News Archive

According to the latest estimates, the United States is short up to 5.5 million homes, preventing Americans from finding the housing they need. Almost every community, no matter its size, needs additional housing investment. However, developers and government leaders in Montgomery County, Kansas, are doing something about it.“There isn’t a...Continue Reading

Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday that Kansas has been recognized as an Innovation Champion, the highest-scoring category, in the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) 2025 Scorecard. This recognition highlights Kansas' commitment to innovation, economic growth, and quality of life.“Being named an Innovation Champion for the third time during my administration underscores...Continue Reading

The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced the launch of a new round of Rural Mural funding to support the creation of projects in rural Kansas communities. The total amount of funding available is $125,000.“Public art is a powerful tool for rural revitalization and bringing vitality and prosperity to all...Continue Reading

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today $250,000 is available under the Residential Opportunities on Main Street (ROOMS) grant program to support new upper-floor housing in commercial buildings in Designated Kansas Main Street communities.“Last year’s initial round of ROOMS funding resulted in 34 new housing units across...Continue Reading

The Kansas Department of Commerce today launched the Supporting Innovative Growth through New Signage (SIGNS) grant, a new initiative aimed improving the appearance and appeal of retail and commercial business signage in downtowns across the state. The total funding amount available is $250,000 and will be distributed to support innovative,...Continue Reading

Residents and business owners in Coffeyville may have noticed a significant increase in the local population as contractors arrive to work on the CVR Energy refinery. The company has brought in 3,000 technicians who will work on the refinery for about seven weeks. Some residents may have seen ads placed...Continue Reading

Is the zeitgeist right for ‘agrihoods’?Would you rather invest in a golf course community or one where valuable property is profitably used to grow food?“Agrihoods” are gaining steam as an alternative real estate strategy targeting affluent, younger demographics that are jazzed by the prospect of living and raising families among...Continue Reading

Don’t let the membership renewal window close before you update your account with the Montgomery County Action Council (MCAC). As one of the leading economic development organizations in Montgomery County, MCAC has a variety of programs to support existing businesses that are ready to grow. Whether you have expansion plans...Continue Reading

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced $4.13 million in tax credits will be made available under the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Community Service Tax Credit Program (CSP).“Revitalizing our communities and state requires targeted investments that make people want to live and work in Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and...Continue Reading

President Donald Trump’s 10% additional tariffs on Chinese imports went into effect Tuesday, threatening to make several key categories of goods more expensive from the hundreds of billions of dollars worth of Chinese products brought into the U.S. every year.Key FactsThe U.S. imported $426.9 billion worth of Chinese goods in...Continue Reading

Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that 24 rural Kansas communities will receive a share of nearly $10.9 million through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to assist with community development projects.“The Community Development Block Grant program continues to be a vital resource for our small and rural communities that...Continue Reading

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 29, for the annual Montgomery County Economic Outlook Event. Celebrate Kansas Day at the Coffeyville Community College Spencer Rounds Theatre from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. with a lively discussion about the local economy, projects on the horizon, and the future of our workforce. Any...Continue Reading

The Montgomery County Action Council (MCAC) loves talking about its members! We promote various businesses throughout the year and are excited to celebrate their good work. From companies with decades-long histories in the region to new businesses scheduling ribbon cuttings, there is always something to talk about.  December is a...Continue Reading

When companies look to expand or relocate, workforce development is no longer an afterthought—it’s a primary factor in site selection. The days of simply considering grants or tax breaks are gone. For many businesses, especially in sectors like manufacturing and advanced technologies, the question is: Can you provide the skilled...Continue Reading

Supporting local businesses is a great way to help the community. Research shows holiday sales account for 25% of total revenue for half of small businesses and more than 50% of annual revenue for retail businesses. Residents who choose to shop and dine locally keep money in Montgomery County, Kansas,...Continue Reading

It’s a tough world out there for startups. Only 25% of new businesses make it to 15 years or more. I’m honored and proud that Wistia has made it to its 18th birthday.Success and failure as a startup, of course, are due to a variety of factors. But when it...Continue Reading

When executed effectively, digital ad campaigns help drive traffic and generate leads for economic development organizations. But how do you develop resonating ads able to reach your audience? For EDOs, consistent referencing of the tailored marketing strategy, or blueprint, informs strategic ad choices and the creation of ads designed to...Continue Reading

As a seasoned professional, you know that the true power of leadership lies in recognizing the potential within your team and creating an environment that allows them to demonstrate leadership themselves. However, too many leaders forget this and default into focusing on immediate outcomes rather than nurturing future leaders. The...Continue Reading

Manufacturing is one of the largest industries in Montgomery County, Kansas. It also has a tremendous impact on the state as a whole. According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), manufacturing employs 11.84% of the total Kansas workforce, offering workers an average annual salary of $79,722.51.  “Manufacturing companies in...Continue Reading

When you grow a plant from seed, you can't afford to miss a step. You must plant it at the correct depth, in proper soil, and give it the right amount of water and sun. Do everything right, and it will grow and flourish. Fail, and it will as well.Your...Continue Reading

Ask 10 location experts what their top quality of life ingredient is, and you’ll likely get about 10 different answers. Most would agree that housing costs and availability, education options, cultural amenities and commute times are high on their list, but it varies from person to person.Personal finance company WalletHub...Continue Reading

Ah... the glitz and glamor of city life. The Hollywood-glamorized hustle and bustle, big dreams in a big city, fabulous encounters, one-of-a-kind experiences, amenities to die for... It's the stuff of movies and dreamers. But peek behind the curtain, and you'll find that urban life isn't all it's cracked up...Continue Reading

Our team at the Montgomery County Action Council (MCAC) loves giving a shout-out to its members. Your continued support allows us to invest in the community and empowers you to have a voice in future development initiatives.This month, we are highlighting companies that contribute significantly to workforce development by offering...Continue Reading

Hiring by America’s employers picked up a bit in August from July’s sluggish pace, and the unemployment rate dipped for the first time since March in a sign that the job market may be cooling but remains sturdy.Employers added 142,000 jobs last month, up from just 89,000 in July, the...Continue Reading