistics and distribution sector into what is broadly known as Industry 4.0. These include the expansion of warehouses while coping with labor shortages; eCommerce and Omnichannel customer experience; the rising pressure to increase 3PL profitability; increased competition and “the Amazon Effect”; and the need to improve warehouse...

Major Benefits to Joining the Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce

Monday, June 17, 2019

Business owners in Coffeyville, Kansas: Your company stands to benefit in a big way by teaming up with our partners at the Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce! The organization helps to facilitate business referrals and networking opportunities between members. Participants can add job posting to the site, which will increase awareness about your company and connect you with qualified candidates. Membership also includes a marketing and advertising package. The Chamber of Commerce works to attract new businesses and diversify the community’s economy. The body serves as an advocate for the city on both a regional and national level. Another major benefit...

Fueled Up and Ready to Race: Montgomery County’s Summer Racing Season has Begun!

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Photo Credit: Beard Man Photography Montgomery County, KS, is known for its beautiful landmarks, lake life, and spectacular scenic outdoor activity. What some people may not know is that this beautiful county is also home to the fast speed sport of racing. Montgomery County is home to two speedways, a dragway, and is home to the county’s famous Coffeyville street drag races. If you are a fan of the rip-roaring sport of racing, Montgomery County has plenty of jam-packed racing action for you this summer. If you are looking for a fun day at the track, check out these events...

June Business After Hours

Thursday, June 13, 2019

A beautiful day turned into a beautiful evening as the Independence Chamber of Commerce held their June Business After Hours, held at and sponsored by Country Place Senior Living, 2120 N. 13th St. As guests entered the sunny facility, they were treated to piano music provided by resident Betty Meyer and appetizers courtesy of the Independence Country Club. Those attending Business After Hours dined and visited until Chamber President Lisa Wilson began the event. "I can't imagine anywhere else I would want to hang out at then this beautiful facility," Wilson said and then shared some events happening around the community...

Chamber confirms another new member

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

It's been a good couple of years for Joanna Delano and Madison Simmons, co-owners of Indy Nutrition, formerly known as Blend It Nutrition in April of 2017. The co-owners began their business in downtown Independence at 224 N. Penn Ave. but moved to 323 E. Main St. in April of this year. Delano said they have been busy since and decided to become a member of the Independence Chamber of Commerce. Read full article.

Two Airports Located Within Montgomery County, Kansas Industrial Parks

Monday, June 10, 2019

Need another incentive to move your base of operations to Montgomery County, Kansas? We’ll give you not one, but two: the Independence Municipal Airport and Coffeyville Municipal Airport. Whether you need to ship product by air, or need to fly in executives, those needs are taken care of easily. Both are located within industrial parks and have two runways apiece that are designed to handle small jet traffic. The airports have proud histories. The Air Force used both locations as training complexes during World War II. Both were acquired by their respective cities following the war. For more information about the...

Join the Thriving Industrial Hub of Independence, Kansas

Monday, June 03, 2019

Independence, Kansas has not one, but two industrial parks located within city limits. We have ample space to grow and develop our already thriving manufacturing and business community. The infrastructure is in place and shovel-ready; all we’re waiting for is for you to move in! Independence has a strong presence in the aerospace industry. Companies including Kansas Aviation, Textron Aviation and Aviation Controls have operations here. You’ll find an educated, trained workforce already based in Independence, and any employees that relocate here will love that they can buy a home that’s expected to rise more than 20 percent in value over...

THE HOT ZONE connects with Kansas State University's long history as 'Silicon Valley for biodefense'

Saturday, June 01, 2019

Newswise — MANHATTAN — For more than 150 years, Kansas State University has been a national leader in animal health, biosciences and food safety research. It is a mission that harkens back to the university's land-grant beginnings and it is a mission that former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle highlighted in 2017 when he described Kansas State University as the "Silicon Valley for biodefense." Now the university and its leaders are again being highlighted for their biodefense efforts. Two Kansas State University veterinarians and leaders — Nancy and Jerry Jaax — and their response to an Ebola-related outbreak have inspired the National Geographic limited...

Coffeyville Community College: Best Value Without Student Debt

Monday, May 27, 2019

Coffeyville has reason to brag: The Community College has the best value for a lower price than other community college in the country, according to AffordableColleges.com. The school offers a diverse range of majors and certificates, including athletic training, pre-engineering, biology, political science, design and pre-law. In addition to the already-low costs, nearly 90 percent of our students receive financial aid. There are four Associate Degree options that students can complete in two years. Online courses are available. High school students can also get a head-start on a degree. Coffeyville Community College offers free courses to current high schoolers. Take a...

Join The Expanding Manufacturing Hub of Coffeyville

Monday, May 20, 2019

Coffeyville, Kansas is a manufacturing center of the midwest. Whether you are an owner searching for a company headquarters, or a worker looking for a new career opportunity, this is the community where you’ll find it. Coffeyville is home to several major businesses including John Deere, Emerald Transformer, Coffeyville SEKTAM, Bartlett Milling, and Acme Foundry. The city has the space and the resources to add to that impressive roster. There’s land available in the industrial park and financial incentives that’ll make moving here a smooth transition. In addition, Coffeyville has the trained workforce you need to boost profits. New employees will...

Increase Your Company’s Profits in Cherryvale, Kansas

Friday, May 17, 2019

How does your company transport its products? Are shipping costs cutting into your bottom line? Your business stands to increase its profits by moving to Cherryvale, Kansas. The Cherryvale Industrial Park has all the space and resources you need to expand. Here’s the best part: The community has a partnership with Watco Railroad. It stems from Cherryvale’s background as a railroad tourism destination and continued support of new development. Watco runs 5,100 miles of track and is the largest privately owned short line operator in the United States. This partnership means your company will pay reduced prices to move product. That...

Ready for Expansion: Check Out the Industrial Park in Caney, Kansas

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Looking for a new company headquarters? Check out the industrial park located in Caney, Kansas. The park is ready for additional development, with plenty of space for your business to spread out. It’s located right next to Highway 75, making shipping product in and out easy. The Montgomery County Action Council also has a wide variety of financial incentives to make the move as seamless as possible. Your employees will enjoy everything Caney has to offer as well. The town is surrounded by hills and lakes, with unlimited outdoor activities just waiting to be explored. The cost of living is far...

Secretary Toland to Keynote Speak at MCAC Annual Meeting

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Montgomery County Action Council will host its Annual Meeting & BBQ on June 6th at the Coffeyville Country Club at 5:30 p.m. Secretary of Kansas Department of Commerce David Toland will be the Keynote Speaker for the evening. MCAC will also recognize the 2019 recipients of the Perl Schmid Golden Shovel Award, the Curtis Lavine Entrepreneurship Award and the Rob Gill Community Spirit Award. David Toland is the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce. Prior to joining the team at Commerce Toland was the first CEO of Thrive Allen County, a nonprofit coalition that works to improve quality of life...

Montgomery County is a Great Place to Live

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Located in the southeast corner of Kansas, Montgomery County offers a host of outdoor activities for all ages and abilities. With a total population of over 33,000 people, incredible recreational amenities, and a successful and expanding business sector, Montgomery County has everything local residents could ever want. Montgomery County is known for its amazing recreational life! Lakes, campgrounds, state parks, hiking trails and horseback riding trails - the outdoor amenities that Montgomery County has to offer continues to be one of the best reasons to live here. The County has some of the most serene bodies of water in the state,...

Monday, April 08, 2019

The Montgomery County Action Council is committed to the economic development of our region. For job-seekers, we help to provide access to career guidance and skills workshops. Business owners have access to tax credits and resources to find qualified candidates. And we host events that give you a voice with our elected representatives. Stay informed about all of this by subscribing to our online newsletter. No longer will you have to hunt for information about what’s happening in the county. Instead, the information is delivered directly to your inbox. To sign up, click here.

Business Owners: Gain Access to a Trained Workforce in Montgomery County, Kansas

Monday, April 01, 2019

Launching or expanding a business in Montgomery County, Kansas, is a smart move right now. Why? Because you’ll have your pick of hundreds of skilled, motivated and educated employees ready for new opportunities. Montgomery County lost nearly 1,000 jobs in 2014 after Amazon closed its distribution warehouse. The region has been steadily rebounding since then, but more than 500 residents are still looking for work. That’s where you come in. A lower cost of living already makes Montgomery County an attractive area to live and work. You’ll face less competition for qualified workers than you would in other nearby counties. Plus,...

Expand Your Skill Set By Taking Advantage of the Resources at KansasWorks

Monday, March 25, 2019

The Montgomery County Action Council is proud to partner with Southeast KansasWorks. The organization is based in Independence and provides an abundance of resources to both employers and their prospective employees. KansasWorks will help you find a job. A trained associate will provide guidance to help you choose a career path, based on your skill set and the state of the labor market. Training programs, skills seminars and interview preparation are available as well. Scholarship and financial aid information is also available. As for business owners, KansasWorks can help better your workforce by offering customized training to your existing employees. If...

Join the Montgomery County Action Council

Monday, March 18, 2019

The Montgomery County Action Council is dedicated to building up our area’s economy. We want to see current businesses flourish, new companies launch and put down roots here, and continue to diversify the economy so that workers have a wide variety of career paths available right here in southeast Kansas. You can be a part of those goals by becoming a member! Joining the Action Council is easy. Click here to fill out the short application form. This information will be featured on our website. There are five levels of partnership; choose whichever one makes the most sense for you and...

A Financial Boost: Incentives to Help You Launch Your Business in Montgomery County

Monday, March 11, 2019

We want to see your company succeed here in Montgomery County, Kansas. When your business does well, the rewards benefit the entire community. That’s why we have created multiple programs designed to help your startup get off the ground, and for established small businesses to increase their revenues. For example, entrepreneurs may be interested in an E-Community Loan. Apply for funds up to $75,000 with very low interest rates. If you’re looking to expand in Montgomery County, tax abatements and financing packages are available. Our county is also an established Rural Opportunity Zone. That is an attractive recruiting tool; new employees...

List Your Company’s Job Openings On Our Website

Monday, March 04, 2019

Business owners: Are you struggling to find qualified workers to fill open positions at your company? The Montgomery County Action Council is here to help connect you with your future employees. Post available jobs on our website to spread the word and attract more candidates. The process is easy. Click here to submit a new posting. We ask that you provide a detailed description of the position, salary information and the type of experience you want your new workers to bring to the table. To attract even more eyeballs, consider adding photos or a video. This will help your posting stand...

SEK Day on the Hill Summary

Thursday, February 28, 2019

In January, MCAC helped to organize the annual SEK Day on the Hill at the Kansas Capitol. SEK Day on the Hill is an annual opportunity for all of Southeast Kansas to learn more about issues and policies that could affect the region. It is also an opportunity to join together as one organization representing over 200,000 Kansas residents in speaking with our elected and appointed officials. Joining us were Manufacturers, Educators, Bankers, Economic Developers, Tourism Directors, Chambers of Commerce, Municipalities, and retailers from across the region. We were honored to have Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers speak to our group on the efforts of...

Find Your Next Career Opportunity On Our Website

Monday, February 25, 2019

Are you a searching for a new career opportunity but unsure where to look? The Montgomery County Action Council is helping to spread the word about available positions right here in our region. Check out our website page dedicated to job postings. Each listing is complete with a detailed job description, resume requirements, salary information and how to apply. Need additional assistance? Get in touch with us and we’ll help to connect you with the resources you need and answer questions about the positions. We can also talk to you about local job training opportunities. Click here for more information.

A Smart Investment and Family-Friendly: Take a Look at Montgomery County, Kansas

Monday, February 18, 2019

Montgomery County, Kansas is an ideal place to raise your family. With a population of about 35,000, we’re small enough to give you that tight-knit community environment. At the same time, we’re also large enough to provide a diverse mix of job opportunities and cultural activities. Now is the perfect time to put down roots here and buy a house. A majority of our residents own their homes, and house values are projected to rise more than 20 percent by 2022. Incomes are on the rise as well. For a complete look of the demographics of Montgomery County, Kansas, click here.

Why Montgomery County, Kansas is Perfect For Your Family

Monday, February 11, 2019

Picture this: you’re working in your downtown office building. The sounds of bustling, exciting city life rolls past your window. Restaurants, museums and movie theaters are a short walk away. Then when the work day is done, a quick 15-minute drive can take you out to your home nestled on several acres, or to a quiet suburban neighborhood. Your weekends involve hunting, biking and boating in the nearby state park. Or, head over to one of our communities and enjoy a festival or other event. This is what a lifestyle can be like in Montgomery County, Kansas. Whether you prefer city,...

Manufacturing Made Easy: The Former Southwire Manufacturing Facility Has All the Bells & Whistles You’ll Need

Tuesday, February 05, 2019

Manufacturing companies will want to take a good look at the former Southwire Manufacturing Facility located in Coffeyville, Kansas, before someone else snatches it up! The property has more than 306,000 square feet of production space, a 91,000 square foot warehousing area, and more than enough space left for large offices. The building is rail served by the South Kansas and Oklahoma Line, making shipping hassle-free. This rail line has a direct connection to the Port of Catoosa, expediting international shipments. But what truly makes this property special is its extra features. It boasts 55,000 square feet of usable space in...

SEK Day on the Hill--Jan 31

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Please join us on January 31, 2019, at the Celtic Fox in Topeka for Southeast Kansas Day on the Hill starting at 7:30 a.m. Come enjoy breakfast and networking with Chambers and businesses across southeast Kansas, State Legislators, and State Officials! SEK, Inc. has planned a great opportunity for you to learn about the SEK legislative priorities, and hear from several of our area Legislators and State Officials on what to expect this Legislative Session. Featured speakers for the morning event include hearing from newly appointed Secretary of Commerce David Toland and Representative Richard Proehl. After the meeting, walk across...

Move Into the Former Amazon Distribution Center & Expand Your Warehousing Footprint

Monday, January 21, 2019

If your company needs extra space, check out the industrial park in Coffeyville, Kansas. The former Amazon distribution center is available and ready for new ownership. The building has more than 875,000 square feet of warehousing space, located on 102 acres. The main warehouse boasts 40 ft tall ceilings. There are also 76 loading docks, allowing for greater efficiency when moving product in and out. The area also has the workforce you need to operate your new warehouse. There are tens of thousands of potential employees living within a short commute to Coffeyville. Want the entire facility? You’ll want to grab...

MCAC moves forward on Strategic Plan

Friday, January 18, 2019

Montgomery County Action Council (MCAC) has hired Ady Advantage to prepare a Strategic Economic Development plan for Montgomery County. In the fall of 2018, MCAC was successfully awarded a USDA grant that enabled the organization to begin the project of developing a strategic plan and hire Ady Advantage. On January 22 and 23, consultants from Ady Advantage will visit Montgomery County and conduct a series of interviews with local employers and stakeholders. The intention of the project is to help establish: 1. How should Montgomery County grow? 2. How does the County sustain growth? 3. What strategy for growth should the county implement to realize other opportunities for economic...